Character:

Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) was born in 1967. Francois started with the Springboks in 1993 and was selected as captain after his first game. He remained captain his entire career, which lasted until 1996, and he actually was known as one of the most successful captain the Springboks team had.
(Source: http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/francois-pienaar)

Francois possesses a task and relations behaviour as he emphasize on his overall team performance. He ensure that he treat his team members equally although he has a black team member in his team. Besides that, he is a diplomatic and tactful leader. This is proven in a scene where Mandela invites Francois to tea one afternoon. One of the Afrikaners on the security team asks Francois how the Springboks will fare that year. Despite Francois promising to do their best, the Afrikaner decides that they have absolutely no chance.

Francois tries to lead by example. Francois believes that those who lead by example show that they are trustworthy, hard-working, and focused on the needs of the team. This is proven in a scene where during the tea session with Mandela, Francois and Mandela discuss their philosophies on leadership on Francois’s views on leadership, forms of leadership are presented and what would inspire Francois and his crew to excel in their duties beyond their normal expectations. Team-Focused Understands that his job as captain is to help the team perform at its best so he tries to inspire with silence, with song, and aggressive play on the field

Other effective leadership traits that Francois possesses are the big five personality traits. Firstly, Francois has the surgency trait where his energy level is high for success, to win the Rugby championship competition. Secondly, he has the conscientiousness trait where he has a very high of personal integrity. In the movie, Francois is an honest and pure competitor who does not tolerate drug use on his team. Thirdly, he has the agreeableness trait where he is optimistic & nurturance. We can see that he is very helpful and provide guidance to his team members in ensuring they are on time on team practice and never give up easily to the opponents. Fourthly, he has the adjustment trait where he has the emotional stability; high self-esteem & self-control.This proven in a scene where Francois need to confront a security that has no hope with his team and during the decision to change the Springboks name to different name. Lastly, Francois possesses the intellectance personality trait where he is an open minded person, curious and inquisitive and open for learning. This can be proven in a scene where all the white people doubt during Mandela received the mandate to rule. But, Francois opens up his mind to see Mandela and he is then inspired by Mandela life journey to the top. In addition, in scene (54.45): The Springboks receive an “order from the top” to start running coaching clinics around the country. The team responds by complaining, saying that they do not have time and told Francois they are not doing a “circus show”. Francois has made his decision not to bring the concerns up to the management as he believe that the team should change their mind set and start focusing what have been told rather than complaining.

All the traits above help Scene: South Africa Rugby team to edge out New Zealand by three points as the clock runs out. South Africa wins 15-12.After the trophy presentation the streets of South Africa are booming with excitement. Both white and black South Africans are cheering for the Springboks in celebration.

Even the most effective leaders lose their way occasionally. In spite of best effort we have observe two ineffective leadership behavioural in Francois.

Firstly, Francois is only focusing solely on the goal without consulting the team members and uses his legitimate power to ensure his team listen to him. In the scene, the Springboks receive an “order from the top” to start running coaching clinics around the country. The team responds by complaining, saying that they do not have time and told Francois they are not doing a “circus show”. Francois has made his decision not to bring the concerns up to the management as he believe that the team should change their mind set and start focusing what have been told rather than complaining. He should keep in his mind that task, team and individual are interrelated with each other (John Adair model)

Secondly, Francois can’t control his temper. This is proven in a scene where Francois, in an attempt to convey Mandela's message, gives his team copies of the South African national anthem, telling them that they shouldn't mumble through the words like they used to. Most of the team crumples up their copies, saying they have no interest. Francois recants and says it is optional. As a team leader, he must portray a good example and encourage participative leadership to ensure the team listen to him.

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