This October, expert John Antal is releasing an invaluable guide to anyone wanting to improve their leadership skills, Leadership Rising.
Today, he gives us his first lesson. Through the excellent film Patton, Antal explains that true leadership boils down to three Cs – Character, Competence, Commitment. Scroll down to find out more (and enjoy some clips from the film along the way)!
If you are looking for a movie that will raise your leadership awareness, you must watch, or watch again, the classic biographical war film Patton, starring George C. Scott as General George S. Patton, Jr. The movie was critically acclaimed and earned eight academy awards, including best picture. It provides a compelling true-to-life story that will make you think about leadership.
Patton. The name needs no introduction to anyone who has studied the art of war. It epitomizes the skillful, determined, inexorable, and victorious leader. Here is the story of an exceptional and flawed leader who became one of the defining instruments of Allied victory in World War II. Scott captures this vision expertly. The leadership moments in the movie are like diamonds lying in a field of coal: they stand out, sparkle, and draw your attention. You will want to capture them many times over.
I define leadership as the art of influence and a sacred trust. It is the ability to impel people to work together to achieve a goal. It consists of three components: character, competence, and commitment. Leaders require all three components to lead their teams to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Here are some scenes from the movie that show you Patton’s character, competence, and commitment.
“Some are looking for authenticity. I’m looking for leadership.”
CHARACTER In the opening scene, an immaculately dressed Patton speaks to an assembly of troops who are off-camera. Patton is talking directly to you, the viewer, and by the end of the speech, you have no doubt who Patton is and what he stands for. See clip here.
COMPETENCE Patton studied and mastered the art of war. In one memorable moment, Patton is asked if his army can respond to the German surprise attack during the Battle of the Bulge. As others hesitate or give excuses, Patton responds: “I can attack with three divisions in 48-hours.” This wasn’t bluster. Patton’s forces attacked as promised, piercing the flank of the German attack and dramatically turning the battle from defeat to victory. See clip here.
COMMITMENT Charismatic and colourful, Patton was fiercely committed to his vision as a warrior-leader. He used this passion to inspire his troops. In one scene, Patton and Air Marshal Coningham are discussing air support for Patton’s II Corps. Suddenly, German aircraft strafe Patton’s headquarters. Everyone takes cover, but Patton reacts by exiting the building and firing his pistol at the onrushing German planes. As foolhardy as this may seem, it demonstrated Patton’s fighting spirit and full commitment to take the battle to the enemy. See clip here.
Today, we need leaders more than ever. The movie Patton is true to the spirit of the man, even if some of the episodes are embellished for dramatic effect. Two days after Patton’s death in a traffic accident in 1945, the New York Times eulogized Patton as “a strange combination of fire and ice.” If you want to think about leadership, generate a discussion, and raise your personal leadership awareness, the movie Patton is a great one to watch.
If you wish to learn more about General George S. Patton, Jr., I also suggest you watch The General George S. Patton Story here.
In the coming weeks, keep your eyes out for more leadership in movies from John Antal on our social media channels. In the meantime, enjoy this clip of our leadership expert as he talks all things WWII gaming.
Leadership Rising
By John Antal
If you are an emerging leader, this book will provide you with a mind-map and internal compass to maintain a bearing during your leadership journey. This mind-map will outline the contours of the leadership topography; the compass you create in your heart and your mind will provide direction; and your purpose will generate a destination. If you are an experienced leader, this book is also for you. You will find in it reinforcement, confirmation, and a series of knowledge points to add to your existing cognitive map and compass and to help you develop other leaders at every level of skill and awareness.
9781636240664 | Hardback | Casemate | £14.99 | October 2021
Available to pre-order through Casemate UK
Author: John Antal is a soldier, military historian, and leadership expert. He served 30 years in the US Army as a combat arms officer, senior staff officer, and commander. He has commanded units from platoon level through regiment and served on corps and multinational staffs. In his post-Army career he has become a video game producer, military consultant and author of thirteen books and hundreds of articles on military and leadership subjects.
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