Richard Branson

The strong, influential, and ambitious personality of adventurer and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson radiates throughout each of our lives. (Richard Branson, 1999) Richard Branson was born July 18th, 1950, in Surrey, England. He struggled in school and eventually dropped out at the age of 16. (Sir Richard Branson, 2012) It could be said that Richard Branson is arguably the most successful high-school dropout in business history. He overcame his battle with dyslexia and eventually became known as a modern entrepreneurial icon. (Sir Richard Branson, 2012) Richard Branson exemplifies the idea of the American Dream. In addition to becoming an entrepreneurial success story that crafted an empire from scratch, he has formed an identity for himself that is comprised of great wealth, international prestige, rugged adventure, and fearless innovation. (Sir Richard Branson, 2012) Richard Branson has proved that he is not afraid to fail, a trait that has been confirmed through some of his business and personal endeavors. (Moir, 2009)
LEADERSHIP STYLES: Richard Branson has proven that he is a natural born leader. Although he battles dyslexia and struggled through school, he still became a success story by creating a vast business empire by using his weaknesses to his advantage. (Moir, 2009) When examining Branson’s history it is clear to see that he has utilized different leadership styles throughout the success of his career. Leadership consists of influence, it occurs among people, those individuals purposely desire change, and the change reflects the shared purposes of both followers and leaders. (Entrepreneurship: The Virgin Company, 2006)
Branson’s leadership styles are suggestive of those of the transformation and charismatic leadership theories. Branson is known for his outlandish and flamboyant leadership style. Rather than a hands-on manager, Richard Branson has become known as a charismatic and strategic leader. (Richard Branson - Leader

References: Richard Branson. (1999, December). Retrieved February 2012, 14, from Askmen.com: http://www.askmen.com/celebs/men/december99/6_richard_branson.html Richard Branson - Leader Extraordinaire Entrepreneurship: The Virgin Company. (2006, March 31). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from WriteWork.com: http://www.writework.com/essay/entrepreneurship-virgin-group Management and Leadership of Richard Branson at Virgin Group Ltd RICHARD BRANSON: The tools to succeed, the time to thrive. (2011, November 7). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Business Day: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=158028 Sir Richard Branson Branson, R. (2011, May 4). Richard Branson on Self-Motivation. Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Entrepreneur.com: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219563 Branson, R Carmichael, E. (2005). Losing His Virginity: How Branson Achieved Success. Retrieved February 14, 2014, from EvanCarmichael.com: http://richardbranson.evancarmichael.com/losing-his-virginity-how-branson-achieved-success.html Enderle, R Moir, D. (2009, January 7). Time to Transition. Retrieved February 2012, 14, from http://morethanhrva.blogspot.com/2009/01/case-study-in-leadership-richard.html