Team Work INTRODUCTION: A film that can please and impress all the various sections of the audience without getting on the nerves of another must be appreciated as a truly complete film. Lagaan is a perfect example of complete film, a classy entertainer. Before we move further the almost 4 hours saga summarized in few lines: Set in 1893, pre independence era, Lagaan is the story of Champaner, a village reeling under a drought and exorbitant taxation by the British, who having consolidated their hold over India and thus exert total control over the local land lord. To add to misery of villagers the Raja's (local land lord) announce dugna Lagaan (double tax). The villagers are shocked. Only one among them, Bhuvan, is courageous enough to challenge the decision from the ruling British and local land lord. A tiff between the resident British representative, Captain Russell and local lad Bhuvan results in the villagers being challenged to a game of cricket. Bhuvan proposes to Win a cricket match against the fearsome British team and be exempt from Lagaan for three years. Or stand to pay tiguna Lagaan (three times the tax). For the farmers, who had never seen a bat, forget knowing the rules of the game, it is almost like a death sentence. But Bhuvan fights back with the other farmers, helped on the way by Captain Russell rebellious r ebellious sister. The first half of the movie concentrates on Bhuvan's attempts to setting up a team single handedly. The simple farmers aren't too convinced that they will be able to pull it i t off, and neither are they physically comfortable with the game. Bhuvan garners a few local talents, the poultry owner, a deaf mute, an untouchable, a Sikh, a Muslim, even the village rebel. It was post interval that the action begins with the cricket match and end up with victory of Bhuvan’s team. In the simplest of terms it is the victory of good over evil. The victory symbolized the triumph of the simple Indian peasant over the British under the harshest of conditions. To sum up the movie with point of view of the assignment I would say Lagaan is more about spirit and inspiration. It is a movie about common men, led by a strong-minded individ individual ual who choos chooses es to remain remain positiv positive e to overc overcom ome e resist resistanc ance e and differ differenc ences es in opinion - and standing the ground for a cause against a powerful opposition and cherish the hope of winning winning and being exempt exempt from the hateful Lagaan for three years than face the prospect of losing and paying tiguna Lagaan. The movie is not only an entertainer it also touches many management concep concepts ts e.g. e.g. how a leader leader is create created, d, a group group is forme formed, d, chall challeng enges es to the group, group, interpersonal relationship, management of crisis on resources and conflicts within the group. group. The manag manageri erial al and Leade Leadersh rship ip conce concepts pts based based on the story story and impor importan tantt characters are discussed in this case study. 1
LEADERSHIP: Analyzing Bhuvan (The Hero- leader): In order to analyze the character of Bhuvan I begin with identifying qualities and characteristics which highlight him as person who is capable of leading. leading. 1. Good communication skill Communication is the key to be a great leader. The reason for this is simple: if he possesses the other leadership qualities but if he fails to communicate well, he will never be great leader. Bhuv Bhuvan an alwa always ys was was very very clea clearr in his his comm commun unic icat atio ion n be it his his resi resist stan ance ce to additional tax burden or his cherished hope of winning and being exempt from the tax 2. Honesty The most valuable asset of a leader is honesty. He must always be honest. Another part of his features is integrity. Once a leader compromises his or her integrity, it is lost. That is perhaps the reason integrity is considered the most admirable trait. The leaders therefore must keep it "above all else."Bhuvan throughout maintained his honesty and integrity. 3. Visionary outlook Leaders have a clear vision of the future they wish to create. All their decisions are in alignment with their over-riding objectives and move them in this direction. di rection. Bhuvan was alone character who always dreamt of not paying tax to British. Bri tish. 4. Selecting a good team Choosing the best people for team is a skill. Leader creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect by working together thus the team always finds the best solution. Bhuvan Bhuvan identifie identified d the skills of indivi individua duall villag villagers ers – be it the catch catching ing skills of chicken farmer, the pace bowling of local strong man or the spin bowling of disabled team member. 5. Action speaks louder than words A leader then works their plan by putting it into ACTION. They have Definiteness of decisions and plan. After accepting the challenge from British Bhuvan did not waste time preparing for the match he started to practice alone. 6. Ability to motivate people around A good leader must always keep motivating his team mates for good work and should maintain healthy environment. Bhuvan succeeded in competing with his full team of eleven players even though he started alone initially. 7. Consistency Leadership effectiveness is impossible without consistency. 2
Bhuvan kept keep things simple and consistent for his team who were struggling to learn the game. 8. Ability to stand against critics It takes focus and confidence not to be adversely affected by criticism. Strong leaders learn the art of listening to critics, but ultimately making decisions for the good of the department, not to simply please the critics. Bhuvan stood up to Villagers when everyone was pushing him to plead pardon from British. Additional leadership qualities highlighted by Bhuvan are as f ollows: o o o o o o
o o o o
Ability to listen advice. Unwavering courage. Self control. Always keep a sense of justice and fairness towards others. Firm self believer. Willingness to assume full responsibility for one's decisions - no matter what may go wrong. Passionate about his goal and objective. Willingness to take responsibility. Mental toughness. Peer respect.
THE EFFECTIVE TEAM: The point to be noted is that the overall victory was achieved not only because of Bhuvan’s individual performance but also the timely contribution by the members of the team. We analyze each and every team member. 1. Bagha - Dumb drummer of the temple, temple, Don’t panic while doing He is the second person who joined in the team after the young boy, Tipu. He joined himself with passion to support Bhuvan. He is very energetic and enthusiastic in the game. Although he missed many catches during the match he did not panic and falter at important juncture of the match and caught an important catch at the end. 2. Lakha - Wood cutter, Put the personal grudges behind and work for the company objectives Lakha was the traitor in the team and acted as a spy for the British people. Later he put his personal grudges behind and works for the team. 3. Arjan-Horse Shoe maker, Keep cool during the important task. Arjan was a tough guy and was initially against the decision to play the match. However with turn of events his behavior changed and he joined the team with full pass passio ion. n. In the the matc match h he did did some some wond wonder erfu full stro stroke kes s but but was was instig instigat ated ed to do the the mistakes.
3
4. Ismayeel- Potter, Commitment to work Ismayeel had a deform leg. Even though he got hurt in the first ball he faced and was carried away from the field on the stretcher he joined the team with full passion and commitment when the team needed him. 5. Guran - Fortune teller, Strategy planning Guran joined hands with Bhuvan and encouraged the other villagers and his funny way batting add some wit moments. When his first two balls of the over were directly hit out of the ground, he changed his strategy of bowling thereby forcing the English bats men to commit mistakes. His acumen acumen of adapti adapting ng to condition conditions s and changin changing g immediate immediately ly played played a vital vital role in forcing many British players to commit mistakes. 6. Goli-The sling shot fellow, don’t be nervous Goli had a very special and unique talent of spinning the ball and it was properly used by the Bhuvan. While batting he was very nervous and got out in the first ball itself. 7. Tipu: Young village lad, Be enthusiastic Tipu was the first person who joined Bhuvan and formed the TEAM. He did not let his age become hindrance in competing with the British. He was timely utilized by the Bhuvan as by-runner when Ishmael gets hurt in the leg. 8. Kaka -Old village doctor , Determination Kaka the old village doctor initially opposed the decision. Once motivated he did not let his age stop him to participate with the team. He utilized his professional talent by treating the players with his medicine if they get hurt. He proved proved to be a very very useful useful team team member member and contrib contributed uted to succe success ss due his his strong determination. 9. Bhura -Hen catcher, Self sacrifice & Presence of mind Bhura had a special ability of catching the ball. He trained other team members to catch hold of the ball. His presence of mind was very appreciable during the course of the play he sacrificed his wicket for the team. 10. Deva Singh-A native from nearby village, Courage He joined the team with a clear goal that he wanted to fight and win with British in every sphere of his life. He was courageous and displayed strong will power. 11. Kachra: The cripple untouchable boy, Recognition of work Kachra is the untouchable boy and due the social customs of villagers his entry to the team was not accepted by the team members. Bhuvan discovered his disability as special talent to spin the cricket ball. On the first day of the game his spin didn’t work because of the new ball. He was not discouraged with the fact and returned the next day with determination and claimed a hatrick. Villagers, who rejected him initially carried him on their shoulders and celebrated with joy. GROUP DYNAMICS
4
An unde unders rsta tand ndin ing g of grou group p dyna dynami mics cs is esse essent ntia iall for for effe effect ctiv ive e prac practi tice ce and and understanding of pattern of each group member within the group. Groups that do not consider racial, ethnic, and cultural variables may present significant consequences for racially and ethnically diverse members. The various factors which affect the group dynamics are as: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Interp Interpers ersona onall Attracti Attraction on And Cohes Cohesion ion Social Social Inte Integra gratio tion n And And Influe Influence nce Powe Powerr And And Cont Contro roll Culture
Tuckman’s model: As per Tuckman’s model, there exist 6 stages of group development namely: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 -
Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning Mourning
Stage Sta ge 1 Forming Form ing During this stage a new team is formed. The participant who display confidence, knowledge, passion to accomplish mission, determination and intrinsically motivated is given the role of leading the team. In this this stag stage e each each team team memb member ers s get get to know know each each othe other. r. The The team team lead leader er motivates the members and individual skills are analysed to fit their roles. Only some rules and regulations are set to work on raw knowledge. Stage Sta ge 2 -
Storming Stor ming
Duri During ng the the seco second nd stag stage e of grou group p form format atio ion n conf confli lict cts s aris arise e base based d on ego, ego, communal, racial and gender. Extreme situations lead the team to be non co-operative. It is during this crucial time Leader should understand the individual views and resolve the conflicts so that the team values evolve. Stage Sta ge 3 -
Norming Norm ing
In the Third stage leaders should discourage conflicts within members. Should there be any conflicts arises, the leader need to talk to individuals concerned and to group to fix it. During this phase Team tasks are to be prioritized and planned for who, where, when and how to performed. Mistakes by members can be tolerated to a level and give them Opportunity to learn from mistakes. Stage Sta ge 4 –
Performi Perf orming ng
When Organizational teams are in the stage of performing, the leader of the group delegates the works with minimal supervision. Team members work together and role 5
switching is prevalent. When certain members couldn’t perform, others help and they perform as a whole team. Motivation is always maintained to keep away setbacks. Stage 5 - Adjourning and Stage 6 - Mourning - depicts the decay of the team once the objective is met and common goal achieved. Tuckma Tuckman’s n’s model model also also states states that that Leade Leadersh rship ip of teams teams requir requires es an abilit ability y to diagnose the stage of development of teams, and make appropriate interventions that move the team forward. Using the wrong type of intervention can lead to destroy any good teamwork that already existed. Therefore it is important for the leader to use the right approach. Leaders play a critical role during implementing change. During this middle period the team is the most unstable, characterized by confusion, fear, loss of direction, and lack of clarity about direction. We now analyze the complete group and the leader using the Tuckman’s model. Forming: Forming: Bhuvan naturally becomes the leader as he accepts the challenge. There was anxiety within the villagers that who is going to join the team with Bhuvan. Bhuvan plays cricket in the street of the village to let the villagers know that is not a hard game to learn. He motivates motivates people people to join the team. team. Bhuvan Bhuvan uses the resources resources available for his reach and make the bat and ball. Whenever a new member joins the team, they are encouraged and their strengths in particular tasks are evaluated. For instance when Bagha- The dumb man, who is drummer in the temple joins as he gained strength of beating drum and was considered as a good batsman. Goli, the sling shot fellow was appreciated for his accuracy in throwing the ball and Bhura, hen catcher was identified as a good fielder. Arjan and Deva Singh Sodhi join the team on Personal Agenda. The former want to revenge British team and by then Captain Russell, by whom he was humiliated and the later was in British army who hates the British. The knowledge of cricket to the team was very shallow that they thought only bowling and batting with few people, until the rules are revealed by Caption Russell’s good hearted sister Elizabeth.
Storming: Storming: When Bhuvan found the talent of spinning the ball by Kachra, who is a sweeper from untouchable community, community, he wanted to add him into the team. Conflict emerges as the whole team does not want Kachra to join their team. Bhuvan explains the team that 6
untouchable is against humanity and Kachra’s crippled hand will turn to spinning the ball which will add strength to the team. He also reminded the team that the game is not for fun but is a battle with the goal of liberation from tax and welfare of the community. Bhuvan as leader of the team was directive in decision making but the villager finally trust Bhuvan and accepts his decision. He explains the shared commitment and the common goal.
Norming: Norming: Conflict of the team with member Lakha, who was acting as a spy to Captain Russell was reconciled by giving him a chance. Bhuvan the leader managed the situation as he knows that Lakha cannot be eliminated from headcount and his performances in practices were good. He saved Lakha from villagers and gave him a chance to perform for the team. This shows the positive co-operation on the task. Before Bhuvan’s team batting, the batting order was planned by the leader as best batsmen hit first and followed by weaker ones. Bhuvan as the leader allows the miss catches by Bagha who was in boundary line. But every time keep on encouraging him to grab the ball. Bhuvan knows that Bagha will learn and
perform in the team and he can learn from his mistakes. The The encouragement encouragement
paid as Bagha did not missed a catch finally.
Performing: Performing: Giving a chance to Lakha was fruitful as he didn’t miss an excellent catch. Bhuvan the leader noticed that Kachra will be able to spin the ball when it is getting old and he changes the strategy of the game. He calls him to bowl again which other team members thought that it would be a crazy act. The team experiences a small unnoticeable Storming Stage and reverts back. But his strategy paid off with hat trick wickets by Kachra. The energy if the team was constructive then onwards though there was some hick ups. Bhuvan was guiding and motivating the team and not only him but the whole team celebrated little wins of each individuals throughout the match which brought high energy to the team. Bhuvan withdrew his authority when Ismayeel who was injured in batting and retired hurt, decides to bat again with a buy runner Tipu, as the team was in the crisis of no more strong batsman.
7
The following tables and graphical representation of the Tuckman’s model show the stage of development of the Lagaan team, and then outlines the types of interventions by Bhuvan that kept the team moving forward...
Element -
Characteristics of each stage During Initial Team forming Stage Forming
Storming
Focus
Own/sole objectives
Problems
Trust
Assessing Bhuvan
Trusting Bhuvan
Normin Settling in Processes Trust the processes
Final Match Performing Performance of Team Self Trust
Relationships Not existing
Conflicting with others
Slowly forming
Synergize into TEAM
Criticism
Open/ Ample
Residing/ Settling down
Constructive outlook
Agreeable/ Comfortable
Decision making
Nil existed
Developing
Developing
Natural
Volatile
Volatile
Systematic
Easy to Anticipate
Role understanding
Ignorant
Ambiguous
Clarity
Well understood
Performance
Ind Individ ividua uall effo effort rt Gett Gettin ing g into into te team
Follo ollowi win ng rule rules s
Achieving desired performance
Anticipation
Type of interventions made by Bhuvan During initial Stage of Team making Initial Stages Direction Leader focus Persuasion style Team Interaction
Storming Res Resolve olve con confl flic icts ts Leading Team member Individual tasks interactions
Final Match Norming Performing Facil acilit itat ate e pro process cessesC esCo oach ach leading Leading Task oriented Towards Team interactions
Tell
Advisory
Support
Facilitate relationships
Team Relationship
Forming Set obj objec ecti tiv ves Leading
Consultation
Individual need Facilitate basis relationships
Graphical Analysis with Tuckman’s Model 8
F O L E V E L
N A M R O F R E P
1.Kachra -the untoucha ble man joining the team. 2. Knowled ge about the game was question ed
E C
Bhuvan was challenged to form his village’s Cricket
FORMING
1. Conflict with Lakha and team was reconcile d 2. Strength of each team member’s analysed
STORMING NORMING
1. Batting performance was high though made mistakes 2. Ismayeel, as an individual performer decides himself to give a hand when team’s performance lowers
PERFORMING
Not applica ble
ADJOURNING
Not applicable
MOURNING
9
