QUESTION
‘Using appropriate theoretical concepts critically analyse – in writing the leadership strengths and weaknesses of this person’ (Bill Gate). Students need to submit a 1500 word statement in which they describe how their leader and the theory of leadership studied in class are interconnected. Plus the presentation document which could be a poster, power point presentation, or any other form of visual text. Student will have max 20 minutes to present the case. Note: Assignments 2 must refer to at least two academic references that are not found in the Dubrin and Dalglish text. Hi, I want this assignment back on this Sunday morning, I need this in a high quality, 1500 words with power point slides+ (assistant text of the presentation).
SOLUTION
LEADERSHIP OF BILL GATES
NAME OF THE STUDENT
NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY
The world knows him through his success and wealth. The commonly used Windows is his creation and owns the giant in the computer industry, the Microsoft. Bill Gates is the person who is in the discussion for today for his leadership qualities.
A SAT score of 1590 on 1600 took him to Harvard but he did not stay there for long. His keen inclination towards computers made him miss his classes and eventually he dropped out of Harvard. From a very young age he grew interest in computers and programming and always knew he would do something great in his life. He was a visionary and hence he succeeded in fathoming what wonders he can do through his creations. And rest is a history which the world cherishes. He said that he wanted to see every home with a computer and Microsoft running in it. This was his vision. And today, exactly what he thought was happening. With sheer dedication he followed his passion and the rest followed behind him. When the world was ignorant about the importance of computers he was the only one who wrote software codes. Following his vision he became the richest man of the world for 13 long years. His success came about when he merged Microsoft with IBM computers. He wrote the software in details and won many awards for it. (Leona 2006,9:12) Thus we see that he was a visionary.
Some of the leadership qualities we see in him are as follows:
Focus: This is one of the most important qualities of a leader. To be a successful in this field it is essential to be focused on the subject and not deviate from the goal. A good leader will always ask his followers to focus on the goal. Anything that becomes in between their goals should be eradicated and moved forward. That is the lesson even Gates gave to his followers. He remained focused in software for thirty long years. He did not defocus himself even more once where his contemporaries lagged behind. He was consistent in his pursue of software and programming. For this perseverance and patience is required. There may be many perils and hindrances in the path of success but that should not deviate one from his goal. It’s easy to go away from ones goal as the path there too is alluring. But ultimately it never works. It is very important to stick to one’s core competence. (Philomena, 2007,34)
The urge to think big: It is important for leaders to have a clear and a distinct thought that is big. Unless one thinks big it is difficult to reach near to it. Every successful leader thinks big for him and urges his followers to do the same. Bill Gates always dreamt big and that followed his goal with determination. He always thought of making it big and never deviated from his thought. This is true for all the successful entrepreneurs who had confidence himself and also led his team with confidence.
The Passion: Whatever one does it should be done the best. From a simple paper cutting to the development of a country, everything should be done perfectly. In the work that is done, the maker’s passion reflect. It is very important to be passionate about something. Lest one loves the work he is doing, perfection will never come by. Continuous innovation and the hunger for creating something different come from passion. The maker needs to love the work like his own baby and bring it come. This is what Bill Gates teaches the world. His followers learn how to become passionate about something one does. He did not work like crazy to pursue his dream He only knew he has to become a millionaire one day and he worked for that. But he worked hard as was he was doing ignited interest in him. He was extremely interested in programming software and he gave all his heart to it. This gave him the opportunity to build Microsoft. (Jessie, 2004)
Learning is Lifelong: A person starts learning from the time is born and it ends in his death bed. Bill Gates has shown learning from his formal education and with the products he created. But at the same time he showed humility and simplicity. Knowledge is ever going and that should not make a man arrogant. That is something the world learns from him. As a leader he taught to his team mates what humility means and how important the gathering of knowledge is. This is something everyone should learn from Bill Gates. Every successful leader has to know this art of stay grounded to the earth to become big.
Learn from failure: The most important thing that every leader should learn is not to fear anything before doing it. Bill gates was never afraid of losing out on anything and that this why probably he could reach the zenith of success. Windows software has both, lovers as well as haters. But Bill Gates took all his criticisms as a learning lesson and rectified and improved it gradually. And now no one can do without windows. This should be the determination and optimism that should touch all the leaders of today. Breaking down with one failure only makes one lose. This is what Bill Gates taught his followers.
Action is must: Bill Gates always believed that action speaks louder than words. This is a secret that is always hidden from people as it is one of the most important mantra of success. Where logic fails emotion succeeds. He always believes that whatever odds a person faces he should not be saddened. With proper action and work everything can be compensated. When Bill Gates had cases against him in the court, he did not stop working. Even in those years of plight he continued making programs which were immensely successful. And eventually he emerged as a winner even though cases were against him. (Aisha 2009,45:47)
Grab Opportunity: Opportunity knocks the door once. There it is very important to recognize the opportunity and act towards it. It should be grabbed with both hands always. Every leader understands the right opportunity and works towards to achieve it. It is very important realize it before it’s too late. The followers should also learn from it. Bill Gates is one who always worked at the right opportunity. As soon as he got the opportunity of working in association with IBM he didn’t think twice and grabbed this opportunity. From that time onwards there was no looking back for Gates. This is a lesson should be taken by all leaders of the world.
But the leadership of Bill Gates was not without limitations. He was of dominating nature. Thus at times it became difficult for his followers to relate with him. After a point of time, dominance tries to get better of a person. This is when it created a problem. His too much of result driven leadership also was looked at as a weakness. A constant pressure to the subordinates made him unpopular. His position in Microsoft is also questionable at times due to his. Another weakness which dwelled in him was the avoidance in situations of problem. He had a habit of avoiding problem situations and left the place before resolving it. This made the followers disoriented. Therefore we see that even though Bill Gates was a great leader, no human being is without vices. (Santos, 2011,23)
It is said that a good leader is not born but made. Thus with hard work and the ability to guide people towards the right path is what makes a leader. A leader is one who has followers. Without followers no one can be a leader. Thus we see that Bill Gates was an effective leader as almost the entire world not only follows him but worships him. His ability to influence people was huge. Most importantly the age of his followers vary to a great extent. From a little boy to an old man all love the way Bill Gates expanded his empire. He is charismatic and a visionary. He exactly knew what he wanted from life and focused on it. His undaunted determination to achieve the best and to become a millionaire was something that helped him to become the richest man of the world for 13 years continuously. We see a mixture of two types of leadership in him. They are a visionary leader as well as a charismatic leader. (Clare 2008,12:16)
Visionary leaders are people who are bold and have a lot of creativity in them. They are the people who have the guts to think beyond the ordinary. He loves to work in challenging area where they can show their capabilities and potential. They always think strategically and think above the horizon. They have purpose for living and believe in innovation. They show people the way of living and guide them towards a better life. They have a very clear vision of what is happening around the world and how it can affect them. True visionary leaders always strive to work for the whole. There is a connection between the leader and the follower and the latter believes the former completely. (McLaughlin, 2001,44)
Bill Gates is no doubt a visionary leader who knew what he was doing and always strives to attain the best. At the same time Bill Gates can be called a charismatic leader too. He is one who is not only followed but worshiped. He helped to circulate positivity around Microsoft and was always optimistic about everything in life. Even in his downturn he showed bravery He is a source of inspiration to others. With the empire he built and the confidence he showed, people are bound to follow him with closed eyes. (Fleming, 2012)
REFERENCE
Flemming. G, (2012). Charismatic Leadership. Leadership styles. 7. 9-12
McLaughlin. M (2001). Visionary leaders. What is leadership? 6. 34-36
Aisha. J (2009). Actions of life. Action speaks louder than words. 2. 45-47
Clare. D. (2008). Leaders. Leadership of Bill Gates. 4. 23-25
Jessei. S. (2004). Bill Gates. About the riches. 6. 12-16
Philomena. S. (2007). The theory to rise. Bill Gates philosophy. 2. 17-22
Leone. A. (2006). A true leader. Leadership. 14. 44-47
Santos.R. (2011). Bill Gates: Transformational Leader. Retrieved from
http://www.examiner.com/article/bill-gates-transformational-leader
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