Question

In the movie Remember the Titans (2000),

Cite an example from the movie when Coach Boone used a Delegating leadership style. What specifically did he do (behavior) that indicated he was being Delegative? Describe the situation, and assess follower Readiness (follower Ability and Willingness). Did Coach Boone utilize an appropriate leadership style in this situation, and why or why not?

Answer 1

Delgating leadership style is where the leader assigns a responsibilty to his subordinate. In the movie ' Remember the Titans,before the match of TC Williams Vs.Grovton begins, the team requests Coach Boone to give them permission to warm up in a different manner than the usual one. the coach permits them without a second thought. After winning the Game #3, in the locker room ,Gary Bertier, The captain of the team informs Coach Boone that he feels that Ray Budds should be thrown out of the team since he missed a block on purpose. Coach Boone instructs Gary that he is captain, and he has to take the decision and he has to support his decisions. This clearly shows the Delegative leadership style of Coach Boone. He believed in his team and respected their decisions.

Upon receiving the coach's instruction Gary takes the decision and informs Ray that he is off the team. He takes up the responsibility of removing Ray from the team even though they share a long friendship. That shows that Gary has learnt leadership from his coach. Hence by delegating the authority to Gary, the coach is guiding him to be the leader taht he is supposed to be.

Inorder for this style of leadership to succeed the leader has to ensure that his team or the employee to which he is delegating, is ready to take the responsibility and act on it. Throughout the movie the coach shows a situational leadership style. In the beginning of the movie he describes his leadership as dictatorial. He has to deal with racism, disobedience, lethargy ,resistance,irresponsibilty and carelessness from his team. He drives the team using his authority and teaches them about teamwork. He works with his team and inspires them through out .

As the movie progresses he is shown to display a parental approach towards the players, addressing heir concerns and enabling to overcome their weeknesses. When he is confident that his team is perfect, he starts assigning responsibilities. hence Coach Boone is an ideal example of delegating leadership style.