Session 13: February 17, 2009

Company Building

Quote of the Day

"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none" ~All's Well That Ends Well, I:2
"Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." ~ Twelfth Night II:5
"If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me." ~ MacBeth, I:3

Summary

In the Wily Technology case the founder, who has been leading the company is being replaced by a professional CEO. It examines the events, conditions, and founder characteristics that precipitate such a change, and the issue of whether the founder should remain in the company after the succession event and in what role.

Required Readings (Policy on Required Readings)

• Case: Wily Technologies
  

Suggested Readings

Study Questions (Policy on Study Questions)

1. What are the risks of removing Lew Cirne? Of keeping him?
2. What are the pros and cons of Wily's approach to finding a new CEO?
3. As Lew Cirne, why would Dick Williams want to replace you as Chairman?
4. As David Strohm, if Lew rejects Dick Williams' demand and threatens to leave Wily, what would you do?
   

Assignment

Pretend that you are David Strohm. How will you encourage Lew Cirne to accept the deal and what actions will you take to ensure a smooth transition?