Leadership Theories in the Film Glory (1989)

Introduction: Glory and Colonel Shaw

Glory, directed by Edward Zwick and Dan Lerner, is a film based on true events that occurred during the Civil War. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, is the main character, and throughout the film he exhibits numerous leadership skills that ultimately help transform his men — the first Black regiment in American history — into a cohesive fighting unit. The Massachusetts 54th Infantry became legendary for its 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 draws on actual letters written by Colonel Shaw to his family, using them as narration throughout the action. Shaw's letters, and his conduct during the film, portray him as a thoughtful, educated man who fiercely believed in his mission and was determined to carry it out with distinction. He exhibits numerous leadership characteristics, and perhaps the most important is his ability to inspire his men and create a genuine desire in them to follow wherever he led.

Leading by Example

Shaw insisted on leading his men into battle rather than remaining at the rear to direct the campaign. As with almost any highly effective leader, he never expected his men to do anything he would not do himself. He stood out in the rain with them, advocated for them before his superiors when others tried to take advantage of the regiment, and fought for them when they were wronged. When his soldiers refused their pay because they were being paid less than white troops, Shaw refused his own pay as well. He fought for proper uniforms and equipment and consistently proved himself to be fair and principled — qualities that are central to servant leadership in any organizational context.

Openness, Compassion, and Adaptability

Another leadership quality attributed to Shaw was his openness and willingness to try new things. He was open enough to volunteer to lead the first Black regiment, and this willingness allowed him to break new ground for himself and his men. He was strong when the situation demanded it, but also compassionate. A leader must possess both qualities in order to understand the people he leads, and understanding is a prerequisite for effective leadership.

Shaw did not know everything about his men, but he remained open to learning more about their circumstances so he could lead them more effectively. For example, he was unaware that the men were suffering from ill-fitting shoes until someone brought it to his attention — and he initially made the mistake of disciplining a man who had left the regiment to steal footwear. However, he was open to learning from that error. Once he understood the situation, he immediately demanded proper uniforms and footwear for his regiment. Knowing enough to learn from one's mistakes is a hallmark of good leadership. Shaw was compassionate enough to recognize his men's needs and take action. While a leader must maintain enough authority to be recognized as such, Shaw understood that being too far removed from the people he commanded would undermine his effectiveness.

Seeking Advice and Recognizing Limitations

A further leadership quality demonstrated by Shaw is his ability to ask for advice when he needs it. He is open to change, and he is also capable of recognizing his own weaknesses and acting on them. He surrounds himself with a loyal, capable staff, and when he recognizes that the regiment needs help with training, he brings in an expert. This is a well-recognized leadership strategy: no single person can do everything or know everything. To take effective command sometimes means acknowledging a deficiency and then addressing it. Shaw had this ability — he could admit that he was not an expert in every facet of Army operations. A strong leader brings in people who can fill gaps in knowledge or skill, and is not afraid to admit the need for that support. According to Harvard Business Review, the willingness to seek outside expertise and acknowledge personal limitations is a defining trait of high-performing leaders.

References

Zwick, E., & Lerner, D. (Directors). (1989). Glory [Film]. Tri-Star Pictures.