Abstract
Leadership is considered a skill that is not easy to acquire. While some people feel that leaders are born, there are those who feel that leaders are made. There may be some truth in both, but at times it might not be very clear which is wholly true. Whichever the case, there are some skills that leaders need to acquire so as to be successful. This essay discusses two of the most celebrated American leaders cum businessmen.
Contingency Models
Mary Kay Ash and Bill Gates can be described as successful and innovative business pioneers, who have an eye for opportunity and a daring spirit to try out what may seem impossible to many people.
The two leaders are quite similar in that they are good entrepreneurs and leaders. Kay (Marykay.com, 2012) started her own business after quitting her job since it could not contain her dream. Gates (Bellis, 2012) quit college before graduation so as to pursue his childhood dream. They are also similar in that both have authored books.
Their difference is in that while Mary Kay was a self-made businesswoman, rising from harsh conditions to pursue her career, Gates was from an affluent family, having most of what he needed to set up his business (Marykay.com, 2012; Bellis, 2012)
Both entrepreneurs are effective due to different reasons. Kay was successful due to her charisma and dedication to what she had set her mind to, though she was operating in a field of cosmetics, which was quite competitive. Gates on the other hand was innovative, coming up with a technology that had not been used before. This made his products very popular. Both also have the skills of delegation, which makes an effective leader (Nahavandi, 2006).
If I were to choose, I would like to work for Mary Kay Ash. This is because of her work policy, which seems quite impressive. Her “God first, Family second and Work third tells quite a lot. She is quite ethical and has family values (Marykay.com, 2012).
References
Bellis, M. (2012). Bill Gates – Biography and History. Retrieved on 31st Jan 2012 from http://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventors/a/Bill_Gates.htm
Marykay.com. (2012). Mary Kay Ash: One of the Greatest Female Entrepreneurs in American History. Retrieved on 31st Jan 2012 from http://www.marykay.com/company/companyfounder/default.aspx
Nahavandi, A. (2006). The art and science of leadership (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
