Analyzing Andrew Forrest's Leadership at Fortescue Metals Group

This case study provides an in-depth analysis of Andrew Forrest, the founder and chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, focusing on his leadership qualities and impact. It examines his field of business, sources of power and empowerment, influence tactics, leadership orientation, and emotional intelligence. Forrest is identified as a people-oriented leader who utilizes various leadership styles, including directive, supportive, participative, and achievement-oriented, aligning with the Path-goal leadership theory. His entrepreneurial drive and commitment to social causes, such as ending modern slavery and supporting Indigenous communities, are highlighted. The analysis concludes that Forrest demonstrates moderately high emotional intelligence through his empathetic and approachable leadership, making him a significant figure in Australian business and philanthropy. The case study references various sources, including Wikipedia, company websites, and news articles, to support its findings.

Australian Business leader - Andrew Forrest, the founder and Chairman of Fortescue Metals
Group
Q1.Field of business:
● Andrew Forrest was born on July 5, 1961, in Perth, Western Australia.
● He attended Hale School and graduated with a Bachelor of Economics from the
University of Western Australia.
● Forrest is the founder and former CEO (and current non-executive chairman) of Fortescue
Metals Group (FMG), a global leader in the iron ore industry.
● Founded Fortescue Metals Group in 2003, which is now one of the largest iron ore
producers in the world.
● Motivated by the belief that Australia could become a major iron ore exporter and the
desire to build a company that would make a positive impact on the world.
● FMG has benefited society by creating jobs and contributing to the economy through
taxes and royalties paid to the government. The company also invests in local
communities and sustainable development initiatives.
● Best known for his philanthropic efforts, including donating the majority of his wealth to
various causes and establishing the Walk Free Foundation to end modern slavery.
Q2.Sources of power and empowerment:
● Andrew Forrest has both position power as the founder and chairman of Fortescue
Metals Group and personal power as a respected business leader and philanthropist.
● He aims to empower others through his philanthropic efforts, including the establishment
of the Walk Free Foundation to end modern slavery and the Minderoo Foundation to
support various causes.
● The company started the Billion Opportunities program as an initiative to promote
sustainable business opportunities for Aboriginal people.
● He and his wife, Nicola, thus established the Australian Children's Trust in 2001, he also
established the GenerationOne project, Australian Employment Covenant, Forrest
Research Foundation, also established the Global Freedom Network.
● In January 2014, Andrew Forrest joined hands with Pakistan to end slavery in exchange
for converting tons of coal into energy.
● In 2018, Andrew received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Alumni Social
Impact Award, He has won an Australian Sports Medal and an Australian Centenary
Medal. He was also named the Citizen of the Year for Regional Development.
Q3.Influence Tactics on society:
● Inspirational appeals: Forrest has used his personal story and his commitment to social
causes to inspire others to follow his lead.
● Consultation: Forrest has sought input and feedback from stakeholders, including
Indigenous communities, to inform his decision-making.
● Collaboration: Forrest has worked with other mining companies and industry groups to
promote sustainable mining practices and address environmental challenges.
Q4.People-oriented or task-oriented:

● Andrew Forrest can be classified as a People-oriented leader based on the Blake and
Mouton Leadership Grid, which places high importance on both people and tasks.
● Forrest prioritizes building relationships with his employees and investing in their
personal and professional development.
● He also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and community development, which
aligns with a People-oriented leadership style.
● His philanthropic efforts and focus on social impact demonstrate his concern for people,
while his business acumen and success show his concern for tasks.
Q5.a.Leadership Model: Path-goal leadership theory
According to the Path-goal leadership theory, Andrew Forrest exhibits all four leadership styles:
● Directive: He sets clear goals and expectations for his team and provides guidance on
how to achieve them.
● Supportive: He shows concern for his team members' well-being and creates a positive
work environment.
● Participative: He involves his team in decision-making and values their input.
● Achievement-oriented: He sets high goals for his team and encourages them to strive for
excellence.
● Fortescue's Billion Opportunities program demonstrates his supportive and participative
leadership style, while the company's success and focus on innovation show his
achievement-oriented leadership style.
Q5.b.Key leadership Style, Traits, and Behaviors
● Drive best describes Andrew Forrest, as evidenced by his entrepreneurial spirit and
dedication to achieving his goals.
● He has been highly driven in his pursuit of success and has demonstrated a willingness
to take risks and push the boundaries in order to achieve his goals.
Q6.Emotional intelligence:
● 6 (Moderately high ability)
● Andrew Forrest demonstrates emotional intelligence through his empathetic and
approachable leadership style. He shows a genuine interest in the well-being of his
employees, as well as the communities in which his company operates.
References
Andrew Forrest. (2018, July 19). Wikipedia. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Forrest

Andrew Forrest Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements. (2022, 06
02). The Famous People. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/andrew-forrest-
22062.php
Fortescue Metals Group. (n.d.). Board of Directors. Fortescue Metals Group. Retrieved
May 8, 2023, from https://www.fmgl.com.au/about-fortescue/board-of-directors
Long, S. (2017, May 22). Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has long history of grand goals and
gestures. ABC. Retrieved May 8, 2023, from
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-22/andrew-twiggy-forrests-history-of-grand-goals-
and-grand-gestures/8548134
Murrell, T. (n.d.). 10 Leadership Lessons From Australia's Wealthiest Man – Andrew
Forrest - 8M MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS. 8M Media & Communications. Retrieved
May 8, 2023, from http://8mmedia.com/10-leadership-lessons-from-australias-wealthiest-
man-andrew-forrest/