Case Study – The Office
1. What mistakes do you think John Mitchell made with the way he solved the
problem of limited office space? Explain
John only thought about his own point of view, he did not care about Krista’s. When
in the case he mentions that he did not care about Krista’s objection to the decision and
that the decision was final he demonstrated overconfidence and misused of authority, a
good manager should be a good listener.
The way he approached the situation
demonstrated improper communication he did not think he needed to consult with Krista
and kept her out making the decision, demanding without thinking in possible outcomes.
He should have been more open to her feedback, even if a better solution could not be
found.
2. What approach would you have use if you were Mitchell? Why?
If I was John, I should’ve reflect on the type of decision making style that I was going
to use. Also, brining Krista into the conversation, brainstorming with her, trying to find a
solution, even though the solution was not much different than sharing the office space,
but at least Krista would have felt that she was brought into being part of the decision
making and it would be considered a mutual agreement, since at the end, the final
decision had to be communicated by Krista to her team and she would have feel
respected.
3. What are Krista Acken’s options for responding to Mitchell’s decision?
What should she do now? Why?
Krista does not have many options in regards to his decision. Acken should have
responded in a more professional way. John’s approach was not the best, instead of
getting into an argument shoe should have think about it and let him know that he
should have included her into the discussion with the Major. But now, that the decision
is final, she should accept it and brainstorm with Joanne on how to make the office
space comfortable for both teams and let Mitchell know that in the future she would like
to be part of decision-making for situations that affect her team.