Andra Rush Case

1. As we have discussed, competency models describe the behaviors and skills managers need to exhibit if an organization is to be successful. Consider the general competencies found in Figure 7.3 and apply these to Andrea Rush, providing examples of how these competencies apply.

There are several general competencies/examples that apply to Andra Rush.

* Analyzing problems and making decisions - When terrorist attack happened in 2001, and shut down local bridges, Andra rented a barge to make sure her shipment for Diamler Chrysler made it to its destination on time.

* Building the talent base - Andra built her talent base by focusing on women and minorities. It was important that her team understand the importance of themselves, because they were often undervalued and underappreciated in the job market.

* Customer focus - Andra paid attention to her customers and made a point of exceeding their expectations regardless of the circumstances.

* Planning and organizing - When no one was available to drive a truck to a destination, she would often drive the truck herself to get the job done.

* Financial and technical savvy - For the first few years of running her business, Andra assumed different job roles (ex: administrative assistant, accountant and mechanic) to save money.

* Challenging the status quo - The success of Rush's trucking company can be attributed to driving change which is challenging the status quo and looking for ways to improve team or organizational performance; and champions new initiatives and stimulates others to make changes (Hughes, Robert, & Gordon, 2012).

2. How does the leadership Pipeline apply to Andrea Rush?

Although the case does not provide detailed information about the levels of management, one could apply the leadership Pipeline model as follows: while working as nurse as an individual contributor, Rush established relationships with other nurses by listening to their complaints about unfair treatment. Also, she listened to her patients and their history (ex: transport business). In the beginning formation of the trucking company, she also started as an individual contributor. Overtime, Andra became the CEO where she "set company direction, creates company culture, and managed the entire company" (Hughes, Robert, & Gordon, 2012). By setting the company direction and culture, she created a diverse workforce and provided educational programs. Rush she still manages to complete ride a long's with drivers which is part of the midlevel management.

Questions 1-3 (Continued)

3. Andrea Rush belongs to several volunteer organizations. Would her leadership style need to change as the president of the Native American