Managing UP: Grace-Case Background and Problem Statement

Submitted by: Rohan 15010196, Rubal 1501097, Rushin 1501098, Sabysachi
1501100, Sandeep 1501101

Managing UP: Grace-Case Background and Problem Statement:
This case is set up in a Consulting firm where there are mainly three main
characters which are
1. Grace (Subordinate) is ambitious, little narrow minded, hot headed and
impatient.
2. Landon Washington (Manager) is supportive, caring, patient, genuine, traditional
manager, practical, sees things only from his perspective.
3. Bill Michaels (Vice President) is encouraging, a process driven person who
believes in hierarchy
Grace has been working in the company for 15months and was mentored by Landon
Washington. He had been supportive and guided her through the course of
15months. But after completing one year in the company, she pondered over her
career growth so she realized that to grow in the company she have to take up new
challenges that is to work on a high profile assignment. Otherwise she needs to do
something which is a breakthrough in the company through fixing a problem in the
firm. She then found that some of the employees are unhappy with the performance
management software of the company. Grace knew about software which can be
replaced with and the problem or dissatisfaction amongst the employees can be
removed. She sought this as an opportunity to work on and prove that she is
capable for a promotion thus leading to a career growth. She held a meeting with
Landon about the same but Landon did not push for it. This reaction from Landon
was appropriate because he was a manager who plays by the book. But Grace did
not stop and continued to turn all possible stones so that this can be done. She
even tried to talk to the VP Bill Michaels in a party. She explained her plan to Bill as
she got time but was interrupted by Landon. To follow up with this small meet, she
e-mailed the VP Bill couple of times. This put Landon in a terrible position since he
had explained to her why he couldnt agree to both her proposals and her
approaching Bill directly made him appear an inefficient manager who didnt
interact with his subordinates enough. Soon, she had a meeting with Langdon
where Langdon informed her that she is crossing the line. She cannot mail the VP
directly and she needs to follow the protocol. This led to a heated discussion where
Grace said that she wants to grow and her manager Langdon is not giving her the
opportunity. So the issues at hand are recognizing if Grace, being a junior employee
can handle work of higher level of difficulty? And is it correct to assign her a work of
great importance at this stage of her career? Was her behavior right by provoking
people about the bad project management software?
Analysis:
Grace being an employee for the past 15 months and seek career growth she is
present in the advancement stage. Grace could have avoid the political behavior of
provoking people about the bad software by simply communicating the flaws and its
solution of it to the management and wait for their reply. She thinks she needed a
challenge which she can fulfill. In this case she finds that but is unable to do so
because of his Manager. Grace is trying to prove her competence by executing
bigger projects than the run-of-the-mill ones that are offered to her. Also, with the
initiative that she's taken, it seems she can be a future leader at the organization,
given her age and her drive. Langdon being the Manager is in Maintenance stage
where he need to mentor the subordinates and create a reputation amongst the
subordinates as well as the higher management. He could have appointed her as a
probationary member in the new large scale project, this will pacify her need for
more challenging work and also this is a low risk maneuver since even if she doesnt
live up to expectations, the project won't be harmed and if she performs well, then
Submitted by: Rohan 15010196, Rubal 1501097, Rushin 1501098, Sabysachi

1501100, Sandeep 1501101
she can be inducted into the project on a full time basis. Or Landon could have
offered her a new project which may be of more importance than her regular
projects. This would be a good move since this ensures that her ascent up the
corporate ladder follows the general trend. This will minimize discontent among her
coworkers as well. Bill Michaels should have replied to Graces emails directly
expressing appreciation for her thoughts on helping the organization grow more
efficient and such initiatives should be encouraged.

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Submitted by: Rohan 15010196, Rubal 1501097, Rushin 1501098, Sabysachi

1501100, Sandeep 1501101

Submitted by: Rohan 15010196, Rubal 1501097, Rushin 1501098, Sabysachi

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