Matt Leeds - Case Study

Matt Leeds - Case Study 9-403-111

After completing his MBA, Matt Leeds was faced with a career decision: 1) continue to work at Right-Away shoes and be promoted to the director of marketing, or 2) work at a more prestigious consultant firm of Danner Boynton as an associate consultant. Choosing what seemed to be a more attractive career by broadening his experiences at Danner, he found himself frustrated, bored, and struggling with relationships with his boss and colleagues. Some key issues noted were Matt's failure to fully comprehend the work environment of each company, and his lack of confidence that led to him accept the position at Danner; ultimately stunting his future growth with the company.

Right from the beginning, Matt failed to recognize just how engaged the president of Right-Away was with him, and overlooked his intent to mentor and grow him within the business. Kingston was willing to put in the time in to groom Matt's hands on approach that cultivated good strong relationships with Right-Away employees. Instead, he made a rush decision to join Danner without fully understanding the company's culture and hierarchy levels - heck, he didn't even interview in the same regional office that he was going to be working in. Matt decided he would be a good fit into the organization without even meeting his boss or his future colleagues.

Matt's insecurities and lack of confidence fueled his fears that the possibility of becoming Right-Away's vice president in a few years, was just too much for him. And his insecurities at Danner, let Swift play mentor to him instead of reporting on to his boss Lyle on some things. As her patronizing attitude grew, it was proven to be difficult for Matt to reverse it, and he found himself constantly taking a back seat to her. He needed to take initiative early on and embraced his leadership skills he learned and honed in on at Right-Away.

By Matt not being thorough enough while assessing his career options, and letting his insecurities mask his confidence, he found himself in a very unpleasant environment soon after leaving a promising career at Right-Away. And after a less-than-promising performance review, Matt faces the reality of regret and searches for what to do next. I would embrace my mistake, and call back Scott Kingston.

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