Answer 1. The significance of effective leadership is already immense, and changing market dynamics has skyrocketed the need of effective leaders than ever before. Intense competition, growing diversity, increasing opportunities for employees and enhancing customer awareness are some key aspects that have left leaders toiling for the best. Effective leaders not only accomplish organizational goals but also assist the team in optimizing the potential by doing things collectively and purposefully. Having creative ideas is necessary but not sufficient for effective leadership that aims to make things happen irrespective of the adverse business environment. With the concept of leadership has evolved colossally in recent years, it seems incomplete without discussing the styles of two great leaders of the modern time, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Though both of them highlight 'unique' leadership traits, their approach has been quite different from each other.
While Gates can be considered a participative leader who preferred to take help of Ballmer and Shirley in managing the company, Steve Jobs emphasized on running the company based on centralized authority. Gates aptly realized that he was to impart the vision and direction to the company; at the same time, he needed the help of professional managers for seamless functioning of core operations. Contrary to that, Jobs reflected more of autocratic and authoritarian style and did not consider it necessary to discuss things with employees and confidants. He was very demanding of employees and his relationship with them has been criticized by corporate honchos.
Secondly, Gates was a collaborator and was deft in adapting changing market and technologies. Contrarily, Steve Jobs, at times, acted too decisive and maniac. He wanted to change the world by his innovative ideas. Though he was successful in his approach, his cocky attitude and lack of management skills made him a threat for Apple. He, however, changed his style in later years when he joined Apple as an interim CEO. The time made him more matured and became receptive to ideas and suggestions of professional staff.
Answer 2. The case reveals Bill Gates a better team worker than Steve Jobs. The participative leadership style of the former conflated his determination with a well-structured management to unravel unparallel success for the organization. While Steve Jobs reflected less receptiveness to 'change; and openness to others' ideas, his enthusiasm, aplomb, and innovativeness rubbed off his employees. His vision, charismatic personality, and stern attitude forced people to take Mac as an alternative to IBM operating system.
It is clear that the Gates' way of motivation included knowledge sharing, participation, receptiveness, and flexibility. His hard work, enthusiasm, and vision were the primary drivers of employee motivation and teamwork. His leadership traits place him in the category of a transformational leader who acted as a great persuader and motivator for the entire team. It was because of these unique traits that he included some people in the team who later became his confidants and drove the company towards success.
While motivation was a priority for Gates, Jobs did not have any obvious motivational tactics. He, rather, believed in the centralization of authority and autocratic style that are considered anti-motivational. Nonetheless, his high-risk taking attitude and extreme innovativeness might have guided the team to push their potentials. Employee management and team working, unlike Gates, were not his priorities. He was too demanding of his employees, but his creativity was one aspect that kept the employees going.
Reference
Koontz, H., & Weihrich, H. (2012). Essentials of Management. Tata McGraw-Hill.
