Leadership in 'remember the Titans'

Connor Jones – 159115021 Leadership in Organisations

What type of traits does the main character show and why?

Herman Boone, from a minority background, immediately shows what type of leader traits he possesses from the first moments in the motion picture ‘Remember The Titans’. Stogdill (1948) states that “an average individual in the leadership role is different from an average group member with regard to the following eight traits: intelligence, alertness, insight, responsibility, initiative, persistence, self-confidence and sociability.” (Northouse, 2013) In the motion picture, his determination, self-confidence and sociability are clearly shown when Boone meets the former football coach Bill Yoast for the first time. Boone is confronted with a foray of prejudicial confrontation, side by side with strong ethnocentrism, and manages to achieve his goal of the conversation with tact and innovation in his use of wording. In amongst six research studies, the three traits shown above are among the ‘central traits’ concluded from the research (the main traits found in leaders). (Northouse, 2013) Throughout the film, Boone is faced with many situations which show the suggested desired personality traits that a leader should possess, according to Goldberg (1990). Low Neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness are clearly witnessed throughout the plot, three of the “universally desirable attributes”. (Northouse, 2013) These attributes are shown through the use of ruthless team building exercises, group activities, and a very dictatorial training approach to achieving “perfection”. He is always shown to be efficient at communicating the goals and ideas to the followers; even though some of the followers may not agree with him, they trust his judgement. That seems down to the act of being very extroverted but also conscientious (decisive, controlled and organised); it is suggested that this breeds trust and loyalty.

         Naturally, it can be suggested that these theories are highly subjective, due to the lack of research involved. However, the previous assumptions are based on these theories for the sake of this discussion. The negative side to his leadership style seems to be the use of dictatorial and punishment methods in order to try to achieve the groups’ goals. It can be argued that his conceptual and technical skills are extremely efficient, however, his ability to work with people (human skills) can be improved in certain circumstances, especially in situations relating to personal confrontation; nevertheless his specific skills can be discussed more in-depth at another occasion, if called upon. Boone’s inability to avoid confrontation and antagonising people in situations can be seen as evidence as Stogdill (1948) suggests “an individual with leadership traits who was a leader in one situation might not be a leader in another situation”. (Northouse, 2013)