Kindred Todd Case Review

Case Review Worksheet                                

Student Name: Gizel Ojeda-Gomez        Case Name: Kindred Todd

1. Write a one-paragraph summary of the case in your own words:

Ms.Kindred Todd had just graduated with an MA in Organizational Development. She was quickly able to find employment at a small consulting firm that was showing rapid growth. Her boss, Stepchuck, was quick to assign her to her first consulting project with a small oil company. Stepchuck claimed the company was a big potential client, so it was important for Todd to do a good job. The first meeting with the client was overwhelming for Todd because Stepchuck has over-sold her as an expert C &I, which lead their management team to flood her with question she did not have to knowledge to answer. She was able to get out the meeting by leaving the impression of potential growth instilled in their minds, but quickly confronted her boss about the situation. Stepchuck responded to concern by saying she had no choice because no one else was available to take the project and that the clients did not even know what they wanted. Todd went ahead with the project, but did a lot of research on the topic and even hired a shadow expert to help her with the project. She was able to provide the client with an effective intervention, but soon after resigned from Stephchuck’s firm.

2. What do you think the central problem is in this case?

The central problems in this case is (1) The moral/ethics of the consulting firm and (2) shortage of experienced staff. Stepchuck’s comments the client’s not knowing what they wanted showed he did not care about their company, rather he just cared about making money from the consultation. His attitude reflects on the company. Not only that, but he clearly did not care about Todd’s personal reputation because he placed her in a situation she clearly did not have the work experience to handle, which shows Stepchuck did not care about his employees. Leading on to the next problem: not enough staff for the jobs. Todd was stuck in the situation because Stepchuck had no one else to take the project from Todd who was clearly not qualified to handle. Stepchuck in over his head on how he managed his firm.

3. What actions do you think an organization development practitioner should take?

The OD practitioner should work on creating company moral and review ethics on providing honest quality consultations. It will create a better environment for the employees when it comes to making decisions about taking jobs and how they will perform. Going even as far as making an ethics/honesty policy for the employees to follow. Also allowing a work place were staff can openly express their concerns and have proper action taken to help. Thus, keeping the company out of trouble. The practitioner should also work on proper recruitment – requirements and staff numbers. The type of client’s needs should be parallel with the skills/knowledge the staff in the consulting firm have. Th consulting form should not be taking jobs they are not qualified to handle or putting the employee in a situation where they could fail. Implementation of a “rise not sink” attitude to let the employees know their personal growth matters to the company.

...