Case Studies Reveal Common Issues

I have long been a fan of case studies as an effective teaching and learning tool. This is true for graduate students and for organizational team members.

Over the past several years, case studies have been a staple in my graduate business management classes at New York University. The students break into small groups to talk about the dilemma’s presented in each case, discuss approaches and reach consensus on a recommended path forward. Each group then reports out to the full class and a robust discussion ensues.

In tracking the results of these discussions over time, I’ve discovered an interesting pattern. In every case, one of the primary issues is that the organization in question suffers from a lack of training, preparation and skill development for supervisors and managers and yes, senior leaders. This is true irrespective of the nature of case. Notwithstanding the problems, challenges and issues presented in these case studies, the root cause to comes back to this one central theme.

Often, as the case unfolds, the problem, challenge, issue or opportunities seem obvious. Closer examination though shines a bright light on an organization that is ill equipped to adequately address these matters due to a lack of management and leadership training.

Internal disagreements, turf wars, and “underground streams” afflict the enterprise, and these can and will undermine attempts to address these major issues proactively. This circles back to “culture” and the leaders’ role moving this in the right direction. It begins there but it does not end there. Without a solid foundation of properly trained managers and supervisors who help develop, maintain and build the cultural requirements of the organization, improvement initiatives will quickly lose steam and fall into the background. Yet another failed “flavor of the month” program adding to the cynicism and disconnect far too prevalent in organizations.

Enlightened, prepared leadership, supported by world-class managers and supervisors, doesn’t guarantee success but it does correlate with enduringly successful organizations over time.

For more information on ways to move your organization forward, contact me at joe@ajstrategy.com