Glory and Relational Leadership

The film I selected to analyze in terms of the relational leadership model is the 1989 Civil War drama Glory. Below, I will show you five different clips demonstrating the initial "infighting," the processes in which the relational leadership model is implemented, and the product of the overall model. In order to give you some background, Glory follows the exploits of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment in the Civil War. The 54th was the first Northern regiment of black soldiers; in other words, this was the first group of free black men to fight in the Civil War. This movie is incredibly important and I encourage everyone to watch it.

Clip #1: Infighting and Initial Inclusion and Empowerment

This clip demonstrates the initial infighting within the 54th Massuchussets. This division was not automatically unified due to the color of their skin. In this scene, we see Private (Pvt.) Trip, portrayed by Denzel Washington, mocking and fighting with Corporal (Cpl.) Thomas Searles, portrayed by Andre Braugher. The relational leadership model really comes down to teamwork and working together to achieve a common goal. This is not possible if two integral members of your team refuse to work together. Towards the end of the scene, Sergeant Major (Sgt. Maj.) John Rawlins, portrayed by Morgan Freeman, breaks up the fight. He is one of the leaders of the regiment and attempts to empower Trip by explaining the purpose of their fight. He also emphasizes inclusion by saying "ain't no niggers around here" (I apologize for the language). He is essentially saying they are all equal in this fight. This is an important aspect of inclusion in that emphasizing equity is one of the hallmarks of inclusion. Although the purpose is not explicit in this situation, in the context of the movie the purpose is to fight together and help win the war for the Union. The ethical context of the scenes is also clear in the context of the film: fight for our freedom and against those who support slavery.

Clip #2: Music as a means of Empowerment, Inclusion, and Purpose

In this scene, we see the 54th singing together on the eve of battle. In this scene, Sgt. Maj. Rawlins promotes inclusion by allowing everyone in the 54th to sing "Oh, My Lord." Furthermore, everyone is encouraged to say their bit and contribute to the group. Music can an important vehicle in promoting inclusion and can be incredibly beneficial for the psyche of the group. This specific process is very important in the context of the film and relational leadership. The purpose is also clear in that right away we know that this is the eve of a battle. The first soldier to speak says "Tomorrow, we go into battle." Their purpose of fighting for the union is directly linked to ethicality. Rawlins alludes to the fact that he does not want his children or his "kin" to be burdened by slavery. Their ethical battle is to abolish the unethical (in terms of modern Western ethics) practice of owning another human being for work. Rawlins and the first soldier who speak are empowering the group by sharing their thoughts and appealing to the group's faith in God. Another important aspect of this scene is that Pvt. Trip was included in the group. He was singing with the group from the beginning, he was prompted to share his thoughts, and he referred to the group as his family. We see the transformation from a group who is disconnected to one who is unified: they are now a true team. Rawlins empowers and includes the entire group through the song, and alludes to ethicality by referencing slavery and God. This is all for building a team in an attempt to win the battle.

Clip #3: The Gauntlet of Inclusion

In this scene, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (a character who is a big part of the movie, but whose importance wasn't really available in the clips I found) leads the 54th through the a group of their (white) peers. This is a demonstration of inclusion on a broader scale. When the rest of the army cheers on the 54th, they are officially recognized as part of the cause. Furthermore, the cheering by their peers empowers the group and their gratitude is made apparent by 54th smiling. The aforementioned relational leadership processes have finally created a unified group that are ready to go to battle as a team. The purpose is also clear here. Although not displayed here, Shaw is ethical in giving the black soldiers of the 54th shoes earlier on in the film.

Clips #4 and #5: The Final Product

These final two clips show the 54th charging Fort Wagner. These clips demonstrate the unified group that is a product of the processes implemented by the 54th. These men are willing to die for each other and run into battle together. This is evidenced by the sheer passion displayed during the assault. Corporal Searles rises to the occasion and is willing to be the backup flag bearer, showing his commitment to the cause. The inclusion and empowerment lead to this group to this moment. The regiment is working together for the purpose of coming together as one unified group to win Fort Wagner and the ethical battle of the Civil War. Although they did not win Fort Wagner, they ultimately achieved their purpose of coming together and being an integral part of the war. The three pillars of the relational leadership model: Ethicality, Inclusion, and Empowerment are clear in this film and these clips and are used to drive the 54th to achieve one common purpose.