Jeff Bowling at the Delta Companies: From Baseball Coach to CEO

CASE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Jeff described himself as an "accidental entrepreneur?' Was he correct? Why?

2. What process did Jeff use in deciding to grow when he decided to "put this thing on steroids"?

3. What process should he have used?

4. Jeff called you today and, based on your knowledge of this case, asked you to prepare a talk entitled "Do As I Say, Not As I Did" for him to give to an entrepreneurship class on build­ing a business. What should be the key points in his talk?

5. How did Jeff infuse his culture into new hires? Did you like his "cultural deposits"? Why?

6. How did Jeff manage his direct reports? Would you like to be managed his way? Why?

7. Is Jeff a CEO or a Coach? Why? What is the difference?