GINEZ, Nedy Lynne R.

BSN IV- D

Date: July 01, 2011

REACTION PAPER: FACING THE GIANTS

The movie Facing the Giants has a general plot of a losing coach with an underdog football team faces the giants of fear and failure on and off the field to surprising results. It was all about a football team who always lose in football competitions, until their coach motivated them by means of Gods philosophy and moral values. He directed his team to a new game plan. --To include God in their game. This new technique had helped them win in the championships. This plot alone indicated the Theory Z by Ouchi. This theory has humanistic viewpoint and focuses on developing better ways of motivating people. ALEX KENDRICK played the character of a football coach whose faith is tested not only by successive losing seasons, but also by domestic issues including infertility. When he decided to base his coaching tactics on the Bible, he managed to inspire his players. This coach is the perfect example of a Transformational leader. As perceived in the Transformational Theory by Burns under the Contemporary approach of leadership, the said coach behaves in accordance with Gods values and morals. He inspired his team and empowered them to do their best in the game of football. He convinced his determined team of underdogs that there's nothing they can't accomplish with a little faith -- including the miracle of winning a season in football when all hope seems lost. As he said, "If we win, we praise him; if we lose, we praise him. I've resolved to give God everything I've got." He showed the ability to believe in his team and to deal with the complexity, ambiguity and uncertainty of problems. Because of these characteristics, his football team won the State Championship and also resulted in his pay raise to fix up their deteriorating house. He was miraculously given a shiny new red pick-up by an unexpectedly happy and downright respectful parent to replace his junk car. And his wife got pregnant at last. The Theory of Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf was also seen in the movie. The head coach, as well as CHRIS WILLIS who played the wisecracking assistant coach who fell in line with the religious angle of coaching and TRACY GOODE who played the other assistant coach showed leadership in the service of the Lord. The three of them inspired their team and trained them physically, emotionally and spiritually. They instilled in the minds of their players that in any problem or challenges in lives, the only way to survive is to believe and have faith in God. As they say, WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSIBBLE! They acted as leaders in Gods grace and encouraged their players that God will make a way and bring them into success. The story line also illustrated the Biblical story of David and Goliath. The scene where the youngest and smallest boy on the football team, named David, beat the opposing team, appropriately named The Giants, in the final game with one mighty field goal kick.