Segment 1 Case Study Analysis

GABRIELLE LAVENIA
CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
EDD8104

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.

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.

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.

Background related to the Problem

Alex Sanders

Thomas Green

Company: Landon Care Products,

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

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

or spreadsheet models
Behavior is effecting his
position

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.

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)

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

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

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.

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 crisi
s
[case study]. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School
Publishing.