The success of any form or organization is largely pegged on the leaders that head the organization. The success or failure of an organization reflects the leadership of the leader. However, what defines a good leader is one of the eternal questions that does not have a clear-cut answer. However, it is clear that as technologies change, processes evolve and operating environment change, demographics and trends shift, leadership traits that define success change. This paper seeks to evaluate the leadership style of two leaders Howard Schultz (Starbucks CEO) and Jack Dorsey (Twitter CEO).
Howard Schultz is the current CEO and Chairman of Starbucks. Starbucks is an international chain of café that serves hots drinks together with snacks. Although it is most popular in the USA, its footprints expands across all continents of the world. Howard Schultz has an extensive portfolio of business interests. He sits on the board of Square, Inc. and he is a co-founder of Maveron (an investment firm). He is set to retire as CEO of Starbucks in April 2017.
Howard Schultz scouts for talent and seasoned executives to run the entity. That way, he can ensure that staff can contribute to decisions that will spearhead the company to the right direction. Decision making involves a participatory approach where staff are expected to provide input based on their insight and experience as well as critique ideas that are not viable. For instance, in 2008 Howard discontinued the sell sandwiches that included melted cheese because he felt it masked the coffee aroma which is the core brand of the firm. However, on the insistence of Starbuck leadership, it was re-introduced with some modification that reduced its aroma. The leadership style resembles the democratic leadership style where the leader makes decision drawn from the people’s skills and knowledge to create common commitments.
Jack Dorsey is another great leader. He is the current CEO of Twitter. An internet entrepreneur, he also co-founded Square Inc. He was named “Innovator of the Year” by Wall Street Journal in 2012. His achievements are impressive considering that he was a high school drop-out to become one of the best innovators and managers on corporate America. Over the years, he has developed a unique leadership style.
Dorsey also employs a participatory approach in decision making. Rather than making and imposing decisions on the staff, he guides employees to make decisions on behalf of the organizations. That way, decision contain the aspirations of all employees and builds on their human resource to ensure success. Dorsey also expects employees to take responsibility for all actions that they undertake. For instance in 2014, an email was published where Dorsey admonished staff for using his name to get ideas and projects to be approved. He argued that staff should focus on their work and convince others on the merits of their ideas and projects in their capacity and not merely use other names to bulldoze others. With this approach, he seeks to create employees who are creative as well as innovative.
Dorsey leadership style resembles a democratic leadership style. He allows all employees to participate in decision making, thus making commonly-agreed goals and projects. Dorsey also employs a coaching leadership style. Dorsey is keen on growing talent within the organization he heads. He empowers staff to not only be creative but also innovative thinkers who can develop relevant technologies.
References
Lebowitz, S. (2016, March 3). 2 brilliant management strategies Howard Schultz used to build the Starbucks coffee empire. Retrieved January 9, 2017, from http://www.businessinsider.com: http://www.businessinsider.com/management-strategies-of-starbucks-ceo-howard-schultz-2016-3
Tabaka, M. (2016, December 20). 5 Leadership Lessons From Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. Retrieved from http://www.inc.com: http://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/5-things-jack-dorsey-s-style-can-teach-you-about-being-a-better-leader.html
