Would You Classify Richard Branson as a Manager or a Leader? What Qualities Distinguish Him as one or the Other?

Would you classify Richard Branson as a manager or a leader? What qualities

distinguish him as one or the other?

I would classify Richard Branson as a leader that began to show qualities of his

unique abilities at a very young age. The textbook states that, "Leadership is often

associated with words like risk taking, dynamic, creativity, change and vision."

(Hughes, Ginnett, & Curphy, 2012, p. 8-9). I think Mr. Branson has all of these

qualities. I think what has made him so successful is his creativity and his

ability to fearlessly take risks that put him in a league all his own. As a teenager

was already designing a mazagine that was unlike any other magazine. I thought it

was very cool that he put on a wedding dress and posed for pictures to publicize

Virgin Bride. This ability to take on risks without the fear of rejection holding him

back is what makes him a born leader. He is also obviously incredibly smart, hard

working, personalable and has a great sense of humor.

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, followers are part of the leadership process.

Describe the relationship between Branson and his followers.

Branson's story is without a doubt one of success, and I believe a big portion of

his success is due to his followers and his ability to form close relationships with

many of them. He wants his team to feel free to express their creativity without

any limits or fears. He is very supportive of his staff and encourages them to think

uniquely. "Good leaders are those who build teams and get results across a variety

of situations." (Hughes, Ginnett & Curphy, 2011, p.5). His ability to attract and

keep open-minded and talented followers, are a big part of the reason he is so

successful.