This case focuses on Build-A-Bear Workshop and its founder and CEO, Maxine Clark. The case starts out by describing the nature of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., its initial founding and then phenomenal growth, and the fostering of other make-your-own-toy companies. After developing the contextual background of Build-A-Bear Workshop, the case focuses on Maxine Clark, first describing her defining behaviors and business achievements, and then discussing Clark’s experiences with mentoring.

Clark’s remarkable success has put her in a position to mentor others, particularly other women. She “has always been very aware that how she conducts herself can positively or negatively affect the development of those around her.” Clark believes that women tend to seek her out as a mentor because there aren’t a lot of women in management positions. Clark’s involvement with a formal mentoring program at the Olin School of Business at St. Louis’ Washington University is described as well. Finally, Clark reflects on her own experience as a protégé at May Department Stores.

In total, the case provides the context for discussing career stages and mentoring relationships in organizations.

Questions

1.    How can Maxine Clark’s business experiences help her to be an effective mentor?
2.    In which career stage would you place Maxine Clark? Why?
3.    How does Maxine Clark’s career stage relate to her mentoring activities?
4.    Do you think a formal mentoring program is superior to an informal mentoring program, or vice versa? Explain the reasoning behind your answer.
5.    Suppose that you are seeking out a mentor? What attributes would you look for in a mentoring relationship? Why would you seek these attributes?