In The Goonies , Richard Donner exposes his audience to a group of four teenagers, Mikey Walsh, Data Wang, Chuck Cohen and Mouth Devereaux who are on an adventure to save their homes from destruction. Mikey finds an old treasure map in his father’s attic and the four teenagers, alongside the company of other characters go on an adventure to find what a secret stash. However, a close analysis of the movie exposes one to various issues associated with teams. As will be demonstrated, the issues are, but not limited to, communication, trust, delegation of roles, and leveraging already existing expertise.
A few minutes into the movie, Mikey and his friends are presented having found the treasure map in his father’s attic. However, some of the content is written in Spanish, a language that not all of them understand. Knowing their frailties, Mikey calls upon Mouth who can speak Spanish. He helps translate the part of the map that is written in a language that his friends cannot understand. In this particular instance, Mikey, who appears as the leader, is able to demonstrate his ability to delegate and maximize input. Shaban (2016) explained that part of being an effective team leader is having the skills to manage a diverse group of individuals. Understandably, diversity management not only helps maintain and create a positive working environment, but also promotes value of individual similarities and differences. Doing so allows all team members to maximize their contribution to the company (Shaban, 2016). Thus, through Mouth’s contribution in translating the Spanish content to English, he helps his friends understand the map better thereby having a positive effect on their course.
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Alongside diversity management, other issues that present themselves jointly are trust and communication. In one instance, the boys are seen carrying their bicycles as they follow their map to find the cave where the treasure is supposedly located Chunk tells Mikey “This better be it Mikey” to which Mikey responds, “Shut up Chunk!” (Donner, 1985, 27:30). The scenario demonstrates both trust and communication issues. Chunk’s concern about Mikey’s credibility is a normal experience in teamwork. Roth and Markova (2012) noted that in a group, feeling save and being vulnerable to other team members demands that individuals understand each other’s roles. One should allow each member to function freely within his or her scope of practice. Putting the movie into context, Chunk appears to be in doubt of Mikey’s capability to lead them to where the treasure might be hidden. However, Mikey immediately dismisses. While questioning each other’s intentions is part of being in a team, the manner in which one dissents to another’s views can hinder team progress. Roth and Markova (2012) emphasized that it is important for team members to allow dedicated time for exchange. Such kind of a team culture promotes each process. In the movie, the exchange between Mikey and Chunk does not demonstrate how an effective team should be. Chunk should have allowed Mikey to demonstrate his expertise in finding the location for treasure. Thus, one can notice the need for allowing an opportunity for a dedicated time for exchange among team members.
Conclusion
The Goonies is a good example of how teams operate, the positives and the negatives of team interaction. On one hand, the teenagers rely on each other’s expertise, while on the other, they question each other’s ability to lead them towards the right direction. Nevertheless, these are common issues that are common in teams. In that regard, team members should have faith in each individual’s area of expertise, as well as allow for dedicated time of exchange.
References
Donner, R. (Director). (1985). The Goonies . United States. Warner Bros.
Roth, L. M., & Markova, T. (2012). Essentials for great teams: Trust, diversity, communication ... and joy. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine,25 (2), 146-148. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2012.02.110330
Shaban, A. (2016). Managing and leading a diverse workforce: one of the main challenges in management. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences,230 , 76-84. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.09.010
