“Richard Branson Shoots for the Moon”

The Virgin Group is one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. This case outlines the history of the Virgin Group, founded in 1970 by Richard Branson and how it has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors ranging from financial services, travel, to entertainment. He began his journey while a student at Stowe School in England in 1968, where he started his own magazine, Student. In 1970 Richard Branson started his Virgin Mail Order business selling cut price records by post. By 1972 he opened Britain’s first residential recording studio and signed his first artist, Mike Oldfield in 1973. These are just some of the highlights of the Virgin Group. The 3 concepts introduced in this case are about leadership (leaders), the followers and management (managers). Leaders have the capability of getting people to perform a certain task they would not complete on their own. The “means” of leadership involve the ability to build cohesive, goal-oriented teams. Leaders are associated with words like risk taking, dynamic, creativity, change and vision. Followers are part of the leadership process. Without followers, you cannot be a leader. Followers are the group of people that perform the task supported by their leader. Managers are associated with words like efficiency, planning, regulations, control and short-term view. Managers ask how and when, and tend to accept the status quo. In “Richard Branson Shoots for the Moon”, Richard Branson believes in making a difference, through innovation and empowering people’s ideas to fuel success. This is a great example of leadership, showing he is a dynamic individual who is open to change and vision. For instance, a flight attendant from Virgin Airlines approached him with her vision of Virgin Brides. As a leader, he took the risk of branching out this vision, helped launch the publicity, and Virgin Brides was born. Through his vision of supporting innovation through people’s ideas, he has created a vast network of followers. He frequently creates partnerships with others and excels in combining skills, knowledge, and operational expertise from a