Gabrielle LaVenia

1
Segment 1 Case Study Analysis

• Gabrielle LaVenia
• Capella University
• EDD8104

2
Introduction

• Alex Sanders and Thomas Green are leaders at two
  different companies.
• Both do an excellent job with their work, however
  the way they work is not great.
• Sanders and Green both need to improve their
  communication skills.
• Sanders and Green need to improve their
  leadership skills.

3
Problem Statement

• Alex Sanders and Thomas Green do not have
  effective communication skills which are
  hindering their careers.
• Sanders and Green both feel they are excellent
  employees and the way they work is fine, and
  should not have to change.
• Sanders and Green do not work well with other
  employees.

4
Purpose of the Presentation

• The purpose of this presentation is to show how
  leaders can learn from professional development,
  mainly in the area of communication and
  leadership skills. The case studies followed two
  different managers and how they are successful
  with their work, but not necessarily in the steps
  it takes to get there.
• To show the value of professional development
• Both leaders weaknesses are overpowering their
  strengths and professional development could help
  get them where they need to be.

5
Background related to the Problem

• Alex Sanders

• Thomas Green

• Company Landon Care Products, Inc.
• Feedback through 360
• Does not communicate well
• Does not treat others with respect
• Needs more people skills
• Must learn to delegate responsibilities
• Needs to stop being controlling
• Behavior is effecting his position

• Company Dynamic Displays
• Feedback through email
• Does not communicate well
• Fails to inform of plans
• Does not follow up
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Does not create presentations or spreadsheet
  models
• Behavior is effecting his position

6
Guiding Questions

• What are the benefits of having excellent
  communication skills? If the managers worked on
  their leadership skills, could their jobs be
  saved?
• What kind, and how often should feedback be
  provided to the managers? If there is no follow
  through from the feedback what will be the
  repercussions?
• What are the benefits of having monthly meetings,
  where ideas from everyone are heard and the staff
  can discuss concerns and greatness.

7
Analyzing the Significance of the Questions

• In relation to the problem
• Jim Collins (2001) says the key trait of Level 5
  leaders is ambition first and foremost for the
  company and concern its success rather than for
  ones own riches and personal renown
• In relation to professional development needs
• To be successful, learning must continue
  throughout life, beyond the completion of ones
  formal education (Hughes, et. al., 2012)

8
Systems-Thinking Concepts

• Related to understanding the need for
  professional development
• Workshop on how weaknesses can be turned into
  strengths
• Related to evaluating the significance of the
  problem related to the cases.
• Feedback should be given to all employees in a
  company and with ways they can improve

9
Reflection on Professional Development

• Though it is important to stay true to oneself,
  it is important to think about what is best for a
  company
• Communication is a huge part in a successful
  business
• Professional development workshops in
  communication can help everyone become a great
  leader

10
Summary

• Though the leaders are doing well in their jobs,
  their behavior could cause them to lose their
  jobs.
• Two different feedback methods were used to let
  the leaders know how they were performing.
• Both leaders did not communicate well with the
  people they were leading or with their bosses.
• Both leaders need to work on their leadership
  skills.

11
References

• Collins, J. (2001). Good to great Why some
  companies make the leapand others don't. New
  York, NY Collins Business. ISBN 9780066620992.
• Greiner, L., Collins, E. (2008). A day in the
  life of Alex Sander Driving in the fast lane at
  landon care products case study. Boston, MA
  Harvard Business School Publishing.
• Hughes, R. L., Ginnett, R. C., Curphy, G. J.
  (2012). Leadership Enhancing the lessons of
  experience (7th ed.). New York, NY McGraw-Hill
  Publishers.
• Sasser, W. E., Beckham, H. (2008). Thomas
  Green Power, office politics, and a career in
  crisis case study. Boston, MA Harvard Business
  School Publishing.