Part 3 Leadership Team and Behaviors Sir Richard Bransan, Chairwan, Wrgin Group, Ltd.37 Sir Richard Branson, founder and chairman of the London- Branson is frequendy on the road visir ro \.4rgin busi- based Mrgin Group Ltd., has turned a lifelong disdain for nesses, talking with employees and customers. EIe is known conventional business wisdom into a multibillion-dollar for his ever-present norebook and pen, which he pulls out global conglomerate and one of the world's most recogniz- whenever he chats with employees and customers. Branson able brands. The \4rgin Group has venrured into manv insists that this is a crucial element in his role as chairman. Iines of business such as retail stores, air ravel, financial By writing things down, he creares a regular list of items for services, books and music, and telecommunication. The immediate accion. I{e reads e-mail from employees every Virgin Group consists of approximately 200 companies that morning before he does anything else. This habit, which he operate in numerous countries. \4rgin has approximately started in \4rgrn's early days, influences company-employee 50,000 employees and more rhan $20 billion in annual dynamics. Employees do not hesitate to air tJreir grievances sales. directly to him. drrnron has proved with his actions that he Some har,'e suggesred that Branson and the Vrgin brand acdvely listens. Although \4rgin has about 50,000 employees attract almost a cult following, and it works botl ways-many around the world, he gets only abour 50 e-mails or letrers people admire Branson, but some detest him. Many find it each day from nonmanagerial employees. They vary from refreshing that Branson is willing to candidly reveal setbacks smail ideas to foustrarions with middle management to sig- in his business career. Branson reflects: gotten "Vrgin has nificant proposals. He addresses every one by answering per- it right when we've taken on a Goliath and...
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