Options for Implementing a Leadership Change

Running head: Options for Implementing a Leadership Change

Introduction

Gene One founded in 1996 is an emerging biotech company which developed groundbreaking gene technologies able to eradicate diseases in tomatoes and potatoes. As a result, farmers no longer needed to use pesticides when growing these plants and consumers were pleased to buy homegrown products untainted by chemicals. From a two-million start-up capital, Gene One rapidly grown into a $400 million company in just eight years.

The growing public interest on biotechnology made that the stock indices of this industry to rise sharply on Wall Street. Further, the investor confidence has been enhanced by the recent leadership changes at the Food and Drug Administration.

Gene One’s CEO and the Board of Directors determined that in order to keep up with the demand and be able to realize the 40% annual growth targets, the company has to become public within the next three years. While the time seems right thanks to the market context, to ensure the further success, the company will need IPO capital for new development, advertisement, and marketing.

Problem Statement

Ruiz’s family members identified that in order to ensure a successful and smooth transition from the private to the public type of organization, while maintaining the audacious goal (Collins & Porras, 2004) of reaching 40% annual growth, the organizational leadership style should be changed. Different ideas were put forth by each family member about the best suited leadership style which should be implemented and tries to influence the CEO and Board decisions in regard to its adoption.

This paper discusses the available alternatives and proposes a strategy for the implementation of the leadership change required in Gene One.

Leadership Style Options

There are as many leadership styles as there are many leaders. However there is no one generic “right” way to lead or manage. To choose the...