My group focused on several examples of CEO’s who failed to exemplify superior ethics and have experienced a scandalous situation. Conversely, I will proceed in the opposite to present an individual who demonstrated exemplary leadership standards and who is a truly motivational character. Currently, the class is learning about one of the most modern and extremely admired leadership methods, transformational leadership. As stated in the textbook by Peter G. Northhouse, “transformational leadership is the process whereby a person engages with others and creates a connection that raises the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and the follower (Northhouse p.174).” When one thinks of current and past transformational leaders in the business world, individuals who stand out are Bill Gates of Microsoft, Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com, and Jack Welch of General Electric.
A transformational business leader who is not as widely known, but deserves to be on the list of great ones, is Winston Wallin. Wallin was the executive at Pillsbury and the CEO of a medical technology firm, Medtronic Inc. Wallin recently passed away last year at the age of 84, after battling cancer. An article written by Janet Morre and Neal St Anthony in The Star Tribune highlighted, “CEO Winston Wallin, Philanthropist Helped Humanity,” celebrates Wallin’s life as a great business leader, and even a better human being.
“Winston Wallin is widely credited with setting a foundation for the Fridley-based Medtronic Company to become what it is today -- the world's largest medical technology firm, with $16 billion in annual sales (Morre, Anthony).” Wallin is loved and missed by many, not only by his family and friends but by hundreds of employees he touched and influenced over the years. Winston can be categorized as a great transformational and charismatic leader, not only because of his success transforming a floundering company into a multibillion organization, but because of the way he conducted himself throughout his long life as being a self-confident, dominant person.
Current Medtronic's Chairman and CEO, William Hawkins III, said in a statement, “Wallin will be remembered for much more than his business record. Wallin was extraordinarily generous and kind, and had a sincerity and dedication to fairness and ethical business practices which we strive to uphold every day at Medtronic." This comment is just one example depicting that Winston Wallin truly represents a significant transformational leader.
Additionally, Wallin was driven by his strong moral values and he was not afraid of taking risks. At the same time, Wallin was a respectful person who cared not only about his customers who made him successful, but all of his employees that he motivated on a daily basis. Wallin consistently illustrated a passion and desire to influence followers to make them better people and employees. By setting a strong role model example for subordinates and communicating high expectations throughout the organization, Wallin created a sense of sincere trust with his followers. Wallin was a leader who was “attentive to the needs and motives of his followers and tried to help his employees reach their fullest potential (Northouse p. 173).”
Wallin’s subordinates developed a unifying degree of affection towards him and they truly were able to relate to him on a personal level. Through Wallin’s inspirational and motivational behavior surrounding corporate goals and vision, his organization provided emotional involvement throughout the company and many individuals began to focus on individual long-term goals. As Janet Morre from The Star Tribune stated, “At 6 foot 4 with a gentle, self-deprecating wit, the no-nonsense Wallin defined a generation of Minnesota business leaders who stressed leadership over management and long-term and short-term gains (Morre, Anthony).” Winston Wallin was an exemplary and trustworthy leader who was a true visionary. Wallin’s passion was to inspire subordinates by implementing his moral values onto others in creating a workplace of fun and fair environment.
Finally, I believe that one of Wallin’s most noteworthy contributions to society was his work in philanthropy. “Winston Wallin spent him time raising approximately $35 million so that thousands of poor students could attend college. Wallin challenged others to do the same (Morre, Anthony).” As Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty stated, "The world lost one of its pioneers today. Wallin saved lives, created jobs and helped humanity in immeasurable ways. He will be greatly missed (Morre, Anthony).”
What do you think about Winston Wallin? Does he deserve to be on the top list of transformational leaders such as Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos? In addition, in your opinion, who are other transformational leaders that come to mind who inspire the human element ….?
To learn more about Winston Wallin and his leadership style see the full article: Click Here!
-Adam Kalkirtz
Adam, After reading your post, I 100% agree with you that Winston Wallin should definitely be ranked and considered as one of the top leaders in business. You said that he demonstrated “exemplary” leadership standards and who is a truly motivational character. I believe that by donating money so that many children can attend college is truly the best thing a leader can due. I come from a family where they couldn’t afford to pay for college and I know how hard it is to pay back loans and to work throughout the year so I can attend. By doing this, not only is he providing students with an opportunity to further their career with school, but is also providing society with well motivated individuals who come out of college well educated to create a strong society. I feel that Wallin does indeed demonstrate/ use the transformational leadership theory in his work at its finest. Transformational leadership as Northouse describes is someone who has great charisma and that the person can engages with others that in the end creates a connection that raises the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and the followers (Northouse). While making it possible for student’s dreams to come true, to pursue a college degree, not only did others look at him as a role model, but followers wanted to be like him. This was a very insightful/ inspiring article.
ReplyDelete-Steve Fagiano