Ryanair contemplates a change in leadership style?

I have a hunch that the topic of leadership will be a key research and exam topic for A Level business students in 2011. So this fascinating article in the Observe today should be an essential print out to add to student research notes.

CEO of Ryanair Michael O’Leary suggests that his leadership style may no longer be appropriate for his business as it enters a maturity phase.

O’Leary’s “combative” leadership style certainly seems to have served the business well as it enjoyed a period of rapid growth using its low-price, low-cost driven business model. But the article suggests that O’Leary can see a need for this business model to change, and for the business to be run in a different way.

Great reading and packed full with relevant business studies material.