As you know, a core principle at JWMI is “learn it today; apply it tomorrow.” This assignment is a continuation
of the work you did in Part A, but the questions challenge you to go beyond simply analyzing what Satya
Nadella did at Microsoft. It is time to consider how you can apply the leadership principles presented in the
case to your own career. To prepare for Part B of this assignment, reread the entire case and review the
feedback you received from your professor on Part A.
Write a 6-7 page paper that draws links between the case and your own leadership journey. Of the six topic
areas below, select four (4) you would like to focus on.
- Learning from Nadella’s Example
- Building a High Performing Culture
- Channeling Conflict
- Effective Communication
- Fostering Diversity and Learning
- Building a Learning Organization
Make sure you consider each question in your response. Remember, a good response paper is one in which
you: (a) show you understand what happened in the case, (b) apply tools and citations from course materials,
and (c) offer insights into how you can apply the case and course materials to your own leadership journey.
- Learning from Nadella’s Example
a. What did Nadella bring in terms of his own background (professional and personal) that
helped him to be successful in stepping into the CEO role?
b. What makes Nadella an “authentic leader”? What actions did he take that demonstrate he
believes in role-model management? Include references to course materials to support your
position.
c. What characteristics does Nadella display that most closely align to traits you have, or aspire
to develop, in your own leadership style? How are you most different from him in your
leadership style?
d. Why is it important for leaders to take (appropriate) risks?
- Building a High Performing Culture in Your Organization
a. What steps must leaders take to build a learning culture? Include references to course
materials to support your position.
b. In what ways is the culture in your current or former organization similar to what Nadella
faced when he took over Microsoft?
c. If you wanted to change or realign this culture, where would you begin?
d. What would be your biggest challenges? Why?
