Fort Hays State University - MGT 301

MGT 301 Homework 8

When Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh was the featured guest on The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert grilled him about the company’s success and customer loyalty. Hsieh replied that it’s Zappos’s goal to deliver “WOW” in every shoe or clothing box. The company is consistently ranked highly as one of Fortune’s “Best Companies to Work For.” Amazon’s Jeff Bezos liked Zappos so much he bought the company.

1. DISCUSSION

1)What leadership traits and style does Tony Hsieh demonstrate at Zappos? What aspects of his leadership can you criticize, if any? Is his leadership approach transferable to other leaders and other organizations, or is it person and situation specific?

2. PROBLEM SOLVING

2)Tony Hsieh is a big thinker, and Zappos is clearly his baby. But he’s also into philanthropy and community development activities that are taking up more of his time. Perhaps he’ll come up with other new business ideas as well. As a leadership coach, what steps would you recommend that he take now to ensure that his leadership style and vision live on at Zappos long after his departure? What can a strong and secure leader like Hsieh do to ensure a positive leadership legacy?

3. FURTHER RESEARCH

3)Check the latest on Zappos and Tony Hsieh. How and what are each doing at the present time. Do some research to compare and contrast the leadership style and characteristics of Tony Hsieh