Case Study: Theranos

In studying Theranos through Bolman and Deal’s (2017) frameworks, and in completing the OCAI (Cameron and Quinn, 2011), I had an opportunity to review the entire lifecycle of a company in my industry and look for the missed opportunities within the organization. In my original case description, I described the troublesome nature of ethics in diagnostic testing at Theranos, and that viewpoint remains unchanged as I have learned more about the company. What has changed is my understanding of Theranos through these frameworks. Bolman and Deal have introduced the four lenses of Structural, Human Resources, Political, and Symbolic Frameworks to my leadership tool kit, and I find myself putting them in to practice in my professional life.

Going forward, I endeavor to be the kind of leader who will encourage young, driven people to seek out these kinds of opportunities to grow and learn, either before diving into developing a new idea, or concurrently.  I will be a storyteller through concise use of symbols and metaphor, I will provide structure where I can, and I will continue to be curious and help those around me reframe their mindsets in order to move forward.