Differential Essay
A Tale of Two Coaches Kermetris T. Hill
Grand Canyon University: LDR 600
01/14/2013
A TALE OF TWO COACHES Katz (1955) suggests that three basic administrative needs must be present for managers to be effective technical, human, and conceptual. These three basic needs can also be a sign of positive leadership. Coach Bob Knight and Coach Mike Krzyzewski definitely possess these administrative needs and many more. Of the three basic administrative needs I think that the most apparent need demonstrated by Coach Knight would have to be the technical skill. The basis for my response is his approach to coaching and leading his team. Coach Knight is a very hands on in your face type of leader. He knows all the aspects of his craft which in turn makes him successful in his leadership position. Coach K’s begin as a protégé of Coach Knight so it natural that some of his leadership tactics resemble his mentor. The most dominant administrative skill present in Coach K is the human skill. He uses his ability to connect with his players intellectually and emotionally to his advantage to make him an effective leader. In my opinion none of the three administrative skills appear to be deficient but others are more prominent which over compensates for the skills that are lacking. Blake and Mouton’s leadership grid (1964, 1978, 1985) describes concern for people and concern for production. The grid consists of five leadership styles which are country club manager, team manager, impoverished manager, middle road manager, and authority-obedience manager. In terms of the leadership grid Coach Knight and Coach K’s both have an overall team manager style that focuses on building participation and support for a shared purpose. I would say that the main difference would be in the human interaction of the coaches with their players. Coach Knight is more of an authority-obedience manager that focuses on efficiency of tasks and operations whereas
Grand Canyon University: LDR 600
01/14/2013
A TALE OF TWO COACHES Katz (1955) suggests that three basic administrative needs must be present for managers to be effective technical, human, and conceptual. These three basic needs can also be a sign of positive leadership. Coach Bob Knight and Coach Mike Krzyzewski definitely possess these administrative needs and many more. Of the three basic administrative needs I think that the most apparent need demonstrated by Coach Knight would have to be the technical skill. The basis for my response is his approach to coaching and leading his team. Coach Knight is a very hands on in your face type of leader. He knows all the aspects of his craft which in turn makes him successful in his leadership position. Coach K’s begin as a protégé of Coach Knight so it natural that some of his leadership tactics resemble his mentor. The most dominant administrative skill present in Coach K is the human skill. He uses his ability to connect with his players intellectually and emotionally to his advantage to make him an effective leader. In my opinion none of the three administrative skills appear to be deficient but others are more prominent which over compensates for the skills that are lacking. Blake and Mouton’s leadership grid (1964, 1978, 1985) describes concern for people and concern for production. The grid consists of five leadership styles which are country club manager, team manager, impoverished manager, middle road manager, and authority-obedience manager. In terms of the leadership grid Coach Knight and Coach K’s both have an overall team manager style that focuses on building participation and support for a shared purpose. I would say that the main difference would be in the human interaction of the coaches with their players. Coach Knight is more of an authority-obedience manager that focuses on efficiency of tasks and operations whereas
References: Blake, R.R., & Mouton, J.S. (1964). The managerial grid. Houston, TX: Gulf. Katz, R.L. (1955). Skills of an effective administrator. Boston: Harvard Business Review. Snook, Perlow, and Delacy. “Coack K: A Matter of the Heart.” From Harvard Business School Case (2005). Snook, Perlow, and Delacy. “Coach Knight: A Will to Win” From Harvard Business School Case (2005).