O Captain My Captain's Transformational Model

Introduction Leadership is an important characteristic that an individual can adopt and use in various situations. It can be defined as a “process a person uses to influence and inspire others to achieve goals” (Eveland, n.d.). Numerous leadership models and theories exist and can easily be adopted by leaders in appropriate conditions. Leadership models include: trait, behavioral, contingency, influence (power), and transformational models (Eveland, n.d.). Each model is different, and can aid in understanding aspects of leadership. When used in situations, the models can either be effective or not. The leadership styles portrayed in six movie clips will be discussed and analyzed based on the effectiveness of the situation.
O Captain, my Captain …show more content…
The Path-Goal Contingency theory states that leaders have an “obligation to provide subordinates with the information and support that is necessary to achieve goals” (Path-Goal, n.d.). Furthermore, there are four leadership styles that can be adopted from the Path-Goal Model. In the scene, P and P2, the coach is portraying directive behaviors. In directive, the leader is making the subordinate aware of what is expected, gives clear guidelines and makes sure the rules to achieve goals are known (Path-Goal, n.d.). The coach makes it known to Michael what his job is supposed to be, and how the play should be completed. This was not an effective model in the situation, because Michael did not relate or seem motivated by what the coach told him to do. In comparison, when Michael’s mom talks to him on the field, she uses supportive behavior to aid in motivating him. Supportive behavior suggests that the leader is “considerate of the needs of the subordinate” (Path-Goal, n.d.). Michael’s mother uses supportive behavior to motivate him to protect his teammates as he would protect his family. She understands that Michael needed to make a connection between the things he cherishes and the goal he is attempting to achieve with the team. The leadership style is effective in this situation because she can determine the type of motivation he needs to accomplish the goal, and show him supportive behavior to guide him. Supportive leadership is appropriate in conditions that are “stressful, boring, or dangerous” because it can increase satisfaction (Path-Goal, n.d.). This leadership is not appropriate in conditions where individuals are self-motivated and find the task enjoyable (Path-Goal, n.d.). Directive leadership, however, is most appropriate in situations where “subordinates