SIR RICHARD BRANSON

(VIRGIN COMPANY)
 RICHARD BRANSON LEADERSHIP STYLE

In the following interview, Branson talks about

his rule-breaking leadership style, his
involvement in hiring and selecting leaders for
Virgin, how he originally came up with his
companies values and mission, and more.
Dan Schawbel: How would you describe your leadership
style? How do you believe this style makes your company
culture unique?

Richard Branson: Rule-breaker – because I never

learned the rules in the first place. To change the game is
at the heart of what Virgin stands for, so the company
culture has always been: “Don’t sweat it: rules were meant
to be broken.”
Schawbel: What is your process for selecting leaders at
Virgin? What qualities do you look for in new leaders and what
qualities are your biggest turnoffs?

Branson: I’m quite involved in hiring for leadership and I look

to hire my weaknesses. Personality before CV. A person who
has multiple degrees in your field isn’t always better than
someone with broad experience and a wonderful personality. I
like to take chances on people, and whenever possible, promote
from within – it sends a great message to everyone in the
company when someone demonstrates a passion for the job
and leadership skills at every step along the way and is
rewarded with a leadership role.
Schawbel: What are your top three leadership principles?

Branson: 1. Listening is one of the most important skills

that anyone can have. That’s a very Virgin trait. Listening
enables us to learn from each other, from the marketplace,
and from the mistake that must be made in order to get
anywhere that is original and disruptive. I learn so much
from guests and employees that way.
2. Learn: Learning and leadership go together. Too much
credit goes to me for what we have achieved at Virgin but the
successes happen from working and learning with some of
the world’s most inspiring and inspired people.

3. Laughter: My number one rule in business, and in life, is to

enjoy what you do. Running a business involves long hours
and hard decisions; if you don’t have the passion to keep you
going, your business will more than likely fail. If you don’t
enjoy what you are doing, then you shouldn’t be doing it.
 WHAT MAKES BRANSON SUCCESSFUL
Another thing that makes Branson a fantastic leader and inspiration is that he has strong contingency and
situational leadership skills, as well. He’s always proactively looking for opportunities and takes every
chance he gets to create a new company that is viable. Branson has also mastered the art of controlling
situations and using techniques that will fit the situation and the context. What’s more, he constantly proves
that he has the ability to implement changes immediately.
Branson is also a transformational leader. He is able to adapt easily to change in organizational cultures.
Richard’s company Virgin is a focused on growth and adaptability to change, the transformational leadership
style works best.
Sir Richard Branson is a leader who puts his employees’ interest first. This is because he believes that this
not only inspires them, but also motivates them to work harder and feel at home as members of the Virgin
household.
 9 leadership skills from Sir Richard Branson

1. The ability to think differently 8. Attention to detail

2. An eye for talent 9. Passion for the job
3. A positive company culture

4. The ability to delegate

5. Willingness to listen and learn

6. A hands-on approach

7. Make decisions (and move on from mistakes)

THANK YOU