Biography/Autobiography - Essay Example

247) learned to struggle against financial difficulties possibly at a young age. He joined military just at the age of 17. Moreover, he rose quickly through the ranks of his department. Starting as an entry-level technician, he soon developed deep understanding of airplanes. He successfully served at the level of officer rank. Ultimately, when he retired from navy in 1978, he had become a lieutenant by that time. (CNBC 2014; Bethune 1999) After retirement, Bethune joined the Braniff International Airways.

At first, he was in maintenance and engineering as expected. Then he quickly rose to the position of vice president of this company by the year 1982. After his career with Braniff, he joined Western Airlines. After a successful time with them at a high managerial position, Bethune took responsibilities at Piedmont Airlines. By that time he was a reputed bureaucrat in the field of private airlines and aviation techniques. So now he received an offer from Boeing. But in 1994, when the ailing and failing Continental Airlines offered him the post of Chief Operating Officer, he accepted the challenged.

From 1994 to 2004, Bethune led the airlines. After initial hurdles and despite having little funds, Continental Airlines began an astonishing turnaround during Bethune’s tenure. Bethune’s successful handling of Continental’s sorrows helped it to regain market share and then climb the ladder of success. When Bethune retired from Continental with a grand success record, he received many honors such as the Lloyd Nolen Achievement Award. (Leading Authorities 2014; Bethune 1999) According to Nahavandi (2012), Bethune’s leadership style resembles that of value based or values-centered leadership.

Bethune has been well-mannered and empathetic throughout his career. This point is further proven because of his success as an orator. After retirement, Bethune has become a corporate level motivational speaker. This