Example Of Research Paper On Someone To Respect And Admire: The Business Leader Richard Branson

Literally scores of leaders around the world in every sector and venue of industry might easily fit the bill to be chosen as the most exciting, admirable chief in a business role. But who can think of anyone better than Sir Richard Branson? This man’s career has been nothing short of absolutely amazing. The purpose therefore of this research endeavor is to – well, yes – sing the praises of why Richard Branson represents an outstanding choice as the number one most admired business leader to the mind of this observer. Communication counts, and as you will note, the attitude and mode of communication style adopted by Branson has served him well in his achievements. An overview of the organization and Branson as a person forms the initial part of this report. An explanation of how he demonstrates integrity, with great examples, follows. Thirdly, a brief discussion ensues giving evidence of how Richard Branson and his organization stand out from the crowd of other businesses. Finally, a comment on what it might be like to work at his organization and audaciously be presented with having to make decisions similar to the ones Branson has made.
Branson started his entrepreneurial climb at a young age. According to documentation from the World Business History Conference (2014) last year, Richard Branson began his first business, the “Virgin Mail Order Record Company” having left his boarding school at the ripe, youthful age of only sixteen (“Richard Branson, Virgin’s Embedded Entrepreneur”). Obviously, since those days in the 1970s, Branson has gone forward to establish a virtual empire of various industries. Madeline Stone (2014) writes that Branson actually has launched “more than 400 businesses with the Virgin Group, exploring pretty much every industry you could imagine: airlines, hotels, mobile-phone companies,” and the list continues (“Fabulous Life of Sir Richard”). Over the course of the 45 years or so – give or take – Branson has accumulated a vast financial fortune with a net worth valuation of approximately $5 billion. Where does this powerhouse of a business man get his energy, what are his ethics, and communication style?
For one thing Sir Branson is a bit of an adventurer. According to one source Branson has not only been a stellar example of a clever entrepreneur, but he has undoubtedly manned the helm of his empire by remaining down-to-earth and genuinely adhering to his own original personality – while always looking for fun ways to enjoy and achieve, simultaneously (“Richard Branson, Virgin’s Embedded Entrepreneur”). Attitude and integrity are two main keys to his success. In a recent interview with Entrepreneur Magazine (2012) Branson declared that “I still feel like I’m in my 20s,” and brandishing a roguish, yet well-manicured “goatee and signature long hair” the renowned leader says that much of his time nowadays, in his early sixties, is devoted to helping non-profit organizations (“Richard Branson on Building an Empire”). As you can tell, the integrity Branson espouses holds a genuine concern for helping others. Instead of talking about business ethics, or preaching on management principles as theory, Branson tends to show his deep beliefs by actions.
Several examples demonstrate Branson’s ethics and commitment to integrity, by his willingness to be vulnerable or even act a bit silly and join in with the group of his employees. True leadership reflects that a manager will never hesitate, or be afraid to associate with what some may consider the ‘little-guy’ or the rank-and-file worker. Branson is remarkable in this respect. Considered a daredevil of sorts Richard Branson has participated in a number of publicity stunts over the years, and some of the funniest sights you could ever imagine a CEO performing – Branson handles all in fun, with a smile. In one attempt to kick off an enterprise of “the 1996 launch of the relatively short-lived bridal and wedding venture Virgin Brides” Branson clothed himself in full regalia of a woman’s white-wedding gown – complete with full make-up and veil (“10 Greatest Virgin PR Stunts”). The sight was extremely comical, and Branson just smirks as if to say: “And? So what?” The same article continues to mention that this globally phenomenal business leader/entrepreneur is “not afraid to laugh at himself” (“10 Greatest Virgin PR Stunts”). Another crazy stunt Branson pulled in celebration of the Virgin American inaugural flight route “from San Francisco to Las Vegas” he jumped off the side of a casino building, wearing a harness – which could have ended dangerously, because he actually “bashed into the building twice” and tore a spot of his clothing (“10 Greatest Virgin PR Stunts”). But true to his nature, Branson takes it all in stride, yet everyone knows this move took an immense amount of courage.
The main factors that make Sir Richard Branson stand out among the crowd of business leaders are his personality style, great attitude, and excellent organization. His drive and passion keep propelling Branson to keep achieving success in business, even though he has failed in the past. Although Branson was raised in a middle-class family, he always had the entrepreneurial spirit and for one thing embarked upon a project to grow “400 Christmas trees in the family field of Tanyards Farm in Shamley Green. The following year, when Branson decided to breed parakeets to sell them, his father built the birdcage and his mother looked after the birds” (“Richard Branson, Virgin’s Embedded Entrepreneur”). So it is difficult to say what I would have done, had I been in his place, because nobody can predict what it would be like to be in someone else’s skin, or trade their experiences for one’s own. However, if given the opportunity to work in Branson’s organization, this observer would probably have made similar decisions because people get bored with unoriginal and trite ideas that try to always stick to the so-called proper way of doing things. Branson is relaxed enough and strong enough spiritually to embrace his fun style of doing business, while also being kind-hearted and having ethics in the process. Big kudos to the man, and his organization! Hopefully others can learn from his economic and personal strengths.

References

Ankeny, J. (2012, June 18). Richard Branson on building an empire. Entrepreneur. Retrieved from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223639
Business Pundit. (2011, August 29). 10 greatest Virgin PR stunts of all time [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.businesspundit.com/10-greatest-virgin-pr-stunts-of-all-time/
Stone, M. (2014, June 10). The fabulous life of Sir Richard Branson. Business Insider. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/the-fabulous-life-of-sir-richard-branson-2014-6
World Business History Conference. (2014). Richard Branson, Virgin’s Embedded Entrepreneur [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.worldbhc.org/files/full%20program/C8_PaperChamprouxWCBH17March201403082014.pdf