Differences Between Tom Bigsby And Jennifer Wilks

Case Study

In the fictitious yet relatable stories of the characters of Tom Bigsby and Jennifer Wilks, two very different self-leadership approaches are given. Tom and Jennifer are found described with the same job, same work related duties and problems and even weather conditions. But, even though they have all these similarities their attitude, organization and simply attitude towards life a very different.

Tom Bigsby story begins with an argument in an important budget meeting where he had to expose how his department is doing financially. As a manager at the company he has a lot of responsibilities and he is in charge of other workers. His leadership skills are portrayed in the story as very inefficient and frustrating, as a consequence

his life at home suffers. He lacks a since of time organization and motivation in his work space. Tom believes he most take care of all big and small details at work which does not allowed his coworker and the department employees develop better skills in their own jobs. As a manager he most be in contant communication with his workers to make sure things are flowing smoothly in his department, but the absence of relationship with everyone, even his secretary, only make his job harder and discouraging. He also suffers from an eating disorder at work and at home which can not only affect his physical health but also mental and even emotional. The absence of separation between home and work is most likely affecting his home life and it may be possible that it will affect the lives of his children and marriage. Lastly, his emotional state can be of danger to himself if changes are not made. (Neck, 122-124)
On the other hand, the character of Jennifer Wilks begins her journey in the same type of meeting as Tom the only difference is her attitude.

As the story continues the reader finds out why Jennifer has a very different out come in the meetings. She is very positive accepts criticism well and seems very calm. Jennifer is the has organization at home, her office, with her employees and coworkers. She Plans ahead and divides her time wisely according to urgency. Also she makes time to assure the productivity of her department. Jennifer understand the power of boundaries and making sure she takes brakes that inspire her and make her job more enjoyable. When problems arise she practices good self control and give other the chance to step up and discover new skills. This simple practice makes her department a more organized place and allows her to focused on more important issues. Jennifer keeps a open communicative environment at work. She makes everyone feel secure and gives them the since of importance they deserves. An other very powerful reason she has success at work is the healthy diet she maintains and takes advantage of every moment to get ahead. After reading Jennifer’s story, it can be concluded that she exercises all aspects of good self leadership beginning with organization, self impose strategies, team self leadership, reward system and a healthy body and mind.

(Neck,124-127)
As I was reading this stories I kept thinking they were a little extreme but in some aspects I could see my self in different situations Tom and Jeniffer were in.

I can see a lot better how strategies and a plan can help me and the people around me to bring the best in them and me as well. I think if I had been in Tom’s position, I would begin with a plan and tackle the small problems first. For example, I would have a meeting with the department and apologize for the lack of good leadership they have been experiencing and make the meeting a weekly event for a period of time. As I develop a better relationship with the rest of the department I would start assigning some responsibilities to people and taking the time to explain what is expected. I would make a better plan of my time during the day and like Jennifer have a specific time when members can walk in my office. Even though the situation Tom is in is difficult, I think, with a lot of hard work a better environment can be developed in his work space. Finally, I would make sure my family new that I been very stressed at work but I am doing changes to make the home life more

enjoable.