The Virgin Way: Everything I Know About Leadership
Posted by jack_miller | Published a year ago
With 273 ratings
By: Richard Branson
Purchased At: $11.20
This is a book on leadership from someone who has never read a book on leadership in his life.
While building the Virgin Group over the course of forty years, Richard Branson has never shied away from tackling seemingly outlandish challenges that others (including his own colleagues on many occasions) considered sheer lunacy. He has taken on giants like British Airways and won, and monsters like Coca-Cola and lost.
Now Branson gives an inside look at his strikingly different, swashbuckling style of leadership. Learn how fun, family, passion, and the dying art of listening are key components to what his extended family of employees around the world has always dubbed (with a wink) "the Virgin Way."
This unique perspective comes from a man who dropped out of school at sixteen, suffers from dyslexia, and has never worked for anyone but himself. He may be famous for thinking outside the box—an expression he despises—but Branson asserts that "you’ll never have to think outside the box if you refuse to let anyone build one around you."
Nice book that teaches you to focus on what you like and never be afraid to tackle the challenges that come along the way. Some of the lessons may struggle in these tech age with stiff competition and new ideas everyday and very large money-ags ready to snuff life out of start ups - except you're in silicon valley. But i like his courage.
Branson is a much better writer than I would have thought. The book if packed with good advice. I love hearing how he got started and proved the naysayers wrong. The stories of his youth are funny. Definitely a useful book for those wanting to improve their managerial and business skills.
I have always admired Branson's Virgin Way of getting things done, and his participation at all levels. I recall a few years back him paddling a makeshift boat during Antigua's Sailing Week, falling into the water and walking out soaking wet. But that is him, getting his hands dirty in ensuring his businesses thrive. Excellent book describing how he got to where he is.
Branson writes in a direct and personal, often self deprecative manner about his management philosophy. It is a philosophy grounded in the belief in the individual and the team. While he is highly selective in picking among the applicants, he bestows a good deal of guided freedom. For those of us having experience with several of his ventures, the results are true and there is little hype in what he says. His success speaks volumes
I just started the book but I am really enjoying it because I own a small company and at this moment I am in the process of turning the company over to my daughter and son in law. My reason for loving the book thus far is comparing my style of management with my children's style combined with what Richard Branson says about his style of management.
I love this book!! I love it so much I buy extra copies just to give away as random gifts!! Love love it!! Richard Branson if you read this you should be happy. Contact me and I will get you tickets to see my show.
As a business owner myself, I highly recommend this book. Richard proves that you can do things right, treat people well, and still be highly successful. And, according to Richard, have a ton of fun in the process (I'm still working on that one!).
Richard has an easy to read style of writing. I literally read the book from cover to cover.
Richard has an easy to read style of writing. I literally read the book from cover to cover.
Loved the book still reading it.
Richard Branson undoubtedly has some world class leadership skills. This book has some small gems in which will I'll remember when I'm working with teams at work and when interacting with people generally.
one thing I wasn't so keen on is the narration style - it's a bit long winded and sometimes it takes a while to get to the point. It may also be a bit simplistic for some tastes as it's Richard talking about his childhood, early days and thoughts more than more detailed business techniques. I contrasted it with 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' which is crammed full of specific tools to communicate more effectively.
In summary I quite liked it and got a few really helpful gems which made the price easily worth it but it may not be for you if you're looking for a more technical or more detailed business advice book.
one thing I wasn't so keen on is the narration style - it's a bit long winded and sometimes it takes a while to get to the point. It may also be a bit simplistic for some tastes as it's Richard talking about his childhood, early days and thoughts more than more detailed business techniques. I contrasted it with 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' which is crammed full of specific tools to communicate more effectively.
In summary I quite liked it and got a few really helpful gems which made the price easily worth it but it may not be for you if you're looking for a more technical or more detailed business advice book.
Great advice, but maybe not the best book to start with if you just starting out in business
Love Richard Branson and love this book.
Inspirational leader. If you're a people person you'll get some reassurance that you're doing the right thing. If you're not, read it, you might pick something up.
Inspirational leader. If you're a people person you'll get some reassurance that you're doing the right thing. If you're not, read it, you might pick something up.
Really enjoyed it. Lots of great advice backed up with real life examples. Written in a relaxed manor as you would expect with a few laughs thrown in. Highly recommended.
Loved this book, very insightful and engaging.
Top Tips, must read for aspiring leaders. I work with a lot of people who mistakenly think having long dull meetings and checking if people are in the office on time equates to "being professional". You do a lot worse than buying this for your managers.
Awesome
Surprised that with his thoughts of if you don't give it a go you won't know whether you would succeed or fail, does not apply in the case of Britain leaving the EU. Interesting insight into his life though.
- rhys_kim
I looked forward to my reading time every evening, it was like listening to a friend telling me interesting stories and I have jotted down numerous ideas as a result too. Thank you :-)
Inspirational
I read all books from the man, and again a great and informative one. I try to get inspired by him each day.
The Virginia way is as you would expect a book that is difficult to put down..well worthy of a 5 star rating
great
Easy to read and interesting as well as full of useful tips. Peppered with personal anecdotes, this book is a good read for those interested in biographies and business advice.
Great book. Really inspiring. The three L that really resonate to me.
If you want to open up your mind to a great new way of leaderships, this is a great book to read.
If you want to open up your mind to a great new way of leaderships, this is a great book to read.