Leadership Style Analysis

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Introduction
It has often been said that leadership is like beauty; that just like beauty, it lies in the eyes of the beholder. Therefore, the definitive aspect of a leader and leadership is construed from the perception of a multitude of individuals, which makes its meaning very diverse. The contemporary understanding of leadership describes it as a pertinent type of social interaction between groups, whereby the leader is able to influence other people, and often enhances excellence. In as much as leadership in inherently complex in its definition, it does have shared meaning which is dependent on a particular organization or individual. In most circumstances, the term leadership has often been used to denote the personality traits, behaviors and roles of individuals within a particular aspect of socialization. Good leadership exudes the understanding of processes, has the ability to influence others positively, occurs within a group context, and involves the attainment of goals or objectives. This paper intends to investigate the leadership style of Southwest Airlines CEO, Garry Kelly.
Background of Garry Kelly
The Forbes Magazine (2014), states that Garry Kelly has been the CEO of Southwest Airlines since 2004. He has also served as the chairman of the board, and president of the organization since 2008. According to Forbes Magazine, Garry Kelly joined the organization in 1986 as its controller. Prior to this, he also served in a number of other well-known organizations in different capacities. They include the Lincoln National Corporation, Arthur Young & Company, AirTran Holding, Inc. etc. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas in addition to being a certified public accountant. Garry Ke...

... middle of paper ...

...rry Kelly Profile. Forbes Magazine. Viewed on 2nd June, 2014 from http://www.forbes.com/profile/gary-kelly/
Karlgaard, R. (2009). Four Styles of Leadership. Forbes Magazine. Viewed on 2nd June, 2014 from http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/1102/opinions-rich-karlgaard-digital-rules.html
Makovsky, K. (2013). Behind the Sothwest Airlines Culture. Forbes Magazine. Viewed on 2nd June, 2014 from http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenmakovsky/2013/11/21/behind-the-southwest-airlines-culture/
Pate, S. (2010). CEO of the Year Again: Garry Kelly of Southwest Airlines. Dallas Magazine. Viewed on 2nd June, 2014 from http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-ceo/2010/december/dallas-ceo-of-the-year-2010-gary-kelly-of-southwest-airlines
Southwest Airlines. (2014). About Southwest. In Southwest.com. Viewed on 2nd June, 2014 from http://www.southwest.com/html/about-southwest/index.html?tab=5

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