Leadership in "Glory"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines different characteristics of a good leader and looks at how they are portrayed through the character of Colonel Robert Shaw in the movie. Using the military aspect of the movie, the writer discusses how Shaw was an example of a good leader/soldier and the manner in which these were displayed in his actions throughout the film.

From the Paper:

"Shaw's action has several other aspects, however, that contributed to it being an exceedingly effective way to gain support. One theory of leadership insists, "Leaders gain followers because people and organizations need direction. Although managers also provide direction, leaders chart direction in a different domain. . . . Eventually in every organization, the established path becomes blocked, or people get stuck in a rut, or a new possibility exists that is not on the existing course. The leader steps up when no defined path exists." (Blank 16). Simply put, a leader is willing to step outside of the boundaries governing conventional behavior to achieve his or her aims. People admire this quality; reaching beyond traditional paradigms allows the convictions of the leader and his followers to transcend the organizational structures that appear to limit them. A completely acceptable reaction to his soldiers' pay refusal would have been for Shaw to announce that he would report their grievances to his superiors. But Shaw goes beyond this sanctioned-almost scripted-response. By doing the unexpected, the Colonel takes a giant leap away from the persona of slave driver, or appointed manager, and towards a genuine leader of people and ideas."

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