This paper presents a case study analysis of two articles based on leadership. The paper aims at addressing the numerous questions and concepts presented in both leadership articles. For example, the question on leadership perspective and how it has been manifested in the two cases will be addressed. In addition, the analysis will also discuss the power bases and actions that are aligned to these bases of power.
Moreover, it is worth noting that the respective traits of individuals significantly influence leadership. In line with this, the analysis will equally identify whether there is an agreement between the leadership traits of the two coaches and how the effectiveness of their performance has been affected.
According to Northouse (2010), there are major leadership traits that leaders should possess in order to demonstrate effective leadership. Needless to say, these traits enhance effective performance in ensuring that leaders execute managerial and leadership roles effectively.
These traits include personal intelligence, self confidence, integrity, sociability and determination. In line with this, it is evident that most of the identified traits have been manifested in both coaches. For instance, in the article entitled Coach K: A matter of heart, the coach decides to leave the Duke Basketball team for a more glamorous and professional game in Los Angeles (Snook, Perlow & Delacey, 2005a).
It is arguable that this coach portrays various leadership traits such as self confidence, determination and intelligence by the fact that he is able to pursue a more promising deal yet he has an ‘aged’ heart (Snook, Perlow & Delacey, 2005a). He does not fear the reaction of his team and he progresses to review the contract in order to join the National Basketball Association in Los Angeles.
On the other hand, the coach in the article entitled Coach Knight: The will to win has remarkably made a legacy as the best basketball coach in Indiana University (Snook, Perlow & Delacey, 2005b). He has produced enviable records in history, a factor that demonstrates his leadership traits.
In this case, it is certain that the coach is determined and has the self confidence to win (Snook, Perlow & Delacey, 2005b). It is evident that he has integrity in whatever he does since he has always been passionate and embraced a demanding leadership style. As a matter of fact, this has made his team to be among the best.
Arguably, Coach Knight’s actions are aligned with managerial role. In this case, he embraces managerial leadership to ensure collective participation in his team (Snook, Perlow & Delacey, 2005b). It is noted in the article that he is passionate about a demanding leadership style, a factor that has resulted into remarkable achievements. Contrastingly, coach K embraces a leadership role whereby he is just there to act his role as a leader.
However, their leadership traits have influenced their performance positively. In this case, the traits have enabled them to get the best in their teams. Therefore, it is definite that their leadership traits agree with those presented in the book. Notably, the coaches portray most of the traits outlined in the book, a factor that has resulted to tremendous performance of the teams.
Needless to say, the traits have helped them to seize the position to organize, supervise and execute activities within the team effectively. This can be deduced from the fact that the coaches have set a remarkable legacy that has been regarded as one of the best in history.
References
Northouse, G.P. (2010). Leadership: Theory and Practice. London: Sage Publications.
Snook, S. A., Perlow, L. A. & Delacey, J.B. (2005a). Coach K. A Matter of the Heart. Harvard Business school, 9(44): 1-14.
Snook, S. A., Perlow, L. A. & Delacey, J.B. (2005b).Coach Knight: The will to win. Harvard Business school, 9(43): 1-14.