Leadership on the Big Screen: Stand by Me

Leadership on the Big Screen: Stand by Me

INTRODUCTION & SUMMARY

Leadership is an imperative element for organizational success. Leaders contribute in many ways to achieve the goals and objectives set forth by company standards and missions. “Leadership effectiveness refers to attaining desirable outcomes such as productivity, quality, and satisfaction in a given situation” (DuBrin, 2013, p. 21). According to the textbook, leadership effectiveness is measured by four sets of variables which are:

1. Leader characteristics and traits

2. Leader behavior and style

3. Internal and external environment

4. Group member characteristics

Leadership is evident and most often considered in the business industry. However, leadership occurs in many situations of everyday life. Examples may include political arenas, military actions, teachers, student bodies, individual missions and even parenthood. Another example of leadership can be seen in the film industry. Many movies provide controversial themes, heroic tales or life-like scenarios or storylines that exhibit qualities and behaviors that are possessed by great leaders.

One movie in particular, Stand by Me, exemplifies the leadership abilities of a young boy in the late 50’s. Gordie Lachance and his three friends, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp and Vern Tessio set out on a quest to locate a missing boy who is presumed dead. They stumble upon many adventures in their journey, including close encounters with trains, a junkyard dog, swamp leaches and a local gang of juvenile delinquents. “Along the way, they learn about themselves, the meaning of friendship and the need to stand up for what is right” (Garykmcd, 2015).

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS, ROLES & STRATEGIES

“Characteristics associated with leadership can be classified into three broad categories: personality traits, motives, and cognitive factors” (DuBrin, 2013, p. 36). All four boys agreed to venture out in finding the missing boy; however, Gordie used the high level cognitive skills as he initiated the plan of action for the journey. He also stood up and encouraged the group of boys to continue in pursuit of the mission when situations became overwhelming and the desire to give up seemed pertinent.

For example, each team member demonstrates problematic issues. Vern is a complainer and needs to be refocused during spells of negativity. Teddy is argumentative which hinders the progression of the group. Chris, although mostly disciplined throughout the film, has a tough exterior which develops into risky behavior at certain times. The group respects Gordie’s humbleness and finds him to be trustworthy which allowed him to continue the adventure using the strategic alliance strategy which allowed him to capitalize on the strengths of his team members. This is evident when he assertively steps in to manage the difficult attitudes of the group members. They respond well to him and oblige his requests to come