pulp fiction - exploring management lessons

PULPFICTION

ManagementLessons

Exploring

Please note this lesson contains images of violence and extreme language.

This exploration of management lessons is intended for a mature audience only.

For the purposes of this lesson, a copy of Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” is required.

The focus of this class will surround the character of “The Wolf”.

The content for review takes places from 1hr 50mins, to 2hrs 7mins.

As we watch these scenes, take notes on the character displayed above, “Winston Wolf”.

What management skills does he display?

How are these skills shown? What can we learn from him?

Play the movie starting at 1:50:00 until 2:07:40 Students should take notes.

Pay attention to attributes of management.These can be both positive and negative.

The Context

1:51:00: Marvin gets ‘shot in the face’… This is a problemThe task… clean it up, deal with it.

MANAGE THE PROCESS

The Details

1:54:43: Bonnie, his wife, gets home in 90 mins.This adds a time pressure element. This a new

context to be considered when managing the event. How does this change the situation?

“Call your people”

1:55:41: People are key resource. Managing such complex processes and events requires the utilization of

your best people and resources. Use your people.

“I’m sending the Wolf”

1:56:30 At the mention of ‘The Wolf’, the mood changes. ‘The Wolf’ trades on reputation. His involvement has a calming influence. What kind of power is

this? What kind of effect does this have? Is it always positive/negative? Why?

Note Taking

1:56:56: ‘The Wolf’ takes simple but effective notes when advised of the situation. He takes names, and

simple descriptors. Why is this important? What does this allow him to do?

“I’m Mr. Wolf – I solve problems!”

1:57:30: ‘The Wolf’ is calm, efficient, and succinct. He has a natural confidence, totally assured of his ability to get the problem solved. What is being displayed by this? How does it impact on the others involved?

“Do what I say – when I say it.”

1:58:00: What style of management is being used? Is it effective?

The Manager’s Role

1:59:15: We see that in the process of management, ‘The Wolf’ does not do any of the tasks, rather he dictates and organises. He plans, organises and controls. Is this a legitimate style of management?

Quote #1

2:00:30: “If I'm curt with you it's because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast and I need you guys to act

fast if you wanna get out of this. So, pretty please... with sugar on top. Clean the f**king car.”

DISCUSS THE ABOVE QUOTE

Quote #2

2:06:10: “I'll drive the tainted car. Jules, you ride with me. Vincent, you follow in my Acura. We run across the path of any John Q. Laws, nobody does a f**king thing unless I do it first. What did I just say?”

DISCUSS THE ABOVE QUOTE

Review

2:07:30: How do his ‘staff’ react to him?Has the problem been solved?What skills lead to this resolution?Would you work well for this type of character?What are his best traits?What are his worst traits?

case study author: Jeff Tayloremail: jeff@jefftaylor.iewebsite: www.jefftaylor.ielinkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jeff-taylor/41/993/635contact via email for guest lectures and academic seminars some facts and figures within the case have been altered for illustrative purposes