Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
Case 6.3: Row the Boat
Case Synopsis and Analysis
P. J. Fleck set a goal to be the youngest head football coach in Division I (FBS) and he
achieved that goal at Western Michigan University at the age of 32 in 2014. He took over the
WMU Bronco program and transformed it into a nationally-ranked football team in four
years. This team transformation also led to Coach Fleck leaving the Broncos for the Big 10’s
Minnesota Golden Gophers. He also led this team to national prominence.
The case revolves around Coach Fleck’s ability to find the right people, train them, and get
out of their way to do their role on the team. This formula connects with the principles found
in the Path Goal Theory. Having a vision that others can be drawn to is a key element of
Coach Fleck’s persona. He sets goals, reaches those goals, and inspires others around him to
reach for those same goals. “ROW THE BOAT” is a mantra that follows him from team to
team outlining the metaphor of a boat, the oars, and a compass to navigate the entirety of the
Learning Objectives:
• Students will understand the purpose and role that Path Goal leaders play in the
development of their followers.
Answers to Questions in the Text:
1. The focus of path–goal theory is for leaders to enhance follower performance by
focusing on follower motivation and the nature of work tasks. Describe how Coach
Fleck achieved this through (a) follower motivation and (b) work tasks.
2. Describe Coach Fleck in terms of the four path–goal leader behaviors—directive,
supportive, participative, and achievement oriented.
Directive: Coach Fleck provides guidance to his team not just as their coach, but also
a leader. He asserts his authority in a variety of ways with the hope that the structure
he provides allows for the team to reach for their goals. This is helpful as coaching a
3. Regarding the follower characteristics outlined in the chapter, how did Coach Fleck
address followers’ (a) needs for affiliation, (b) preferences for structure, (c) desires
for control, and (d) self-perceived level of task ability?
Coach Fleck has created a persona that draws attention from current and future
players. Most of those student athletes want to be affiliated, not just with a prominent
program, but also with a mentor, a guide, a coach, and a father figure who can take
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
4. Path–goal leadership and expectancy theory are about how leaders can help followers
reach their goals. Were the goals the players were working toward their own or Coach
Fleck’s?
5. Explain Coach Fleck’s leadership in terms of expectancy theory.
“The underlying assumption of expectancy theory is that followers will be motivated
if they think they are capable of performing their work, if they believe their efforts
Potential Teaching Approaches:
Below is a way to structure a class based on the Path Goal Theory and Case Study 6.3:
• Lecture on the Path Goal Theory.
• Ask students to read Case 6.3.
• Students should discuss the key characteristics of the Path Goal model and how
Exercises for This Case Study:
1. The instructor can poll students by asking them to choose which singular type of
leadership behavior motivates them the most from this theory: directive, supportive,
2. As a small group, ask students to develop a plan to motivate middle school students
who are being asked to do a community service project. What would the plan contain,
with regards to the elements of Path Goal Theory? How would you plan to motivate
the team? Students should create 5 to 8 ideas to motivate this group while serving
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
3. In a brief essay (200-250 words), reflect back on a leader in your past who initiated
Path Goal leadership as a leader in your life. What did that person do? How did they