Leadership

Twelve O’Clock High

Introduction to the paper’s subject, and primary objectives:

General information regarding the topic of this paper:

 The purpose of this paper is to identify and contrast the different styles of leadership exhibited by two characters found in the 1949 movie Twelve O’Clock High starring Gregory Peck as General Savage, Army Air Forces general. Based on a true story, Twelve O’Clock High is a inspirational account of the highly dangerous precision daylight bombing missions carried out by US Army Air Force’s 918th Bomber Group in England during the last part of World War II. In the beginning of the movie the squadron is commanded by general Davenport. It is very clear that General Davenport’s main concern is the wellbeing of his men. He obviously had developed close interpersonal relationships. The men of the squadron were completely devoted towards Davenport and they trusted any decision that he would make. General Davenport’s affection for his men comes to interfere with his ability to lead them. The squadron suffers heavy losses to planes and heavier losses to soldiers. One instance that clearly demonstrates Davenport’s incapability to uphold his responsibilities as the leader is when he jeopardizes the well being of the entire squadron by ignoring protocol and flying out of formation in the attempt to save one plane. When it becomes apparent to Davenport’s superiors that his emotional feelings have become an obstacle to his effectively leading the squadron they relieve him. General Savage who is ordered to take over the underachieving bomber group experiencing heavy losses because of poor technique and lack of focus. Savage takes a kind of tough love approach, holding his men to the highest standards. Savage makes the point that the ultimate objection of the squadron is to successfully complete the assigned missions. Throughout the movie Savage constantly makes it absolutely clear to the squadron that no one individual’s wellbeing will be placed ahead of the entire team and the success of the team. Initially the changing of the preceding General dispirits the squadron. They felt that General Savage was uncompassionate considering the men as nothing more then numbers that were dispensable at his convenience. After several missions that were marked by a remarkable turnaround in success the man eventually come...

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...rganization this movie offers a very concrete example for people in authority to follow. It can also be applied in situations where there has been a recent change in authority. According to the book leaders that have recently entered a position of authority should be more task specific in the way they interact with employees. This will clear up some of the ambiguity associated with the needs of the new leader to the employees.

Reasons why Savage succeeded where Davenport failed:

Differences in primary motivation:

Davenport was primarily motivation was the establishing and maintaining of close interpersonal relationships with his followers. While Savage, on the other hand, was primarily motivated by task accomplishment. As in this type of situation Savage’s style is more effective. However, even though Davenport failed in this situation I feel that his leadership style has the potential to be highly successful in an environment that are more favorable. In this example Savage was faced with a crises. In periods of crisis leaders identify problems and implement solutions tend to be the most effective. Clearly Savage does a better job of making his expectations clear.