Global Leadership Roles and Strategy This topic provides an opportunity to start developing an appreciation for the role of the general manager. In particular, we will emphasize the unique characteristics and challenges faced by general managers, as well as the variety of roles that they typically play. In doing so we will come to understand how such positions differ from those of functional managers, and the responsibilities and rewards associated with general management positions. We will also come to recognize the interdependence of a broad array of strategic, operating, and administrative issues that general managers face. Our first case will be used as a vehicle to discuss the issues referred to above, and will also highlight many of the concepts and issues we plan to focus on this semester. Robyn Gilcrist, who received her MBA several years earlier, agrees to become the CEO of a small boat manufacturer. The original plan is for the owner/founder to stay with the business for a year, and for Robyn to have the benefit of his presence. However, when the founder dies unexpectedly, Robyn, agrees to move into the CEO position earlier than planned. Our goal is to use the situation Robyn finds herself in to start developing and understanding of the general manager’s job. In doing this, we will focus on how Robyn should spend her time. Case: Yellowtail Marine Preparation Questions: 1. How should Robyn spend her first three days on the job? (Prepare a calendar for the morning, afternoon, and evening of each of those days). 2. Which issue should Robyn prioritize for attention in the next month? Why? 3. What goals should Robyn set for the next year? For the next five (5) years?
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How should Robyn spend her first three days on the job? (Prepare a calendar for the morning, afternoon, and evening of each of those days).
Day 1:
Morning:
Meet with the senior management team to understand the company’s current state, goals, challenges, and opportunities.
Meet with the HR department to understand the company’s staffing needs and any ongoing HR-related issues.
Tour the company’s facilities to understand the manufacturing processes, quality control, and inventory management.
Afternoon:
Meet with the sales and marketing team to review the current marketing and sales strategies and identify any opportunities to increase sales and expand the company’s market share.
Meet with the finance team to understand the company’s financials, budgeting, and cash flow.
Evening:
Review any reports or documents provided by the previous CEO or the senior management team.
Day 2:
Morning:
Meet with the production team to understand the production process and identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
Meet with the R&D team to understand the company’s current and future product pipeline and identify any potential innovations.
Afternoon:
Meet with suppliers to understand the supply chain and identify any opportunities for cost savings or improved efficiency.
Meet with customers to understand their needs and any areas where the company can improve its products or services.
Evening:
Review notes and gather feedback from the day’s meetings.
Day 3:
Morning:
Meet with the legal team to understand any legal issues or challenges facing the company.
Meet with the IT department to understand the company’s technological capabilities and identify any opportunities for improvement.
Afternoon:
Meet with the board of directors to present an overview of her findings and seek their input and guidance.
Begin developing a preliminary action plan based on the information gathered from the previous two days.
Evening:
Review the day’s notes and continue developing the action plan.
Which issue should Robyn prioritize for attention in the next month? Why?
Based on the information gathered during her first three days on the job, Robyn should prioritize the following issue in the next month:
Improving the production process: Robyn should work closely with the production team to identify and address any bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the production process. Improving the production process can help reduce costs, improve product quality, and increase customer satisfaction.
What goals should Robyn set for the next year? For the next five (5) years?
Next year:
Increase sales by 10%: Robyn should work with the sales and marketing team to develop and implement a marketing plan to increase sales.
Improve the production process: Robyn should continue to work with the production team to identify and address any inefficiencies in the production process.
Expand the product line: Robyn should work with the R&D team to develop new products to expand the company’s product line.
Next five years:
Increase market share: Robyn should develop a long-term strategy to increase the company’s market share.
Expand internationally: Robyn should explore opportunities to expand the company’s reach beyond its current market.
Develop a culture of innovation: Robyn should encourage and support innovation throughout the organization to stay ahead of the competition.
