Case Application – I

More Than A Good Story

Discussion Questions

1. Bert and John built their company from scratch. They are now the CEO’s of a

multimillion company. Being the top managers of such a big company they have to face

many problems. They started with only themselves in the company and things were

simple but now as they have a whole fleet of employees under their command, they have

more managerial responsibilities. The issues they have to face are,

i. Leading the company to a brighter future

ii. Making sure that the employees are happy with what they do because it is in their

motto, “Do what you like, like what you do.”

iii. Making sure that the company stands by its motto of “life is good”

iv. Organizing and controlling the whole company.

v. Keeping a good relationship with the organizations of social benefit they invest in

The management functions, most important to them, might be leading and planning. It is

because they appear to be optimistic from their company’s mottos and to them the

employee’s satisfaction is as important as anything else. Therefore, they are more focused

on motivating and leading their employees to a brighter future for the company and

themselves. They also make profits because they have been investing in social services.

So, they always have to plan new ways to keep getting those profits by indulging their

company in social work.

2. The managerial style of Bert and John is guided by their motto of “Do what you like, like

what you do”. This style asks for better leadership and focuses more on the employees’

satisfaction. This style of management has worked for them because they have been

working under a very optimistic slogan of “Life is good”. So, the employee does not

expect them to be harsh or any thing like that. Therefore, if they do not uphold their

slogan, their company might fail. This kind of managerial style might not work for all

companies. Because some companies need strict check and balance of products and

services. They put more value on customer satisfaction them employee’s satisfaction.

3. The motto “Do what you like, like what you do” affects the way a manager manages a

lot. The motto signifies that the company’s focus is also the employee. The managers are

then bound to make decisions that facilitates the employee as well. They must assign jobs

and responsibilities to the employees which suit the employee more.

4. Having your friends work for you might be quite challenging for the managers because

then the managers have to make certain changes in their dealing with them. They have to

be more lenient at times and the employee, which is a friend, might behave irresponsibly

because of his relation to the manager. To make these things inconsequential, the

managers must maintain strict professional ethics. They should not consider their

friendship while making decisions for the company and all decisions must be made on

merit.

5. I would like to work for such a company that gives optimism to not only its customers

but also, it’s employees. The company promises a healthy environment for the

employees. Another aspect that attracts me is that the company is investing in public
 good by collaborating with organizations like Project Joy and Life is good Kids

Foundation. I will be happy if I can contribute to the society through my work.

6. Life is good managers have to deal with the challenges of customer services, innovation

and sustainability in following ways,

 They will have to make sure the products are of good quality, available in a

reasonable price and on time. They also have a policy of “Free Return” of their

products which makes them stand out in customer services.

 They have to bring to the table new designs, new products and new incentives for

the customers. They already take part in social services that gives their customers

a good reason to buy their products.

 To see that the company remains there for good, that is, to make it sustainable in

the market, the managers have to follow the market trends so that the customers

may not feel like the products of this company are out of date.