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Elizabeth Bond Leadership MAN 5141 I2 MBA12

Upon completion of our leadership course content, it is inspiring to know that effective

transformational leadership skills can indeed by taught. Prior to this course, I believed the power

motive scale was more important to the effectiveness of a leader than the very type of leadership

skills the person utilizes. I now recognize the value in transformational leadership and appreciate

the examples provided in Twelve O Clock High.

Changes in My Views of Twelve O Clock High

The first time I watched Twelve O Clock High, I easily identified major contrasts in the 918th

groups response to Davenport and Savage. However, I originally contributed it to how they

responded to the personality of each leader; Davenport empathized with the group and Savage

was more firm and expected excellence. I now see that the true difference is Savages

transformational leadership skills. The 918th

failed under Davenport because he wasnt able to

instill a clear vision and couldnt provide intellectual stimulation. Davenport had a laissez faire

approach and avoided making tough decisions. Savage, on the other hand, utilized all four pillars

of transformational leadership: inspirational motivation, idealized influence, intellectual

stimulation and individualized consideration. He began with inspirational motivation. When he

first entered the 918th

, he provided a clear vision and outlined a distinctive path for the group. He

implemented practice flights to build the groups confidence and ensure their skill sets were at an

appropriate level for success. He also addresses each soldier individually and encourages them to

reach their full potential. One great example of individualized consideration is Savages

development of Sergeant McIllhenny. When McIllhenny stows-away on a mission, Savage scorns

him for jeopardizing the safety of himself and the entire team, but also praises him for the good

job he does as a shooter. By doing this, Savage recognizes McIllhenneys skills but also reminds

him of the importance of respecting authority and process to protect the success of any mission.

Savage utilizes individualized consideration to develop each individual team member. By providing

a good example and flying in the missions himself, Savage also develops individualized influence.

Finally, Savage does an excellent job providing intellectual stimulation. This pillar is something

Davenport didnt provide and the reason he wasnt an effective leader. Savage stimulates every

team member to the extent that the ground crew is sneaking into planes for flight missions. He

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Elizabeth Bond Leadership MAN 5141 I2 MBA12

has inspired and encouraged them and they are constantly looking to take the next step. Savage

rotated jobs and positions so that members didnt become complacent.

I also originally misidentified why the 918th

Bomb Group was originally in trouble. I first noted that

the group lacked discipline and the basic skills necessary to their success. I now understand that

this military group was at one point trained and disciplined enough to complete the task assigned

to them; however, they werent given the proper leadership to complete their task. Davenport

was not utilizing the proper leadership style to make this group successful. Once Savage takes

over, the true potential of the 918th

Bomb Group is revealed. This group had the skills necessary

for success, but it took Savages transformational leadership skills to develop the group.

Personal Take-Aways from the Transformational Leadership Study

After studying transformation leadership and the power motive which drives people to be in

positions of power, it is easier to identify and emulate these characteristics in leaders in our own

environment. I will find the model of Dr. Bernard Bass important as I advance my career in

advertising sales management. The advertising industry is rapidly changing and I will need to excel

in intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration. As Savage did with the 918th

bomb

group, I have a staff with varying experience levels and age groups. Each team member is

responding to new advertising strategies; hence, new responsibilities differently. Senior staff

members are more resistant to adopting new technology and new digital advertising strategies, so

I must be sure to focus on intellectual stimulation and encourage them to embrace the digital

elements. Ive worked to earn respect and have focused on inspirational motivation, so I can now

focus on stimulation and individual consideration. Ultimately, I am striving to create a work

environment where every team member wants to go above and beyond the expectations outlined

for them. I valued the note in lectures about training managers: the trained manager performs

better. Just as in sports, the more disciplined athlete with quality practice hours is going to

perform better on game day. Since leadership skills can indeed be taught, it is important for

people in positions of power to be trained on transformational leadership skills and to regularly

practice those skills.