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