1. Based on the principles of the SLII® model, how would you describe the runners in Group 1? What kind of leadership do they want from David and what kind of leadership does David seem prepared to give them?

2. How would you describe the fit between the runners in Group 2 and David's coaching style? Discuss.

3. How would you describe the fit between the runners in Group 2 and David's coaching style? Discuss.

4. If you were helping David with his coaching, how would you describe his strengths and weaknesses? What suggestions would you make to him about how to improve?

Three different groups of runners, with varying skills, knowledge and motivation, are training for a marathon. Halfway through training, the coach, David, finds that each group is struggling for a variety of reasons. The case study asks students to assess how David should best lead each of these groups.

One team, new to marathon running, is yearning for structure. Another team has some experience but a lot of questionsabout the effectiveness of their training. Finally, a third team has high expectations and a great deal of experience but lacks some motivation.

Due to the brief nature of the case, there is some room for discussion and disagreement about followers' developmental levels. However, the case does provide a nice format to engage in that deliberation and discuss the intricacies of situational approach.