Case 5.

1: Marathon Runners at Different Levels

1. Based on the principles of the SLII model, how would you describe the runners
in Group 1? What kind of leadership do they want from David, and what kind of
leadership does David seem prepared to give them?

The runners in group 1 are characterized as D1 followers because they are very new
to running the marathons (Northouse pg 106).They have a high commitment since they are
eager to learn every detail they deem necessary, perhaps as a result from their lack of
experience (Northouse pg 98). However, this eagerness paired with their lack of experience
shows their lack of competence--leading to unnecessary questions and some behaviours
that would be considered childish by David.. The situational approach that David should take
is a S2 leadership style. Since the followers are not as skilled at running marathons, they
need someone with strong direction to guide them through and set appropriate goals. They
also need someone who is supportive to constantly encourage them so they are less prone
to asking inappropriate questions. He mentions that he treats them as “informed adults’ but
they act childish as a result of lack of motivation (Northouse pg 106). David however seems
prepared to use an S3 leadership style where he oversees their progress and works on
encouraging them, since he is assuming as adults, they can manage themselves effectively
for the marathon (Northouse pg 96).

2. How would you describe the fit between the runners in Group 2 and David's
coaching style?

Group 2 would be described as having a development level of D3. Their competence

varies between moderate to high because they have all completed the New York City
Marathon before, but their commitment is variable since they are worried about how effective
their individual training is affecting their overall performance. All the members in this group
had participated in the same marathon the previous year (Northouse pg 106), and it looks
like they need less directive behaviour from David compared to Group 1. Group 2 is looking
for a S3 leadership style from David since they want to be reassured about their training
methods. Since David is prepared to use an S3 leadership style where he uses his
experience to reassure and motivate the group (Northouse pg 96), this causes David’s
leadership style and the D3 development level of the group to match perfectly.

3. The experienced runners in Group 3 appear to be a challenge to David. Using

SLII, explain why David appears ineffective with this group.

The runners in Group 3 seem to be a challenge for David because his desired
leadership style does not seem to be working with the runners’ development level.Group 3
can be labelled as having a development level of D4. Their competence is high as the group
is full of veteran runners who have succeeded in many marathons, while the commitment is
high as they are certain of their success in the marathon (Northouse pg 106). However they
can also be labelled as having a development level of D3 since the runners’ lack excitement
about the marathon itself. This is since their commitment is variable due to the New York
City Marathon simply being 1 marathon of many to them, as evidenced by them discussing
other marathons while training (Northouse pg 106). As this group is capable of training and
managing themselves for the marathon, a S4 leadership style would be ideal since they
need minimal direction and encouragement.Since David is attempting to use a S3 leadership
style with this group, where he gives them personal tips based on his own experience, the
group is not responding well, with David thus being ineffective (Northouse pg 106).

While the situational approach argues that there is a one-to-one relationship between the
leadership style and development level, some researchers would also argue against the
necessity of it (Northouse pg 100). For example, the model suggested that a D1-developed
group (with low competence and high commitment) would require a S1-styled leadership.
However, some studies have shown that the corresponding leadership style is not always
the most effective method toward specific development groups (Northouse pg 104).
Therefore, it is appropriate that he can use a S4 style for a D3 group.

4. If you were helping David with his coaching, how would you describe his
strengths and weaknesses? What suggestions would you make to him about
how to improve?

David’s coaching style depends on the group development level and how he
addresses it. Where he excels at coaching one group, he fails to coach the other groups as
effectively as he could. Davids overall leadership is classified as a S3 leadership style where
he gives some instruction but focuses more on motivating the runners and offering advice
(Northouse pg 96). Assessing all the runners as a whole wouldn't be effective due to
differences between each ‘group’ of runners but by assessing the the three groups
individually, David can tailor his leadership style to each group and see better results from all
three groups.

In Group 1 David does give his followers support, however David fails to set goals for
the group and direct them and as a result, they constantly ask him for directions on what to
do (Northouse pg 106). If David changes his leadership style to a S2 style rather than a S3
style he would be more effective. Moving forward, David should set particular goals for this
group such as how much they should run and how to deal with certain aspects that
beginners struggle with. As lengthy as they may be, addressing their questions are important
to leading this group.

In Group 2, David uses the right leadership style on the correct category of follower.
The type of followers in Group 2 are classified as D3 followers where they have a
reasonable amount of experience but want support (Northouse pg 96). David supports his
group by offering encouragement which then reassures them which is the correct approach
according to the situational leadership model.

In Group 3, David struggles, as they are the most experienced runners, and do not
need the help and advice that David is so eager to give them. Since these runners have a
D4 development level, and are therefore at the highest level of competence (Northouse pg
98), David should adopt an S4 style of leadership, and use less directive and behavior
support for group 3.

Since David’s S3 leadership style matches Group 2’s development level perfectly,
this shows that David and Group 2 are the most ideal pairing of leader and followers.
Therefore, I would suggest that David re-evaluate the runners in both groups 1 and 3, and
try to get a better grasp of what kind of leadership style each of these groups need. In Group
1’s case, they will be more effective with a S2 leadership style, whereas for Group 3, a S4
style of leadership would be more fit for them. If he can come to understand the runners in
each of the groups, David should be able to select leadership styles that accommodate each
of the respective groups, which should lead to happiness, confidence, and ultimately
success for all the runners.

References
Northhouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership : Theory And Practice (8th ed.). Sage.