Final project segment of description of leader I propose

Having read widely about Howard Schultz and observed how he transformed Starbucks to become a major business success, I perceived him to be the best leader to share the fundamental leadership qualities. Howard Schultz was brought up in a poor family and obtained an athletic scholarship which finally led to his buying and heading Starbucks to become among the best performing company globally (SCHULTZ, n.d). He represents a consummate example of hard work, courage and the ability to achieve the coveted American dream.  He portrays a person with extraordinary leadership skills including vision, building a successful business and moving on.  His leadership represents the ability to inspire other people, while sharing and communicating their desires for exploiting a particular opportunity. Being a transformational leader calls for one to be different in their thinking and getting other people to think in a similar manner. 

Schultz entered into the coffee business against the advice of others, and had to overcome insurmountable pressure not to leave his previous job for a small and underperforming company like Starbucks. While looking for job at the company, the founders of the company decided not to give him the position because represent a lot change that the company was not prepared for.  The following day, one of the founders called him to tell him that he had a change of mind, because Schultz was right about the required change (Denning,2016).  Schultz was able to communicate his vision and convince the founders about the desired change in the company. Transformational leadership requires having influence on others, by building confidence and earning their trust and respect in an organization. When one is charismatic in their leadership, followers will be quite receptive to changes after seeing the need for it and the opportunities present (Northouse, 2015). This leader did not give up even after waiting for whole year to be given the job, which requires a lot of perseverance. Most of us would just give up after being down for any job and not care to follow up even if we have transformative ideas. 

Understanding of Howard Schultz change the company to become the largest coffee shop globally, one is struck by his perseverance and how he seems to have made his own opportunities.  This includes surrounding himself with the right people, which he did through hiring the right individuals, and influencing them to share with his vision. Even when the company seemed to fall apart, he would communicate a consistent message and inspiring the employees to take accountability of their actions.  Inspiring communication has a way of making people to turn from being risk averse to risk takers and embrace change (Northouse, 2015). These leadership qualities have struck a desire to know how put away lethargy, and embrace change and inspire people to achieve a commonly shared vision and poor this heart into this vision.

 Interview questions

How does background shape or inspire your leadership skills?

Can you inspire another person if you have not been inspired yourself?

How do you manage to convince others about realistic idea that can transform how things are done in an organization?

You story shows a person who has endured and persevered a lot. What do you think imparted these qualities in you?

How did you manage to manage to lead people to accepting change?

How can one develop and implement strategic planning amidst change resistance and related challenges?

 

Reference

Northouse, P. G. (2015). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications. 7 ed. 40-70

SCHULTZ, H,(n.d).Imagination, dreams, and humble origins. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/s/schultz-pour.html

 Denning ,S., (2016).A Leadership Lesson From Howard Schultz. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2016/11/06/a-leadership-lesson-from-howard-schultz/#67ff09c67122