Walt Disney was a transformational leader. A transformational leader, “serves to change the status quo by appealing to followers’ values and their since of higher purpose” (Northouse, 2013). Disney was an innovator and go getter. Disney started his career in animation by attending the Chicago Institute of Art in the evening and going to high school during the day (Langer, 2000). Disney had found something he loved and wanted to do with his life. In 1923 Disney, along with his brother, started the Disney Bros. Studio (Langer, 2000). From the beginning Disney had many people that he influenced and motivated.
Walt Disney had a vision and did everything in his power to make this vision a reality. The process he went through to get the empire he developed showed how he changed and transformed as a leader. Disney’s dreams became true due to the fact that he had the four main leader characteristics. The four main leader characteristics are: vision, rhetorical skills, image and trust building, and personalized leadership (Northouse, 2013). Disney had lots of charisma. In his line of work, animation for children and adults, charisma is one of the main ingredients in what made Disney so successful. Not only did he have charisma but he also embodied inspirational motivation. Disney motivated people through his animation and helped portray his ideals. These motivations and ideals helped shape society during his “rein” in the animation world. Not only was Disney the main animator in Hollywood, he also developed programs to help children develop artistically. Disney wanted all children to have the opportunity to succeed