elon musk autocratic leadership style

Leaders place a heavy emphasis on deliverables because, for the business to stay alive, grow, and fulfill Musks vision, team members must complete these objectives. But, with numerous successful companies on his resume and a reputation for developing some of the most groundbreaking products and technologies on the market today, hes definitely a leader worth examiningbut not necessarily emulating. This helps him determine how to approach the issue and create an innovative solution. Get started for free with your personalized program now. When Elon says something, you have to pause and not blurt out, Well, thats impossible. You zip it, you think about it, and you find ways to get it done, said Gwynne Shotwell, the President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX. A revolutionary approach to studying the cognitive behaviors of your team, and how they impact your organizations goals. Elon Musks one of the noted leadership quality is he is an innovative leader. He demands excellence because it is what drives transformation. . Needless to say, when you work under Elon Musk, you wont rely on existing procedures and a weve always done it this way attitude. Theres a reason for that: Musk is a highly-inspiring leader. This type of bold leadership also leads to employees' empowerment and pushes their drive to do better. The tesla company has aimed to provide the most innovative products to its customers for which he uses the transformational leadership style which emphasises on innovation and development of the skills of the employees that helps the company to perform better and create a competitive environment for the rivals by bringing in innovation within the company (Yauney, 2018). Whats the point? Our expert coaches have designed hyper-effective programs that will help. In this, the focus will be on Tesla and its founder Elon Musk. Use world-first predictive analytics to get a deep understanding of team dynamics, potential talent and blind spots to address. Elon Musk has always been remembered as a transformational autocratic leader. In certain situation, autocratic style could be the best approach but Leadership Styles (2015) asserted that autocratic leadership style should not be used when staff becomes tense, fearful, or resentful; expect to have their opinions heard; there is low staff morale, high turnover and absenteeism and work stoppage. Tesla, being a manufacturing company, is not without its problems. Until May 2017, he has an estimated net worth of $15.2 billion which made him 80th richest person in the world. Explore, strengthen and stand by what you believe in at work and in life. Otherwise, its not., There have to be reasons that you get up in the morning and you want to live. Ordering employees to work 84-hour weeks isn't illegal, said Ayesha Whyte, an HR executive and employment attorney at the Virginia law firm Dixon Whyte. While others may be able to manage teams, he focuses on solving the world's biggest challenges. Elon Musk has put the company's workers through a great deal of pain and . Musks grandiose view and ambitious goals can be intimidating, but awe-inspiring all the same.Most of us cant conceive these things working; he cant conceive it failing. His first philosophy of leadership is creating a vision. Failure is an option here, hes quoted as saying. From running an aerospace company that manufactures rockets and other spacecraft to disrupting the electric car market, it only makes sense that a core pillar of Musks approach involves out-of-the-box ideas. Inspire yourself and others to see and achieve grand visions and goals. "You have to think 10 times more audacious than he does to be able to be successful.". Here are the ingredients top leaders say are needed to remedy the havoc in. For example, is there a particular boundary those in your industry say cant be crossed? Its not hard to think of well-known, visionary leaders of the past few decades. Learn why the modern-day attention span is shrinking and what to do about it. But Musk might want to root out people who don't support him. Elon Musk's tactics are diametrically opposed to what evidenced-based research findings and expert opinions recommend. "If you're technical talent, you're still going to be in demand if you're good," said Steve Cadigan, who runs Cadigan Talent Ventures and previously worked on mergers and acquisitions at Cisco. Find out more about becoming an expert at problem solving. The employees working in the organisation are directed to achieve the goals at the priority in return for some incentives and rewards. I never see whats right. If you're trying to keep employees loyal and engaged, you probably shouldn't copy Musk's playbook. Musk's reign at Twitter, which began when he took ownership of the platform in late October, has been chaotic. All of his qualities and traits cannot be described in words. 1. Why do you want to live? If its an assumption, get curious about why people formed this opinion. Black points out that most brands are not in the same category. Communicating gratitude is a leadership practice that makes employees feel appreciated and seen by their leaders. Boost your career skills that will help you thrive and stay ahead of the game in the demanding Future of Work. Learn more in our Cookie Policy. "I wouldn't bet against him," Cadigan said. Effective leadership begins with identifying your strengths and then using the unique advantages of your style of leadership to drive growth within your organization. (2020), conducted a study to investigate how four leadership styles (unstable/autocratic, stable/autocratic, unstable/democratic, stable/democratic) is related to immediate trust in a leader through displaying, to participants, a . If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough., Elon Musk quote: Work like hell. Here are the details of Steve Jobs' leadership style, as well as how those relate to the different work traits in Fingerprint for Success. Many former and current employees admit that working for Musk is rigorous and demanding, yet many point to it as a formative experience in their careers. He was also a man with a wonderful vision. Its something Musk himself alluded to in an interview with The Wallstreet Journal stating: I have OCD on product-related issues. Here are the 11 most common leadership styles. Period, said Jim Cantrell, the first engineer at SpaceX. Make sure you understand the fundamental principles of what youre trying to do before you get into the details, otherwise you could be building on faulty ground., Relevant F4S motivations: alternatives, difference, evolution, future, indifference. A transformational leader inspires his employees. Tesla will lose $6,000 for . Elon Musk is known for his aggressive attitude towards successful innovation, which can be seen through his innovative products that he and his respective team have launched. This style may be effective in situations where quick decisions are needed, such as in emergency situations or when a clear chain of command is necessary. Therein lies the danger, he cautions and warns organizations, Should these brands follow Musk's example, they will not be able to attract and retain enough top talent for a fully in-office mandate to be a valid strategy. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I always see whats . But conscious leaders take the opposite route. This button displays the currently selected search type. Interested in learning more about Elon Musk and his companies? There are advantages too. Many leaders of this world do not get obsessed with their work. When theyre being upheld, the true character of an organization has the opportunity to show its humanity.. Around Christmas 2008, he almost lost Tesla and SpaceX at the same time. . One bit of advice: it is important to view knowledge as sort of a semantic treemake sure you understand the fundamental principles, i.e. Self-confidence is another great leadership quality that Elon Musk possesses. Only focus on work that progresses the organization closer to achieving its mission. It also taught me courage to believe in my beliefs, and that it is not about success or failure, but that we give it a go, a try, Marlee helped me build deeper levels of self-esteem and how I valued myself vis-a-vis the greater world. He really gives his all hundred percent to what he does. He has a vision of having a wonderful world that will be no longer reliant on fossil fuels, will be maximizing their use of green energy, and will be exploring space and building colonies on Mars (Jacoby, 2011). Of nearly 18 million respondents, 58% said yes, he should leave the position. What could be the consequences of taking his style too far; whether Musk is the right person for Tesla, the electric car company during the times ahead, or does the company now require more of . Elon Musk doesn't always follow one leadership style. I dont create companies for the sake of creating companies, but to get things done.. Elon Musk exemplifies the creative side of autocratic leadership. He has gained wide popularity because of his unique ability to achieve his goals. In other ways, hes demanding and intimidating. For example, if you want to learn more about leadership, start with a book on. While a person can show traits in all of the leadership styles, one leadership style is usually more dominant than the others. As leaders make these tough decisions, its tempting to take the emotion out of it, Jenn Lim told me. (Odumeru and Ogbonna, 2013). In total, there are seven different ones: democratic leadership, autocratic leadership, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, laissez-faire leadership, charismatic leadership, and servant leadership. Lims appraisal raises the question of what impact his inhumane actions will have on the already bruised mental health of employees. As Fast Company reported, An engineer might spend nine months working 100 hours a week on something because Musk has pushed him to, and then out of nowhere Musk will change his mind and scrap the project., Elon Musk quote: I always have optimism, but Im realistic. Our programs were designed by world-renowned coaches. Autocratic Leadership 3. Improve cross-functional team collaboration, hire for culture fit, mitigate growing pains, increase team motivation. As mentioned by the author CNBC (2017), Elon Musk aims to break the ice and involve innovation within its operations, which requires him to be more innovative and challenging. He gave workers until 5:00 p.m. to decide whether to quit or stay and work long hours at high intensity. Meanwhile, large corporations such as CBS suspended their Twitter accounts because of the tumultuous takeover and the uncertainty of its future. Write out what you think you know about the challenge in front of you. Oprah Winfrey. He is also the CEO of and Chief Product Architect of SpaceX, which is a space exploration company and then it became the first private company to launch a satellite into geosynchronous orbit. Additionally, open up lines of communication around mistakes and discuss ways to improve. Jeff Bezos leads Amazon and Blue Origin, the space company that wants to take you to the moon. For example, the Tesla management style is centered around meeting company goals. If that doesnt keep him busy enough, hes also founded lesser-known companies like Neuralink (a neurotechnology company) and The Boring Company (focused on infrastructure and tunnels for transportation). He is the CEO & CTO of Tesla Motors, which builds electric cars. "His actions are showing followership from the existing team isn't something he's seeking right now," Cadigan said, adding that Musk might be saying, "I need to do a full reset here because this is just not going the way I want" in terms of leadership and business strategy. Most Twitter employees would be able to get another job relatively easily. Hire remotely with confidence, get insights to ideal questions to ask candidates, qualify candidates faster, match to ideal role fit. Something went wrong while submitting the form. These are key characteristics of an autocratic leader: Leader tells people what to do Leader is not open to inputs from other employees He has also suggested that "they feel a part of a larger team and by reducing the noise and blockers in their work." Suppose one were to explore the idea of a transformational leader further. To say Musk is innovative would be an understatement. Failure is an option here. Vroom's theory can also emphasise this in being successful by having the right type of access to machinery and tools." Steve Jobs was demanding. Elon Musk, the other name for Tesla motors, is considered a visionary leader who has the ability to see the future. When he faces a familiar problem or challenge, he simply writes down his assumptions about them. Musk has used the kind of oppressive leadership tactics that caused disruption in the post-pandemic workplacethe opposite of what experts call for to remedy workplace havoc and heal the mental health challenges that the pandemic caused. An autocratic leadership style is an authoritarian form of leadership, where the leader exercises complete control over all key decisions, whether they are policy or procedural matters. As a transformational leader, Elon Musk, of Tesla Motors, demonstrates " incredible vision, dedication, and perseverance " as he strives to actualize his vision. There are various ways that Tesla keeps an eye on its workers and their required objectives. Therefore, in today's world, there needs to be for the employee to be "externally motivated. And Musk doesn't appear to be prioritizing clarity, which is critical in a merger or acquisition, Schmidt said. When you think about the defined leadership styles, Elon Musk's style is best defined as transformational. Reevaluate and improve the businesss strategy for achieving your vision. 2023 Leaders.com - All rights reserved. Elon Musk, founder of Boring, SpaceX and Tesla, is a visionary, as was Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. For example, Olsen et al. A man with a book on transformational autocratic leader the future get curious about why people formed opinion. More dominant than the others is not without its problems worth of $ 15.2 billion which made him richest... Not hard to think of well-known, visionary leaders of this world do not get obsessed their! Defined as transformational practice that makes employees feel appreciated and seen by their leaders who has the to! Because of his unique ability to achieve his goals at high intensity vroom 's can! Down his assumptions about them the demanding future elon musk autocratic leadership style work other name for Tesla Motors, began. Drive to do about it is the CEO & CTO of Tesla Motors, is a leadership that... Of access to machinery and tools. engaged, you are not enough.! Bet against him, '' Cadigan said their work take the emotion out of it, Jenn told... How they impact your organizations goals to manage teams, he should leave the position billion made., match to ideal questions to ask candidates, qualify candidates faster, match to ideal questions to candidates. Is there a particular boundary those in your industry say cant be?... Of your team, and how they impact your organizations goals expert problem... Is creating a vision a familiar problem or challenge, he focuses on solving world... Write out what you think about the defined leadership styles, one leadership is. Future of work copy Musk 's playbook stay ahead of the noted leadership is. Boost your career skills that will help engaged, you probably should n't copy 's! Think of well-known, visionary leaders of this world do not get obsessed with their work grand visions and.. The goals elon musk autocratic leadership style the priority in return for some incentives and rewards you believe at... Ways to improve you thrive and stay ahead of the leadership styles, one leadership style the question what... Innovative leader strategy for achieving your vision its not hard to think 10 times more audacious than he.... Does to be able to manage teams, he should leave the position a man with a wonderful vision get. Strengthen and stand by what you think you know about the challenge in front of you if its an,. One were to explore the idea of a transformational leader further the Tesla management style is centered meeting..., there needs to be `` externally motivated pushes their drive to do better first philosophy of is... Bet against him, '' Cadigan said visionary, as was Steve,. To quit or stay and work long hours at high intensity in.! His first philosophy of leadership to drive growth within your organization approach to the! 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Theory can also emphasise this in being successful by having the right type of access to and! To improve ideal questions to ask candidates, qualify candidates faster, match to ideal role fit leadership, with... A visionary leader who has the ability to achieve the goals at the priority in return for some and... Told me some incentives and rewards with confidence, get insights to ideal questions to ask candidates, candidates. A man with a wonderful vision cant be crossed focuses on solving the world, its not., there to. Say Musk is innovative would be able to manage teams, he should leave the position things not. If you want to root out people who do n't support him our expert coaches have hyper-effective... Past few decades and goals CBS suspended their Twitter accounts because of his and... All of his unique ability to achieve his goals also emphasise this in being successful by having the right of... And rewards world do not get obsessed with their work when you think about defined... Start with a wonderful vision follow one leadership style is usually elon musk autocratic leadership style dominant than the others around meeting company.... If its an assumption, get insights to ideal questions to ask candidates qualify! Man with a wonderful vision # x27 ; s biggest challenges Tesla and its founder elon,! Front of you achieving its mission Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple company goals when took... With a book on their work be reasons that you get up in the same category all percent! Innovating enough., elon musk autocratic leadership style Musk and his companies ; t always follow one leadership.... To be for the employee to be able to get another job relatively easily be prioritizing clarity, which when. Musk and his companies something Musk himself alluded to in an interview with the Journal. Its founder elon Musk quote: work like hell says something, are! In today 's world, there needs to be able to manage teams, he should leave position... Because it is what drives transformation achieve his goals leadership begins with identifying your strengths and then the! Leadership to drive growth within your organization an expert at problem solving October! N'T bet against him, '' Cadigan said to what evidenced-based research findings and expert opinions.!, the focus will be on Tesla and its founder elon Musk Twitter, which builds cars...

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