A successful manager is one that leads a company to a stated objective by using all means available for accomplishing it by known

procedures and resources acces sible. In order to achieve this concept four functions are recognized. The four functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Bate man & Snell, 2009). Each of these functions helps the manager in a specific mann er to aid in managerial role. All four of these functions need to be given an eq ual amount of time, as they are important elements in any organization s development and growth. The planning function of management is the first step to creating a winn ing team of managers. The top executives within the company do planning at the h ighest level. The Virgin Group requires detailed planning at multiple levels in the business. Executives do the strategic planning, which is voiced to every per son involved with the company (Virgin, 2008). This allows all employees to under stand what their mission is in the broadest sense. From there, planning must be done for each individual division within the Virgin Group. For instance, Virgin Trains, which is a railroad operator in the United Kingdom, has a set of goals t hat is specific to the business that they deal with (Virgin, 2008). Their goals will differ substantially from that of Virgin Mobile, which will need to take mu ch different steps in order to become a successful business (Virgin, 2008). Each division of the company shares the same brand and is responsible for maintainin g the integrity of the brand and increasing customer awareness of the Virgin bra nd. Planning at every level of the company ensures that each division has specif ic goals and the steps needed to complete each goal. Organization is crucial component to the success of the Virgin Group. The organizing function is also very important to the company. The company is ve ry complex; organizing the plan and prioritizing the steps throughout the proces s into a constructed structure. A high level of organization is needed at all levels of the operation. Each div ision will have separate specialized goals on how to increase their market share and improve their product or service in the process (Virgin, 2008). For instanc e, each division needs to organize their management structure. This is often don e by trial and error to determine the most efficient ratio of managers to non-ma nagers (Virgin, 2008). This system of organization keeps the company on track to achieve the top level goals set by the executives. When the proper determinatio n is made the company can organize its management structure in order to meet the highest level of efficiency. Leading is perhaps the most interesting and important function of manage ment to the Virgin Group. The leadership dynamics starts with the company chairp erson. The company mission is to inspire those who work below the chairperson to work to the best of their abilities for the good of the company (Virgin, 2008). The Virgin Group chairperson belief that by contributing to the good of the co mpany it will increase the rewards for everyone involved (Virgin, 2008). This ph ilosophy is to encourage all managers within the company (Virgin, 2008). Managem ent is expected to embrace this principle and pass it on to the employees that t hey are managing. Another aspect of leadership style is that managers give emplo yees direction in their work, and then let them take control of the situation th ere after. Freedom for employees in their work allows employees to excel without the need for micromanagement. The controlling function of management is the least important function t o the Virgin Group. As a whole, controlling is often felt to be unnecessary by t op level management (Virgin, 2008). The company believes that employees should h ave a certain amount of freedom to make choices for the good of the organization . It is freedom and decision making that has the potential to bring out the best in an employee. The chairperson for Virgin Group stated that if an employee do es not excel at their work they should be given another chance with a different job within the company (Virgin, 2008). This innovative thinking helps to create a healthy organization structure. Managers can utilize many different strategies in the four functions of management. When management can determine where a person will be most efficient it will help those involved in the project. Employees within the Virgin Group ha

ve a willingness to work together to expand and improve the company in order to reach their own personal success in life. By putting people in the jobs that the y are best suited for it will lead to a more enjoyable and effective working env ironment.

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