People respect the leadership of an organization for different reasons in different periods. First, for the example
the leader sets. Then, for the leader’s conviction in decision making. Finally, for the leader’s ability to honor employees’
capabilities and initiative.
Zhang Ruimin’s leadership of Haier Group initially consisted of improving morale and establishing discipline –
an appropriate focus for a small business in severe disarray.
As the company grew, Zhang’s leadership style evolved to feature more consensus building and competitive
strategy development. Zhang’s hope for Haier is that the leader at the top of the organization will become less and less important
as managerial processes make the company’s market successes self-sustaining.