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UNIV 1213: Leadership and Teamwork Chapter Analysis Presentation Leadership Case Study: Elon Musk
For Instructor:
Klaus P. Michelsen Abdullah Al Dayel Ahmad Al Kabra 201300039 201402177
Introduction
This presentation will discuss Chapter 2; Recognizing your traits [1].
It specifies six, generally recognized traits of leaders and follows with
complementary case studies on a handful of distinguished leaders, each in their
respective fields of influence.
For this case study, we have opted for an unorthodox subject, who has recently
become a great influence on various industries and millions of people around the
globe.
Subject of case study
Elon Reeve Musk Born; Pretoria, South Africa
Residence; Bel-Air, California, USA
Age; 47
Occupation: Entrepreneur, Engineer, Investor.
Industry(s): Automotive, Energy, Mass transit, Investments,
Aerospace, Bioengineering, e-commerce, Artificial Intelligence,...
Current Net-worth: $19.1 Billion “53rd Richest Person In World” [2]
Companies:
Justification for choosing the subject
He is an unusual pick for a leadership focused case study. Very
few thorough studies have been conducted on him. But, he is a
growing focal point of interest for many scholars in various
fields. Furthermore, he wasn’t considered a true leader of sorts,
up until a recent time, for reasons that will be discussed
throughout this presentation.
Thus, we have relied heavily on information available online
and the only official biography documenting his journey to
where he stands today.[3]
*Biography pictured on the right.
Chapter focus: The SIX recognized traits of a leader
Confidence Determination
Sociability Charisma Integrity
Intelligence
Intelligence
Oxford definition: “The ability to acquire and apply knowledge
and skills.” [4]
Textbook: “Intelligence includes having good language skills,
perceptual skills and reasoning ability.” [1]
Intelligence means being able to act in a smart way and
being aware of their outcomes.
Intelligence
In the context of this case study;
“Intelligent leaders are well informed. They are aware of what
is going on around them and understand the job that needs to
be done.” [1]
Elon has many interests. Thus, giving him an ability to gather
as much information as possible on any subject. [3]
Supercapacitor job before after college.
Confidence
Oxford definition: “The feeling or belief that one can have
faith in or rely on someone or something.” [4]
Textbook: “Confidence is a trait that has to do with feeling
positive about oneself and one’s ability to succeed.” [1]
Basically, confidence means that you trust in yourself and
trust that you can accomplish the task.
Confidence
In the context of this case study;
“Confident people feel self-assured and believe they can
accomplish their goals … they feel strong and secure about
their positions.” [1]
One of Elon’s most notable traits is his self-confidence. It has
helped him go through tough times in his career where he
succeeded against all odds. [3]
Self-funding SpaceX
Determination
Oxford definition: “The quality of being determined; firmness
of purpose.” [4]
Textbook: “Determination is the decision to get the job done” [1]
In other words, determination is the ability to be focused,
attentive and persistent on achieving the task.
Determination In the context of this case study;
“Determined leaders are very focused and attentive to tasks.
They know where they are going and how they intend to get
there.” [1]
Elon has repeatedly showcased his determination by pursuing
projects and starting companies that many experts said were
impossible to achieve and wouldn’t profit. [3]
The 4 Rocket failures in the Atoll
Integrity
Oxford definition: “The quality of being honest and having
strong moral principles.” [4]
Textbook: “Integrity characterizes leaders who possess the
qualities of honesty and trustworthiness.” [1]
Here, integrity means being honest in your work and your
relationships with people.
Integrity In the context of this case study;
“People who adhere to a strong set of principles and take
responsibility for their actions are exhibiting integrity.” [1]
Elon has shown his integrity in clear, transparent, and whole-
hearted communication with his investors, employees, and the
public.[3]
Accountability, Personally tending to injuries, Tesla
Sociability
Oxford definition: “The quality of being sociable.” [4]
Textbook: “Sociability refers to a leader’s capacity to
establish pleasant social relationships” [1]
Sociability means that a person is able to understand and
connect with a wide range of people. And thus, it is
necessary to be sociable in order to lead people.
Sociability
In the context of this case study;
“People want sociable leaders﹣leaders whom they can get
along with… who show sociability are friendly, outgoing,
courteous, tactful, and diplomatic” [1]
Even though Elon wasn’t sociable at first, he developed this
trait and went on to create strong relationships with his
employees and investors. [3]
The Mars foundation endowment, Social media presence
Sociability
One example of Elon’s sociability, was his empathetic concern for his employees. In
an email to his employees in June, 2017, he expressed his concern for safety in
reaction to an injury that occured at the assembly line in Tesla. Elon said “no words
can express how much I care about your safety and wellbeing… It breaks my heart
when someone is injured building cars and trying their best to make Tesla
successful.” [5] He then adds “going forward, I've asked that every injury be
reported directly to me, without exception” [5] showing his support and care for all
of his employees and showing them that the safety of each one of them personally
matters to him.
Charisma
Oxford definition: “Compelling attractiveness or charm that
can inspire devotion in others.” [4]
Textbook: “Charisma refers to a leader’s special magnetic
charm and appeal” [1]
Simply put, charisma are traits or characteristics that make
people want to follow you as a leader.
Charisma
In the context of this case study;
“Charisma is a special personality characteristic that gives a
leader the capacity to do extraordinary things… it gives the
leader exceptional powers of influence.” [1]
Unfortunately, Elon has always been remarked to have a
lackluster personality and not possessing the usual charisma
or charm of conventional leadership.
Conclusion
Our chosen subject has displayed throughout his career, many traits of the big six
discussed in the textbook chapter.
His reputation as a visionary has definitely put him in the ranks of the great
inventors of our time.
Furthermore, he is constantly developing himself in the areas he is weak. Which is
also a sign being determined and strong willed.
Thank you very much for giving us the time!
Any questions ?
References
[1]: Textbook; Northhouse, Peter G., Introduction to Leadership – Concepts and Practice, 3rd Edition,
Pearson 2015.
[2]: Wiki; Elon Musk; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk
[3]: Biography; Vance, A. (2017). Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the quest for a fantastic future. New
York, NY: Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins.
[4]: Oxford dictionary: https://www.oxforddictionaries.com/
[5]: CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/20/this-email-by-elon-musk-highlights-one-of-the-most-
important-traits-for-a-ceo.html
[6]: Inc.com : https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/this-email-from-elon-musk-to-tesla-employees-descr.html