Leadership Theory and Practice

Richard Branson as a leader

No one could expect that one person who has dyslexia founded 200 companies in over 30 countries, but Richard Branson did it. There must be something unique about this person. How did he make this big change in his life and in that of others as well? Is he naturally talented or are there processes/procedures that motivated and guided him?

From Branson’s brief life history, we can clearly see tremendous development and achievement. Beginning with the first creative idea –Student magazine. Because he was determined and he believed his innovations, he led this first business to success. In 1970 Branson founded a new world-famous Virgin Records. Three years later, the Virgin brand was born. He did not stop at that but went on to open more avenues for employment through establishing an airlines, hotels etc. In fact he looked at the long-term view and avoided risks that are associated with just one business.

According to Hughes and colleagues (2015), leadership “is often more associated with the words like risk taking, dynamic, creativity, change and vision”. This statement obviously describes Branson best as it is seen throughout his career.

Branson and his followers

In addition, I support and admire Branson’s approach of leadership for example empowering his followers’ ideas. In fact he empowered them by believing in them as well as their suggestions and ideas. He is more supportive of new ideas than a creator for them that is why he heavily relies on his staff. I believe that made his followers more confident and have a sense of belonging; thus building trust between them. Whenever, a leader is reliable, his followers and him collectively share goals and values.

Leadership Myth that were disapproved by Richard Branson’s success Branson’s successes refute some leadership myths.
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