Mark Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook which is one of the most popular websites today. Not only did he found the company, but he’s stuck by it in good times and bad. As a result, Facebook looks to a promising future. In 2010, he was named person of the year by TIME and his net worth is currently $28.5 billion according to Forbes, which also makes him one of the youngest billionaires in the world. In a showdown, he would probably outshine the fictional team of geniuses on Agents of SHIELD when it comes to intelligence. In addition, according to several sources including the Los Angeles Times, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife topped the Chronicle of Philanthropy list of most generous Americans in 2013. As was remarked in an NBC Today Show Exclusive, Zuckerberg has managed to touch millions of lives and has made a huge impact on culture. Rather than cracking under the pressure of success, he has flourished. How does Zuckerberg do it all? There are certain leadership qualities that certainly have helped him along the way.
Leadership Qualities of Mark Zuckerberg
1) A Hard Worker –
The history of Mark Zuckberg’s life reveals a story of a person with drive. By age 12, Zuckerberg created a computer communication method for his family’s computers. They could log in to each other’s computer electronically and leave messages. And of course, it took hard work to get into Harvard. And when he envisioned the potential of Facebook, he dropped out of Harvard and spent all his time working tirelessly to make his vision a reality (Biography.com).
2) A Pupil –
Zuckerberg seeks guidance from great leaders and when he does “he is a sponge in terms of learning” (Forbes). This thirst to learn more is transparent in his relationship with business leaders like Warren Buffet. In a bloomberg interview, Zuckerberg speaks openly about his conversations with Steve Jobs where he sought answers on how to build an effective team and how to keep an organization focused. Like many great leaders, Zuckerberg has never underestimated the importance of continued growth.
3) A Strong Communicator –
Interestingly, Zuckerberg has at times been criticized for his lack of public presence or inability to communicate effectively with the public. Of course, public speaking and strong communication are crucial aspects of leadership. However, his unending struggles for growth have paid off. As mentioned by CNET Commentator, Ben Parr, in The Evolution of Mark Zuckerberg as a Leader, Zuckerber’s public speaking style is now “poised, confident and articulate.” It may have been a struggle for someone who started out as a tech guy, but Zuckerberg is now admired for his ability to effectively speak with his team and with the world.
In summarizing Mark Zuberberg’s leadership qualities, Tim Bajarin, President of Creative Strategies, Inc., said “the number one thing we’ve learned from Zuckerberg is to take the vision you have, put all your energy into it, and get a lot of smart people around you to execute on it.” Effective leadership methods take time to develop, but as Mark Zuckerberg has proven, it can be done through hard work.
Photo Credit: Kris Krug via Flickr
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Related Reads:
Mary Barra’s Leadership
Warren Buffet’s Leadership Qualities
Leadership Qualities of Jeff Bezos
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Center for Work Life of Orlando, Florida is an award-winning executive development firm providing leadership and management training to executives and organizations. Our main services include executive coaching, leadership development, executive succession planning, emotional intelligence training, career planning, staff development, and communication in the workplace.
