‘Remember The Titans’ ​is a heartwarming, powerful movie that talks about the struggles

faced by a high-school football team, and their new coach, Mr. Boone- the first Black head
coach in a newly integrated district. Apart from messages about racial equality and
friendship, the movies touches upon many aspects of organisational behaviour and
management, which I will be discussing in the coming points:

● Resistance to change- A major theme touched upon throughout the movie is the
resistance to change. When the Black and white high schools are integrated, the initial
reaction of the entire community is apprehension and protest. This is not welcomed at
all, due to preconceived bias and prejudice, as well as fear. This situation is often seen
in organizations, when employees refuse to adapt to new technology, change in
management, etc.

● Commitment- The commitment of the players and the coaches is visible throughout
the film. One example of this is when the white players find out that Coach Yoast has
lost his position as Head Coach and is looking for opportunities elsewhere, they
decide to leave the team and stop playing. Recognizing the detrimental effect that this
could have on their careers, Yoast decides to stay on as Assistant Coach. This can
play out in real life in situations where the superior does not abandon the subordinates
during their time of need, even though he might not be required to stay on.

● Reinforcing authority- At various points throughout the film, the superiors reinforce
or remind the subordinates of their position of authority, whether during heated
discussions or disciplinary measures. For example, Gerry challenges Coach Boone's
authority by asking him to reserve half the team for his players. Another example is
when Coach Yoast changes the strategy at the last minute without informing Coach
Boone. In both of these situations, they were immediately and strongly reprimanded.

● Leadership styles- It is apparent that Coach Boone and Coach Yoast have distinct,
contrasting styles of leadership. Coach Boone prefers a more democratic approach- he
is more understanding of the players and their individual needs and preferences. He is
also more empathetic and encourages suggestions from the players. Meanwhile,
Coach Boone is an authoritarian. He is firm, bordering on harsh, and expects the
players and assistant coaches to adhere to his orders. He is also a disciplinarian. In his
words, ​he is the law​. However, as expected when dealing with a group of diverse
individuals, his style of leadership does not suit everyone. For example, Petey finds it
difficult to perform well when he is constantly challenged and provoked by Coach
Boone.

● Priorities- At various points throughout the movie, individuals need to question their
beliefs and relationships in terms of how they affect the group’s performance as a
whole. For example, Gerry and Ray had been close friends for most of their life and
 always played together. However, when Gerry realises that Ray purposely sabotaged
a block, which impacted the game severely, he prioritized the success of the team over
their friendship, and cut Ray from the team. Hence, Gerry demonstrates that his
priorities lie with the team and their performance, rather than his personal
relationships.

● Attitude- The movie beautifully highlights the attitudes of various people towards
individuals of a different race, and how those attitudes change over time. Almost all
of the whites treat Blacks with disrespect and condescension. They are made to feel
unwelcome in the neighbourhoods, restaurants, schools, and even on the street.
However, over the course of several months, through continuous interaction with
them, they lose their prejudices extend a hand of friendship and respect. Even in
organizations, people’s attitudes change over time, and can deeply influence the
organizational culture.

● Motivation- Coach Boone and Coach Yoast are both highly skilled motivators. From
the get-go, they push the players to get to know each other and do their very best. He
uses powerful affirmations to enhance their self-confidence and belief in themselves,
as visible in all the training sessions. Coach Boone also encourages Lastik to work
hard and keep trying, due to which Lastik’s grades improve and he is able to enroll in
college. Coach Yoast encourages the players to learn from their mistakes, and gives
them second chances to prove their worth and their learnings to the team.

● Formal and Informal organisation- In the Titans’ football team, one can clearly
distinguish between the formal and informal organisation. Formally, Coach Boone is
the head, assisted by Coach Yoast, and his orders and instructions have to be followed
by all the team members. Gerry is the official team captain. However, at an informal
level, Gerry shares his power with Julius, and the other team members look up to
them for guidance, and as role models. They disperse information, give instructions,
and influence the rest of the group.

● Team spirit- This is possibly the most important theme of the movie. It shows us how
a group of individuals and strangers prejudiced against each other become a team in
the truest sense. They learn to work together, prioritise the team goals, and support
each other in trying times. Through various team-building activities, the group
becomes more cohesive and united. They realize that the priority should not be
individual strengths and flaws, but the dynamics of theme as a whole. This team spirit
and unity is their greatest strength.

The movie also highlights interesting aspects such as how an organisation is affected by
pressure from external stakeholders, i.e, the parents of the players and the other community
members, and the benefits of analysing the strategy of the competition.
Thus, to conclude, this movie carries a deep and valuable message for all management
students. It shows one the massive impact that an individual’s behaviour can have on the
organisation’s performance as a whole. I have learnt a great deal from this movie, and will
most definitely ​Remember the Titans​ throughout my corporate life.