The Army Crew Team Case Study Examples

Question One

The major problem, in this case, is the constant defeat of the Varsity Team by the Junior Varsity Team. However, there are a number of issues that bring about this kind of situation. First, the varsity team lacks a leader when competing. Instead, there are a number of disrupters contrary to the Junior Varsity Team, which has got no interrupters. Secondly, the Varsity Team lacks a strong motivational slogan that can drive their efforts towards winning. Lastly, after practice or a race, the Varsity Team is characterized by a lot of scolding on individual members while the Junior Varsity Team encourages one another collectively (Snook & Polzer, 8). Lack of a proper strategy and intervention to counter this challenge poses even a bigger problem.

Question Two

In order to address these issues, there are a number of changes that need to be instituted promptly. First there is need to consider changing the team members of the varsity team who are constantly losing to the junior varsity team. Switching them might not help in solving the problem. Entirely changing the whole team might solve the problem. Furthermore, a consideration should also be made to change the coach to bring in new expertise, experience and the way of doing things.

Question Three

Currently, the problem seems to be at its highest point especially considering the constant defeats on the side of the varsity team and the victories for the junior team. Additionally, problem seems to have gone beyond mere losing to blame-games which heighten interpersonal differences while compromising the spirit of teamwork and unity towards achieving the same goal. It is anticipated that this situation is likely to escalate to more complicated level if proper interventions are not instituted. The future of the varsity team is bleak, desolate and dreary especially considering the outcome of the last meeting held by the coach at the picnic table (Snook & Polzer, 10).

Question Four (a)

The coach, who is the protagonist, in this case, needs to address the problem with the urgency it deserves. The urgency should also be articulated to the team members to understand the significance of the situation. Thereafter, he should ensure that the varsity team has a leader who is powerful enough to convince the rest. The coach should then come up with measures to establish means through which team members are to work as a group united towards a common goal which is winning. This should be guided by a motivational and strong slogan that reminds the team members of the significance of winning. Notably, this should be done by eliminating any barriers to success that might exist. Subsequently, the coach should institute these changes while practicing now and then to let the members taste short-term victory and thereafter direct their efforts towards winning.

Question Four (b)

Through these recommendations, the coach will be able to train, prepare and instruct a team that can work united towards achieving a common goal, which is winning. The dilemma that the coach has been faced with will automatically be eliminated through the interventions stated above. Rather than continually switch team members, effectively building on the existing team is crucial for victory. Significantly, in order to achieve a more fruitful and successful future, the coach will be required to build on the change that has been instituted and anchor the change in the team’s culture. This will ensure that the change and interventions become the core of the team, hence, guarantee future victory in the competitions.

Question Five

There are a number of potential change-related issues that are likely to arise as a result of the recommendations. First, the team members are likely to have a hard time adapting to the new training and practicing environment. Following a new set of rules might be difficult and hard for the team members. It is also likely that team members might ‘turn their backs’ to the new change due to the ‘fear of unknown’. This is because they cannot perceive or project the likely outcome of doing things in a whole different way.

Work Cited

Snook, Scott & Polzer, T. Jeffrey. The Army Crew Team. Harvard: Harvard Business School, 2004.