Why is Bill Gates a successful leader - Essay Example

12 August Why is Bill Gates a successful leader? A Harvard drop out, no one could have guessed that Bill Gates would go out to not only become one of the richest men in the world but also provide a software solution without which our lives would have been incomplete today. Through his innovative ideas, constant hard-work and extraordinary leadership skills he has achieved tremendous success and fame. His exceptional example is given in various management courses and his wise quotes are used to motivate and direct individuals around the world. Bill Gates exemplary leadership is dependent upon many steps that he has consciously adopted. 1. A Clear Vision Bill Gates knows that in order to move forward he can leave no man behind, to ensure this he has a clear vision not only in his mind but he also makes certain to pass it on to his employees. He sets a clear standard, an exact measurement of what is expected from them. By saying inspiring expressions like, Every house and business must run on Microsoft software, or a computer on every desktop, he provides an unambiguous picture to his employees of exactly what is expected of them. This helps clear misconceptions and misunderstandings and provides refreshing clarity to employees. He has set a standard for them, they can easily envision it and therefore achieving it becomes easier. (Samson, Danny, and Daft 17) 2. Empowering Employees After giving his employees a clear goal, Bill Gates ensures that his employees have the power to achieve them. He is heard to say on several occasions that leaders are those who have the ability to empower others.By exercising leadership through a participative style he ensures that employees at all levels are involved in decision making. Everyone provides their valuable input and contributes to providing the best solution. He is very positive in his attitude and energizes his employees and pushes them to achieve more than they think they are capable off hence promising success for Microsoft. 3. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes People who work for Bill Gates are fearless and confident. They take risks and have the ability to think out of the box because he never discourages them. Bill Gates is a staunch believer of the philosophy that mistakes and failures are important contributors to success. He is constantly ensuring his employees that they should not be afraid of making mistakes. He went so far as to say on one occasion that, unhappy customers are the greatest source of learning. Such a positive and open attitude affirms employee beliefs that they will not be punished if they do something wrong therefore being more confident in themselves and their jobs. Such confidence makes the work environment not only positive but also fun where employees go an extra mile to achieve results. The 2007 version of Microsoft Office that has become so popular was a design put forward by an IT technician. Even though this idea is a complete opposite of Bill Gates original design the employee had confidence that she could discuss her idea with Bill Gates without any fear of offending him. This is an excellent example of the confidence that Microsoft employees have and how this confidence gets translated into astounding achievements for the organization. (7 Key Lessons from a Greatest Leader of all times - Bill Gates | Life of Excellence) 4. Appreciating Employees Bill Gates is not that stereotypical boss who sweeps in at the end of the day and takes credit for all the work. He appreciates his employee’s efforts and whenever necessary makes it popular that his employees are his main strength and the greatest factor contributing to Microsoft’s success. He personally interacts with employees to find out who is doing what, offers solutions to problems and gives praise without a second thought. His admiration of employee work and ideas is positive reinforcement that encourages employees to work harder and harder, because they know that their efforts are not wasted. (Manager's Role in Successful Motivation: High Morale and Motivation Workplaces) 5. A Complete Leader Unlike other leaders who may exercise power through one leadership style, Bill Gates is a complete leader since he derives from various sources of power. He has legitimate power owing to his image; his employees respect him for who he is and what he has done. They listen to him and comply to his instructions because they are sure that he knows what he is talking about and they honor his achievements therefore also making him an expert leader. It is un-doubtable that Bill Gates is the very best at what he does. But his influence over his employees does not stop here, he uses other mechanisms to influence and persuade his sub ordinates. For instance he also derives from the reward source of power, by offering generous remuneration funds he is successful in motivating his employees intrinsically. By giving employees things they value it is ensured that employees continue to work harder. He also has a referent source of power since he indulges in social relationships with employees. His personal appeal attracts employee loyalty. Such an attitude ensures employees that they are not only a resource but a vital part of the organizations. This is one reason that people generally work longer at Microsoft as compared to other organizations. (McShane, Lattimore, and Travaglione 398-421) 6. Influencing employees In order to get his employees consent and make them feel a part of the company he also uses various tactics to influence employees. He is very rational in his approach, he just doesn’t give instructions but he explains the logic behind his particular instruction and/or decision. He is very clear in his approach and always highlights the benefits that employees and the company will gain from a particular action. He never hesitates to point out possible problems that may arise but then he also guarantees that he will help his employees see through the difficulties. All in all, Bill Gates is a complete leader who has led his company Microsoft to success, thanks to his all hard work and never ending effort to guide his employees and push them to achieve more. He helps his employees set standards for themselves and is there at the finish line, waiting to praise them for their efforts. He is not only the person who pays their salaries but he is their leader, their mentor, their teacher and their friend. Works Cited "7 Key Lessons from a Greatest Leader of all times - Bill Gates | Life of Excellence." Personal Development Through NLP | Life Coach for Personal Development | Peak Performance coach. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Aug. 2011. . Category. "Manager's Role in Successful Motivation: High Morale and Motivation Workplaces." Human Resources - Business Management Development Jobs Consulting Training Policy Human Resources. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Aug. 2011. . McShane, Steven Lattimore, and Anthony Travaglione. "Power, Politics and Persuasion." Organisational behaviour on the Pacific rim . Enhanced ed. North Ryde, N.S.W.: McGraw-Hill, 2005. 398-421. Print. Samson, Danny, and Richard L. Daft. "The changing paradigm of management." Management. Pacific rim ed. South Melbourne, Vic.: Thomson Learning, 2003. 17. Print. Read More