Case 12.3
Case synopsis and analysis
John is a strong executive with extraordinary drive and commitment who suffers from bipolar
dysfunction. He is great in a crisis, effectively rallies people behind his causes, and has been
shown to lead with great passion. However, the flip side is that he can be overwhelming and
Learning objectives:
1) Students will begin to investigate how bipolar dysfunction can influence a leader’s
effectiveness.
Answers to questions in the text:
1. What should the board do with regard to John’s poor decisions? Should they fire him? What
alternative routes are available?
Students will differ on this. Some will argue that John should be fired because he is not
performing well and that his decisions are harming the company. On the other hand, John is
2. How can John be made aware of his disruptive behaviors?
3. What role can his wife/family play to help John address his bipolarity?
4. Within the workplace, what can be done to leverage John’s strengths (creativity) and minimize
his disruptive behavior? What type of structure will be a best fit for John in the organization?
Reflecting on strengths and weaknesses, John should consider what his priorities and limits are
Potential teaching approaches:
Below is a way to structure a class based on skill theory and case study 12.3:
• Hold a lecture on the psychodynamic approach.
Exercises for this case study:
2) Individually or in small groups, students could create a list of rules that might help limit
John’s impulsive and aggressive behaviors. For instance, John could agree to stay off e–
mail after 8 p.m. and/or work with a coach monthly on active listening skills.
Students should develop a list of 5 to 10 goals for John that may enhance his