MANAGING UP (A): GRACE
Protagonist
Grace, a junior employee at 8SK Consulting.
Case Facts:
Employment Duration: Grace has been working at 8SK Consulting for 15 months.
Company Size: 8SK Consulting has around 800 employees across five divisions.
Initial Support: Landon Washington, Grace’s boss, was supportive and acted as a mentor initially.
Software Issue: The project management software used by 8SK is outdated and inefficient, causing
widespread dissatisfaction among employees.
Rejected Proposal: Grace proposed a new project management software, but Landon dismissed it,
citing organizational protocol and lack of time.
High-Profile Project: A new facility project is starting, which Grace wants to join to gain visibility and
career growth.
Denial of Opportunity: Landon denied Grace's request to join the high-profile project, advising her to
wait for the right time.
Direct Approach to VP: Grace pitched her software idea to Bill Michaels, the divisional VP, at a
company event and followed up with emails.
Landon’s Reprimand: Landon reprimanded Grace for bypassing him and directly approaching the VP,
emphasizing the importance of following the chain of command.
Pivotal Decision: Grace is contemplating whether to send another email to Bill Michaels, expressing
her grievances about Landon’s management style and lack of opportunities.
Decision Problem:
How should Grace proceed to advance her career and ensure her ideas are heard without
jeopardizing her position and relationship with her boss, Landon?
Problem Statement:
Grace feels her career progression is stalled as her manager, Landon Washington, is not supportive of
her initiatives and ambitions.
Grace is contemplating whether to send an email to the vice-president (VP) of her division, Bill
Michaels, to push her project management software idea and express her dissatisfaction with her
current role.
Alternatives
Send the email to Bill Michaels
Do not send the email and continue to try to influence Landon
Request a transfer to another department
Seek mentorship or support from another senior employee
Criteria:
Career Advancement Opportunities
Relationship with Manager
Support for Ideas
Job Satisfaction
Risk of Backlash/ Job security
Analysis of Alternatives:
Send the email to Bill Michaels
Career Advancement Opportunities: High potential if Bill supports her, but risky if he doesn't.
Relationship with Manager: Likely to damage her relationship with Landon significantly.
Support for Ideas: Dependent on Bill's reaction, potentially high.
Job Satisfaction: Could improve if her ideas are implemented, but stress and conflict with Landon
could reduce satisfaction.
Risk of Backlash: High risk if Bill or Landon react negatively.
Do not send the email and continue to try to influence Landon
Career Advancement Opportunities: Low to moderate, depending on whether Landon changes his
stance.
Relationship with Manager: Maintains the relationship, with the possibility of improvement over
time.
Support for Ideas: Low, as previous attempts have not been successful.
Job Satisfaction: Likely to remain low due to frustration and lack of progress.
Risk of Backlash: Low risk as it maintains the status quo.
Request a transfer to another department
Career Advancement Opportunities: Moderate to high, depending on the new department's support.
Relationship with Manager: Neutral, as it removes the conflict with Landon.
Support for Ideas: Moderate, possibility of more supportive environment.
Job Satisfaction: Potential improvement if the new environment is supportive.
Risk of Backlash: Moderate, as it might be seen as avoiding conflict.
Seek mentorship or support from another senior employee
Career Advancement Opportunities: High potential if the mentor advocates for her.
Relationship with Manager: Could improve if the mentor influences Landon positively.
Support for Ideas: High, if the mentor supports her initiative.
Job Satisfaction: Likely to improve with additional support and advocacy.
Risk of Backlash: Low to moderate, depending on Landon's reaction to her seeking external support.
Conclusion:
Grace should pursue a diplomatic approach to resolve the situation. Scheduling a formal meeting
with Landon to discuss her career goals and the software proposal is a prudent step. This allows her
to articulate her ambitions and ideas clearly while respecting the hierarchical structure.
