Case Study Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Traits are distinguishing features, or characteristics or properties of an individual. The chapter discusses the Big Five Model of Personality traits and uses it as an accepted guide to classify personalities. Both Bill and Melinda Gates possessed various aspects of each category listed within the realm of the Big Five. Bill was able to dominate the PC world because he possessed characteristics from the Big Five. He has a strong need for surgency, which includes dominance, extraversion and high energy with determination (Lussier & Achua, pg. 37). From early on it appears Bills’ desire was not only dominate his field but be a leader. It is stated in the text that in order to reach full leadership potential one must want to be a leader, work to develop those skills and enjoy it (Lussier & Achua, pg 38). He was open to new experiences and used others and their experiences and knowledge to sharpen his initial ideas. For instance in the assigned reading Gates was described as abrasive and demanding a boss who encouraged creativity and recognized employee achievements (Lussier & Achua, pg 64). He understood the value of partnerships and working together with outside entities to obtain his goal. He was willing to confront others in regards to their ideas but was also able to accept criticisms and tuning on his ideas. “During the “Bill” meetings “Gates often interrupted presentations to question facts and assumptions; at times shouting criticisms and challenges to his team.”
Another trait from the Big Five that Bill possessed was his ability for Openness to Experience. He had the uncanny ability to adjust to different situations and changes. He was able through his innovation which is also inspired in his staff stay ahead of the immense number of changes his industry experience; including the changes he himself created. He was highly intelligent He was willing to try new ideas and a new and improved innovated way of looking at the PC world, which attributed to his