Apollo 13 Film Analysis

Apollo 13 Film Analysis

Leadership Communication

26 July 2013

The mission of Apollo 13 and the movie which captured the story of the mission events are an extraordinary example of several different types of leadership traits. Apollo 13 has often been called the “successful failure” because the intended purpose of the mission may not have been accomplished but something even more special took place. The incredible setback that this mission experienced was met with teamwork by a group an individuals who were determined to pull together and discover a solution that would get the men of the mission home safe.

Throughout this story there are a number of individuals who emerged as leaders. Not only were there a number of leaders that emerged but there were also a number of leadership styles that can be associated with them. Among these are McGregor’s Theory Y, Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership, and transformational leadership.

Gene Kranz was the flight director of the Apollo 13 mission. Mr. Kranz can be viewed as a demanding leader who looked at a problem and decided whether it was critical to the success of the mission or not. I would view some of his leadership style to that of McGregor’s Theory Y. In Theory Y leaders work to integrate the goals of the organization with those of individuals. The theory states that the average person seeks responsibility as an outlet for imagination and creativity. Personal commitment and pride are enough to ensure quality workmanship. Gene Kranz wanted results but was not going to tell his people how to get them. He understood the unique differences in the individuals who would perform the tasks to come up with