Glory Directed by Edward Zwick

¶ … Glory directed by Edward Zwick and Dan Lerner. Specifically it will summarize the film and apply at least three leadership theories to the main character. It will also contain a personal reflection on the leadership qualities of the film. This film is based on true incidents that occurred during the Civil War. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, is the main character of the film and throughout it, he exhibits numerous leadership skills that eventually help turn his men, the first black regiment in history, into a cohesive fighting unit. The Massachusetts 54th was legendary for their fearless fighting. The film ends with Shaw's death and the unsuccessful attempt to take Battery Wagner in South Carolina, but the 54th went on to serve in numerous other battles throughout the war.

The film uses actual letters from Colonel Shaw to his family as background and narration throughout the action. Shaw's letters (and his actions during the film) show him to be a thoughtful, educated man who fiercely believed in what he was doing and was determined to do his job well. He exhibits numerous leadership characteristics, and perhaps the most important is his ability to lead his men and create the urge for them to follow wherever he led. He insisted on leading his men into battle, rather than remaining at the rear to direct the campaign. As with almost any extremely effective leader, he did not expect his men to do anything he would not himself do. He stood out in the rain with them, stood up for them to his superiors and others who tried to take advantage of the regiment, and fought for them when they were wronged. He refused pay, as his soldiers did, because they were being paid less than white troops. He fought for uniforms and equipment for them, and generally proved himself fair and principled, which are important leadership theories in any situation.

Another leadership quality attributed to him was his openness and willingness to try new things. He was open enough to volunteer to lead the first black regiment, and this allowed him to try new things and open up new doors for himself and his men. He was strong when he needed to be, but compassionate, too. A leader must possess these qualities to understand his men, because he must understand them to lead them. Shaw did not know everything about his men, but he was open to learning more and understanding their circumstances so he could be more effective as their leader. For example, he did not know the men were suffering from ill-fitting shoes until someone showed him, and he made the mistake of beating a man who had left the regiment to steal shoes. He was open to learn, though, and when he understood, he demanded proper uniforms and footwear for his men. He knew enough to learn from his mistakes, and this is the mark of a good leader. He was compassionate enough to understand their needs and do something about it. A manager cannot be too far removed from the people they lead, and Shaw distanced himself from his men to illustrate his leadership role, but still understood their pain and their own needs.

Another leadership tactic applied to Shaw is his ability to ask for advice when he needs it. He is open to change, but he also can recognize his weaknesses and wants to do something about them. He surrounds himself with a good, loyal staff, and realizes they need help in training, so he brings in an expert. This is another well-recognized leadership tactic. No one can do anything, and no one knows everything. To take command is sometimes to recognize defeat and then fix the problem. Shaw had the ability to do that, and admit that he could not be an expert in every facet of the Army. A good leader will bring in people to act as experts in areas where they may be weak or need additional training. A good leader will also recognize when they need advice or help, and are not afraid to admit they need this help.

Finally, Shaw had a great moral sense, and a strong sense of what is right and wrong, and this is another mark of a fine leader. Shaw tried to right some of the wrongs his regiment faced, from prejudice to cheating and low pay. He was a moral man who wanted justice and equality for his men at a time when blacks were still slaves in the South. A fine leader has morality, common sense, and a sense of fair play. This helps develop loyalty in the people they lead, and security, too. His men knew they could trust their leader and that he would never cross them or turn his back on them. That develops loyalty, and loyalty is one of the things a good leader needs in order to continue to be effective and successful.