Caroline Regis at Excel Systems Case Analysis

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there has been so much ambiguity and animosity surrounding the merger is the clear difference in how the organizations conducted themselves while separate entities.

• In order to get past these discrepancies, and make everyone feel like a valued employee, a committee should be formed to take the charge on developing a new set of corporate values, beliefs and a mission statement. This will allow for the best elements of each culture to be combined into the most effective structure for the new organization and the surviving employees.

Clarify the implementation strategy

• Bringing together two businesses as one after a merger is never easy business, but this is especially true when the organizations have drastically different cultures and approaches to the way they do business.

• Regis and her follow leadership team need to be proactive in articulating a narrative that emphasizes the strengths of both organizations, taking the focus away from bigger problems such as a clear lack of control and feuding executives.

Work on collaboration

• One of the consistent criticisms Regis has seen throughout her professional career is her tendency to become closed-minded to the ideas and concerns of others once she has made up her mind on a matter.

• This “my way or the highway” approach, while certainly appropriate in some situations, should be avoided here as it only exacerbates the problems associated with developing a new corporate culture. Regis instead should strive to serve as a role model, working with Ogilvie and other leaders in manufacturing and engineering to create a beneficial solution to all parties and the company as well.

Recognize her weaknesses and seek value on others

• Regis needs to work on developing her communication skills, focusing on balancing her analytical nature with one that is more inquisitive and more open-minded, especially when it comes to collaboration with others through listening.

• She should make it a point to ask questions of others in meetings, and to structure her meetings in more of a forum approach. This will help her develop more of an open mind, and also learn to appreciate the input of others, which can, and often will be every bit as valuable as her own.