Leadership involves the handling of various resources and streamlining them in line with organizational objectives. The effectiveness of meeting these objectives within the organization is a factor of the leadership style. Several theories have been put forward to explain different forms of leadership.
While some leaders portray the traits postulated in these theories, others have unique features. This essay focuses on the article carried on the Business Insider about the leadership attributes of Sir Richard Branson, a renowned entrepreneur and business leader. Currently, Branson is the owner of Virgin Group alongside 400 other companies. After the analysis, a few lessons learnt with regard to successful business leadership will be illustrated.
The article discusses several attributes about the outstanding leadership attributes of Sir Richard Branson, who has distinguished himself as a person with an implicit understanding of business success. It is indicated that, at the age of 20, Branson had started nurturing his business leadership skills through mail order shop and recording studio. Since then, he has been able to grow his empire, which is currently, estimated to be of net worth in excess of 3 billion sterling pounds.
The success inherent in this figure is a true portrayal of an astute business leader who combines his leadership and entrepreneurial skills in turning opportunities in to wealth. Branson has managed to become an outstanding leader in the business frontiers because of his attitude towards life and business.
As the article outlines, the immense success in business is accompanied by fun filled engagements such as balloon journeys and high-speed boat. Some of his quotations reflect witty yet insightful thoughts, as examined in the article. This is built on the fact that motivation exudes from them.
From Branson’s quotations, it is evident that happiness is a prerequisite element of successful business leadership. Although wealth makes life comfortable and happy, the philosophy of Branson acts on the inverse of this argument; he believes that a happy life and wealth accumulation can exist independently. From these quotations, it is becoming clear that happiness is a choice and a pivotal factor in spurring business growth (“Ten Life Lessons from Richard Branson” n.pag.).
As it is characteristic of good leadership skills, Branson is quick to point out what it takes to be a successful leader of his calibre. From the fourth quotation, he attests to the fact that love for people is an important attribute of a good leader. Since the world is social, it is not possible for a leader to put up the resources together for a beneficial use by cutting off oneself from other people.
One important interpretation of this quotation is giving a chance to the followers to be themselves while encouraging them to give their best in allocated duties. Branson considers these attributes as hallmarks for an effective leader (“Ten Life Lessons from Richard Branson” n.pag.).
From the analysis above, there are a number of lessons that can be learnt from the leadership of Sir Richard Branson. However, an outstanding lesson is that the prerequisite elements of effective leadership involve choosing to be happy and showing love for the people. Thus, establishing a good working relationship with the people in an organization is a critical role of any leader.
Works Cited
“Ten Life Lessons from Richard Branson.” Business Insider 26 November 2010: n.pag.