This case study is provided to illustrate the characteristics of a leader and leadership style. At the end of the case, you will find questions that will help in analyzing the cases. Kelly is the new controller of LB Co., a small accounting firm that employs about 30 employees. Kelly was with KPMG for the last 10 years and as a manager for 5 years before moving to LB Co. LB Co. has experienced high staff turnover in the last year, and the company has been cautious in hiring because of the decreased profit. During the first six months, Kelly has spent a lot of time trying to correct the mistakes of the previous controller, improve the accounting policies and procedures, and revise the company compensation policy. She works very hard and often eats lunch at her desk. Due to her demanding schedule, Kelly does not have much interaction with her staff, except a 30-minute weekly meeting with her two managers to assign job responsibilities. Employees have strong and different reactions to Kelly's style. Those who like her style agree that when she is in charge, the accounting department and the company as a whole is very organized and efficient. Kelly makes the tasks and goals for her staff very clear. They like to work for Kelly because she knows what she is doing. Those who do not like her complain that she is too rigid. It seems that her sole goal is to get the job done. She rarely takes a break or just hangs out with the employees. The young staff says Kelly is pretty hard to relate to and as a result, it is not much fun working with her. Some of them already talking about leaving the company. The two managers are recognizing that employees are overworked and distressed as everyone takes on increased responsibilities due to the high staff turnover. The managers are also frustrated as they try to communicate with Kelly, but she just does not have time to listen to them.

The following questions:

1. How would you describe Kelly's leadership style and characteristics?

2. Why does her leadership style create such a strong reaction from her subordinates?

3. What recommendations would you give Kelly on improving her leadership skills?

4. Which leadership style do you think a leader would need to be effective in this situation?

5. How could Kelly combine the leadership style you respond in question #4 with the Three Keys framework to inspire her team?