Case Study Analysis

Bob Knowlton

Summary
Bob knowlton was very knowledgeable and was dedicated and passionate towards his work. He led a team as a
project head at Simmons Laboratories working on research and development of photon. He was often praised
for his leadership skills by the head of the laboratory Dr. Jerrold with whom he had maintained a close
relationship. But, slowly things started drifting apart when a new joinee Simon Fester entered the Knowlton’s
team. Backed with the best of the laboratory experience, fester was very confident and great with the concepts.
He studied the project thoroughly and had a new creative approach which made knowlton doubt the work he’s
been doing before the fester joining in. He was insecure about his own capabilities and thought to himself that
fester had more to offer to the organization than him. Fester’s appreciation graph at the laboratory started
reaching heights with each passing day. Dr. Jerold, the clients everyone was happy with Fester’s work. This
made knowlton think that he was no more required at the laboratory which resulted in his resignation at the
laboratory. Both Dr. Jerold and fester were taken aback by his decision. On the other hand, Fester had different
plan of working on a different project. The misinterpretation by knowlton made him lose his job.

Q1. What attributions did Bob Knowlton make?

Bob knowlton was a team leader and knew how to make each and every one part of his team contributed in the
project. Even though he was intimidated by Fester’s work, he always stood first to appreciate his efforts towards
the project. He was also considerate of the feelings of his employees.

Q2. What team norms seemed to be operating in Knowlton’s team?

Knowlton made sure that everyone is contributing in the project for which had regular meetings to keep each
member in the loop on as how the project is progressing.

Q3. What leadership style did Knowlton need from Dr. Jerrold after Fester arrived? Explain
Knowlton should learn “Not to give up easily” attitude. Even though he was insecure and intimidated by
Fester’s work, he shouldn’t have had let this hamper his work and responsibilities at the laboratory. Both Fester
and knowlton were passionate about the project and could have made the best contribution from their side.

Q4. What leadership style did Knowlton seem to get from Dr. Jerrold before and after Fester
arrived?
Dr. Jerrold appreciated his employees for their hardwork which Knowlton got it as he used to praise Fester’s
hard work and skills.

Q5. What leadership style did Knowlton use with his subordinates?
Knowlton was very considerate and showed empathy. He made sure every team member perform in team and
are not left out.

Q6. What leadership style did Knowlton use with Fester? Was it effective? Explain
Knowlton always praised the fester’s inputs in the project and it was evry effective as it kept Fester highly
motivated and being dedicated towards the work.

Q7. What would you have done with Fester if you were Knowlton?
If I were to be Knowlton, first I would have learnt various skills and approach Fester had apart from being
insecure and would have imparted little knowledge to fester on how to be cordial and considerate when you are
working in a team.

Q8. What would you have done to influence Dr. Jerrold if you were Knowlton?
I would have been more focussed on the work I was doing and let my work speak on my behalf. I would believe
that I was no less than others and would fulfil my responsibilities as the project head with utter dedication.