This case explores the leadership of Carol Baines in turning around her Baines Company, increasing sales from a $200,000 a year to over $3 million a year, over a period of around 15 years. It discusses Carol’s leadership traits and the roles they play in the expansion of the company. It considers other leadership styles or behaviors that contribute to the continued growth of the business. Finally, it questions whether situational factors had an influence in Carol’s success and whether Carol could succeed as a leader in other business context.
Analysis
Companies need leaders to effect changes and to improve business performance. Changes are necessary for survival, as competitors might force a company out of business if it chooses to remain
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Summary of the case
Carol Baines took over her husband’s business after his death. Armed with a business degree, majoring in management, she competed against 2 office supply stores owned by national chains. In 15 years, she grew the company from 5 people to over 25 people and sales increased from $200,000 a year to over $3.1 million a year. Carol first familiarized herself with employees and the operations and analyzed her potential customer market. Next, she developed short-term and long-term goals and invested heavily in advertising, sales, and services.
Carol cared deeply about others and was fair and considerate. She created a family-like atmosphere and devoted to all employees and supported their interests, sponsoring a softball team and basketball team. As a result, employee turnover was low. She did all the above despite suffering breast cancer and enduring side effects of hair loss and fatigue from radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Employees said she was a model of strength, good, and quality, always positive and showing interest in her employees. At age 55, she turned the business operations to her two sons, while staying as the company president.
How would you describe Carol’s leadership traits?
Carol was an assigned leader because she owned the company. However, she had referent power because she employees
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