Emotional Intelligence

MBA500 Mid-Term Case Analysis

Hartaj Pargat Singh [578575896]

Dr. Bonita Russell

23rd October 2017

Question 1 (a): In your opinion, how effectively does Carla manage her time?  

Answer 1 (a): I feel that Carla is not managing her time very efficiently.

Due to her position at the production house and the fact that she’s overseeing three different 24-episode series, Carla is in a desperate need of sharing her responsibilities with other trusted and effective individuals like Melanie. And she needs to prioritize her goals. Yes, those TV shows are her brainchildren but they’re already doing so good.

Question 1 (b): If Carla wanted to increase her time management effectiveness, what suggestions would you have for her?  

Answer 1 (b):  The problem is deeper that it looks, there’s three things that I feel Carla should do to increase her time management effectiveness:

First, Carla hasn’t been able to effectively guide Melanie to think like she does. So, Carla needs to effectively communicate with Melanie. In the case, Melanie clearly demonstrates the willingness to learn and high dedication to the project. By empowering Melanie, Carla would have to worry less about Dope and could utilize that time on other things.  

Second, Carla needs to have her eye on the prize and not get stuck up on minor details and not let her attachment to the TV shows derail her from her ultimate goals. Let’s be real, if a main character suddenly dies, anyone would be upset but no one would actually care about the song in the background.

Third, she needs to convince her bosses to at least downsize one of the TV shows because she needs more time to think of new things because of the ever-changing demand of the market.

Question 2 (a): What might be the reason(s) that Carla is hesitant to give more control to Melanie?

Answer 2 (a):  There are few reasons that pop in my head as to why Carla might be hesitant:

• Carla feels that because Melanie is an outsider and she could never know the roots of the show.
• Carla feels that Melanie is incapable of executing her wishes and producing desired results.
• Carla is too emotionally attached to her TV series and has issues handing over the control to other individuals and see her brainchild become someone else’s.

Question 2 (b): If Carla wanted to give Melanie more control, what steps should she take to ensure Melanie was able to meet Carla’s expectations with respect to the quality of the work?

Answer 2 (b): If Carla wanted Melanie to actually run the show and give her complete autonomy over the operation, she would have to employ certain measures. In my opinion, those would be:

• She should mentor Melanie by openly giving her feedback in a healthy and a positive manner so that her point is put across
• She should carefully analyse Melanie’s work and clearly convey what needs to change and the specific steps to improve the quality of her work
• Counsel Melanie to make her more confident about her job and empower her in the process to make right decisions and take the right approach to do things
• She should connect with Melanie at a more personal level to make her feel more comfortable and appreciated at the job

Question 3 (a): Using the principles of supportive communication, evaluate Carla’s use or misuse of the principles?