This three-part case describes the reaction and attitudes demonstrated by B. Joseph White upon hearing that he was not chosen to be president of the University of Michigan in May of 2002. Joe White responded to this news resiliently by helping the University make a smooth transition to a new president. The case elaborates on Joe White’s beliefs about resilience and why he believes resilience is a desirable quality among individuals.

Teaching objectives of the case include enabling an understanding of resilience; exploration of the benefits of being resilient in the face of adversity and disappointment; and elaboration on the conditions and beliefs that foster resilience in individuals. The teaching note links Joe White’s beliefs and actions to recent research and articles on resilience.

NOTE:
A DVD of the interview with Joe White is also available for purchase. Please contact Janet Max at (734) 647-8154 or jmax@bus.umich.edu.