It could hardly be doubted that success in business profoundly correlates with developed leadership qualities. However, some individuals stand out as more significant influential figures, who inspire and motivate other people to grow as a leader. One of these people is Robert Kiyosaki, a businessman, writer, speaker, and public figure, whose philosophy of business had an immense impact on numerous individuals across the world. This paper aims to overview Kiyosaki’s personality, to discuss his role as a motivational leader and his leadership type according to the theory; also, a question for the businessman will be proposed.
First of all, it is essential to observe Kiyosaki’s place in the contemporary business world. Primarily, he is known for two aspects of his career: as a businessman and investor, and as an author of numerous books dedicated to business strategies and Kiyosaki’s philosophy of life. Even though dividends from his investments are shaping a significant part of his income, he is more recognized as a founder of the Rich Dad brand, under which numerous seminars are held across the world. According to the author, the key to success is to make a foundation for passive income by making investments in real estate, businesses, and stocks (Kiyosaki and Lechter 251). In another book, the advice by his rich dad is described: a person has to “lead men into dangerous situations” under his or her control, and thus one becomes a leader (Kiyosaki 72).
Further, it is essential to discuss Robert Kiyosaki as a leader and motivational figure. As it was already mentioned, he is well-known as a public speaker, who held numerous inspirational seminars under his brand Rich Dad. It is possible to note that he was chosen as a subject for this essay due to his vast and profound impact on many newcomers in business and entrepreneurs. Kiyosaki’s philosophy of business is the core reason for his fame and reputation (Maksum 64). He argued that there are four primary quadrants (described as a distinct and different source of cash flow, different lifestyle and core values), and, accordingly, there are four kinds of people in business: employees, business owners, self-employed and the investors (Osisioma 17).
Additionally, it is important to touch upon the question of what type of leader Robert Kiyosaki is. It is possible to observe that he fits the definition of a transformational leader. The main point of the transformational leadership theory is that people’s mindset, lifestyle, and decisions are shaped by their leader’s inspirational nature and charismatic personality (“Transformational Leadership Theories”). Concerning Kiyosaki’s philosophy of business, the previous statement is particularly true since he always inspired his followers to be self-dependent, to make their own decisions, and to rely on their intelligence, without fear, skepticism, laziness, and arrogance (Stefan 948).
Finally, if I had a chance to meet Robert Kiyosaki and ask him one question, I would like to hear the answer to the following: “How do you overcome the moments of weakness and disappointment?” In my opinion, this question is of high importance for any businessman since at the beginning of anyone’s career, any person experiences the moments of a downturn. In conclusion, it is possible to state that Robert Kiyosaki is one of the most influential figures in contemporary business because he made an immense contribution to the development of a new business generation.
Works Cited
Kiyosaki, Robert T. Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad Poor Dad. Plata Publishing, LLC, 2012.
Kiyosaki, Robert T., and Sharon L. Lechter. Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest In, that the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!. Time Warner Books, 2000.
Maksum, Ali. “National Mental Model and Competitiveness: Transformation Toward Achieving and Progressive Behavior.” Anima, Indonesian Psychological Journal, vol. 29, no. 2, 2014, pp. 63-73.
Osisioma, Benjamin Chuka. “Entrepreneurship, Technical Education and Sustainable Development: An Overview.” National Conference of Imo State Polytechnic, 4 Nov. 2015, Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo.
Stefan, Eugen Bruno. “The Management Education of the Rural Entrepreneur.” Amfiteatru Economic, vol. 16, no. 37, 2014, pp. 932-949.
“Transformational Leadership Theories.” Leadership Central, 2016, Web.