Misplaced Scientist
Finds the Freedom to Innovate

Situation:

A technology-driven company could not deliver products to its customers on time or complete new product development projects. The company's leaders believed that these problems came about because their Vice President of Product Development was a brilliant scientist but a poor manager. However, simply replacing the person was not an option since he still developed industry-leading innovations that their customers still wanted, even if the delivery was unreliable.

Actions:

We conducted a 360° assessment of the individual including external customers, and spent some time with him discussing what he wanted his legacy to be. Then we recommended that the company move the person into a Chief Scientist position, with only two trusted direct reports, where he could focus on the technology development that was his strong suit. His engineering teams would get consolidated under another Vice President who had already demonstrated the ability to lead a development organization successfully, and who was ready for additional responsibilities.

Results:

The company implemented these suggestions over the next months, and declared it a win-win-win for the individual, the company and its customers.