In today’s society and business world, organizations are led by leaders who have vision and drive to execute change. As part of a multinational corporation (MNC), I am surrounded by managers and supervisors who execute day-to-day tasks in reflection of a leader’s vision. In an environment where open concepts and team-oriented employees are encouraged to In this case, I will be conducting a rate on a CEO and founder of an e-commerce for luxury ready-to-wear clothing for men and women. In this document, I will refer to this person as “Jane Doe” to protect her identity and anonymity as I am currently employed by the organization. She had a vision that provided a website where women around the world – including busy mothers and wives – can shop online without having to step out of their own home. A trait that is present and a strength in Jane Doe is determination. According to Northouse (2016), “Determination is the desire to get the job done and includes characteristics such as initiative, persistence, dominance, and drive” (pg. 24-25). To kick-start the company, Jane Doe built the first distribution center in her own home where she acquired the funds from close friends and family. Despite the lack of resources and funds, Jane Doe was determined to find a solution to start the company. She inspired and provided a vision that others are able to follow and essentially – creating a sense of belongings. From completing small order and completing the buying, packing and shipping of every order, Jane Doe persevered with the help of family and friends alongside her own drive. She became a leader and visionary that revolutionized the shopper experience and open the world of luxury e-commerce. As a leader, she found a need in the market, the passion to empower others to join the movement, and the resources to execute her ideas.
Jane Doe’s characteristics, actions and determination can be explained through Stogdill’s second survey, published in 1974 (Northouse, 2016, pg.21). The survey balanced leadership based on both situational and trait factors. In the list of 10 characteristics listed in the Chapter 2, the one pertaining most to Jane doe is “vigor and persistence in pursuit of goals” (Northouse, 2016, pg. 21). This trait is positively associated with leadership – in the case of Jane Doe – a success story for the luxury e-commerce. Using Stogdill’s survey, the traits approach can be easier to conceptualize because it focuses on the leader – what traits are being exhibited and who has these traits. In Jane Doe’s case, she displays the trait of being determined alongside the characteristic of being vigor and persistent in pursuing goals. Using this approach balances the trait and situational factors that determines a leader.
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
William Paul Bosanac says
Determination and vigor are the quintessential traits that all start up companies must have. The ability to continually work at toward the vision is a necessity. Having a CEO such as Jane Doe leading the way will make for a successful venture. During the phases of starting a company the are going to be many doors shut from getting investors, to design changes, to operations missteps. The most important factor in sustaining the life of the idea and the potential business is having the determination to continue on in the direction you initially set. It may not be the ideal path that was first imagined, but as long as you are determined to take a step forward everyday you will reap the benefits in time. What goes along with the determination is vigor. vigorously stretching yourself to reach that goal each day and instilling that sense of excitement and always being positive will ultimately rub of on others and inspire the best from all parties that are involved. In this particular situation, Jane Doe is exhibiting traits of a leader and her successful e-commerce business is proof.