Leadership refers to the process of influencing and managing people in order to achieve intended outcomes. Leaders adopt different leadership styles depending on prevailing circumstances. Leadership styles base on different leadership concepts. However, certain concepts apply to all styles.
For example, action is an important aspect of effective leadership. Research has revealed that leaders who focus on personal development and growth not only change themselves but also lead their organizations to great levels of success. The seven action logics include Achiever, Expert, Opportunist, Diplomat, Alchemist, and Strategist action logics (Rooke and Torbert, 2005). Microsoft founder Bill Gates, is an exceptional leader who has transformed the technology industry through his visionary leadership style and great skills.
According to Rooke and Torbert (2005), only Individualist, Strategist, and Alchemist action logics enable leaders to transform organizations through sustained innovation. Bill Gates transformed the world of technology through his innovativeness. He believed that innovation is an important condiment of organizational success and transformation.
When he developed the windows software, he maintained quality by incorporating innovative ideas into subsequent versions of the software. As such, he continued to develop improved versions of windows during his term at Microsoft. Innovation is a characteristic of the Strategist action logic. Gates’ strategy was to incorporate innovation into the operations of Microsoft and make it part of its organizational culture.
This has enabled Microsoft to withstand the unpredictable and rapidly changing technology market. Strategists capitalize on organizational constraints and perceptions in order to achieve personal development (Rooke and Torbert, 2005). In addition, they are able to lead people in ways that help them to overcome resistance to change. Gates used his strength as an effective leader to introduce change at Microsoft despite resistance and numerous obstacles.
Alchemist action logic involves creativity, open mindedness, and deviation from commonplace attitudes and values (Rooke and Torbert, 2005). Bill Gates valued change. When he was at the helm of Microsoft, he ensured that the organization changed its operations in order to adapt to changes in technology.
This is evident from the stability and success that Microsoft has enjoyed for many years despite obstacles such as patent lawsuits and stiff competition. The leadership style of Gates has enabled Microsoft to be one of the market leaders in technological innovation for many years. However, after his departure, the company was overtaken by emerging technology-oriented enterprises. This was because the new leader failed to adopt a similar action logic that Gates had adopted.
Achievers realize organizational goals through teamwork and balancing their roles as leaders and managers (Rooke and Torbert, 2005). In addition, they are action and goal oriented. Bill Gates is an action and goal oriented leader. He believes that well-defined goals are necessary for achievement of organizational success.
As the CEO, he ensured that Microsoft maintained creativity and innovation by reiterating the importance of teamwork. Teamwork encouraged open sharing of ideas and knowledge, which enhanced innovation and creativity.
Below-average leadership is characterized by Diplomat, Opportunist, and Expert action logics (Rooke and Torbert, 2005). For example, opportunists are egocentric and manipulative. As CEO, Gates never manipulated his employees and never allowed his ego to take a toll on his organization.
Moreover, he delegated leadership roles. This is contrary to opportunists’ behavior of controlling people and treating them like objects. Unlike opportunists who reject feedback, Gates valued feedback because it was the foundation of innovation at Microsoft. Diplomats avoid conflicts and are resistant to change (Rooke and Torbert, 2005). This is in contrast to the leadership style of Gates. He believed in change and incorporated it into Microsoft’s organizational culture in order to ensure organizational success.
Works Cited
Rooke, David, and Torbert, William. Seven Transformations of Leadership. 2005. Web.