Leadership 7 RUNNING HEAD: LEADERSHIP 0 Leadership Introduction

RUNNING HEAD: LEADERSHIP
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Leadership

Leadership
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Introduction
Leadership is the ability of a leader to use a different style of leadership in order to encourage
its followers to achieve goals. Authentic leadership is an approach to leadership that focuses
on building an honest relationship on an ethical foundation with followers (Northouse, 2016).
On the other side, authentic leadership is a subcategory of transformational leadership. In
order to understand the concept and application of leadership styles, a case study is chosen
that is of the new age transformational and authentic leader Richard Branson (Bryman
et.al,2011). Richard Branson is the owner of the Virgin group and seen as a dynamic
entrepreneur and possesses traits of an authentic and transformational leader. This report
consists of an analysis of the leadership style of Richard Branson using the above concepts.
Concept and application
Authenticity leadership model
There are many leadership theories that have been proposed over the years. Such as
transactional, ethical, spiritual and servant leadership; however, authenticity is a quality that
is essential in a leader and can be acquired through actions, morals, values, and relationships
(Bryman et.al,2011). According to Algahtani, (2014), authenticity means being true to
oneself, this is a quality that plays a significant role in influencing others. Thus an authentic
leader is the one who is consistent in his behavior and feelings and inner thoughts. Hence,
the authentic leadership model emphasizes authenticity as an important trait in a leader that
can be acquired through self-acceptance, self-awareness, and self-knowledge (Luzinski,
2011).
Figure 1: Authenticity Leadership Framework

Leadership
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Source: (Algahtani, 2014)
Framework
In the authentic leadership model, there are four components that help the leader to deal with
followers and to encourage them to follow the right person. Being an authentic leader is a
difficult task as it requires more skills and self-knowledge and self-reflection to understand
own weaknesses and reactions (Northouse, 2016). One of the components is self-awareness
(Know thyself), this includes that a leader knows his strengths, values, and limitations.
Further, in order to work on another component, it is necessary for a leader to focus on self-
awareness. Another component is relational transparency (be genuine) that includes being
straightforward and honest in dealing with followers so that a connection can be built with
followers. Further, an authentic leader follows balanced processing (be fair-minded) and has
ethical conduct (do the right thing) (Yukl, 2017).
Richard Branson Leadership style
Richard Branson is the owner of the Virgin group and seen as a dynamic entrepreneur and
possesses traits of an authentic and transformational leader. In order to understand these traits
of authentic leadership, the case study is considered by Richard Branson. For instance, the
way he leads the organization to set an example for others (Algahtani, 2014). He focuses on
maintaining a good relationship with its staff members as Virgin Group offered a little less
salary as compared to the industry standard to its employees. But employees are happy to
work for the company because of the work culture. Branson believes that running an
organization should be fun and considering this he developed a working culture that excites
people to work. The leadership style of Richard Branson reflects self-awareness, authentic
behavior, and balanced processing. Virgin Group sales and profitability are its key strengths
because of its leadership style that includes building a connection or relationship with
employees (Yukl, 2017).
The way Branson represents itself as an example for others or for its staff members reflects
its authentic leadership style. The most important trait of Branson is that he respects the
opinion of others and listens to them that can be another leadership trait of authentic
leadership. These traits of authentic leaders encourage followers to accept things. Such as the
belief of Branson about bringing excitement, fun and challenging environment attract more
employees to work for the company (Gold, et.al, 2015). Further, the way he sets an example
for others is the way he encourages people to follow him.