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Braveheart
Braveheart (1995) is a movie telling the story of the Scottish fighting for their
freedom. England became powerful during those times. It expanded its territory by
invading other lands. Scottish rebellion, headed by William Wallace, initiated their quest
to gain their lands and freedom back. Throughout the story, different characters had
portrayed different styles of leadership. From William Wallace down to the lords of the
lands of Englands territory, they lead their men in their own way. There are several
situations in the film giving us a concrete example of leadership style.
First of which is when the King of England, King Edward I or popularly known in
the film as Longshanks, declared prima nocte throughout the territory giving the
landlords the sexual right on the first night of the marriage of the wives of their lesser.
He came to this decision in order to clear out Scots in their land. Longshankss
declaration of prima nocte clearly shows his style of leadership. He decided without
getting the suggestions of his council and military. He decided with absolute authority,
with autocracy.
.Another situation is during the advancement of the Scottish rebellion. They
rested in the woods and while they are gathered around, they throw their suggestions.
As a leader, Wallace listens to his colleagues of their suggestions. Before making the
decision of what would be their next move, they talked and gathered suggestions from
the members of the group. He consulted from the members but still made the decision
for the group.
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Next situation that portray a style of leadership is when the landlords or nobles of
the Scotland tried to negotiate with the English army. The men of landlords were
present but wanted to retreat because they were outnumbered by the English army.
Wallace and his men arrived at the place and talked to the landlordss men. He
encouraged them to fight for their country. Opposite to the landlords, Wallace never
negotiated instead he fought.
In connection with said situation, Wallace, the, led his people through example.
Not like the leader of the English army that directs what to do, Wallace directed his
fellow Scottish by doing the action itself. When he commanded, he does it also. This is
one kind of leadership by being with the followers or subordinates. There is participation
of the leader in the act of the group.
As said, the English army troop leader directed his men by ordering what to do.
He is a game planner. He does not involve himself to act itself. He is more of a directive
leadership than a participative one.
Another situation in the film that portrays leadership is the convening of the
military council by the Prince of Wales. The Prince of Wales, who will eventually be the
King, doesnt have the image of being the next King. He does not have the willingness
to lead a Kingdom as his father did. Not having enough experience in leadership, he
asked to convene his military council for his next step in the Scottish rebellion. It is
obvious that this leadership style is consultative. The leader does not have that enough
knowledge about the matter resulting to consult those who are more knowledgeable of
the matter. And given the suggestions, he then decides.
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When Wallace and his men went to York to conquer it, they have to destroy the
gates. Wallace, as a leader, does not only watch his men to be killed while they are
trying to penetrate the gates. Instead, he joined them in penetrating it. Prior to it, they
know that the gates and the walls would be a barrier to them to penetrate York. So, they
built a tool to help them penetrate the city. He made a way to avoid the barrierthe
gate.
Prior to their battle in Falkirk, Wallace asked the nobles and Robert the Bruce to
provide him all their men because Wallace knew that they are outnumbered in this fight.
Because of the situation, he then required everyone to give him their men. He became
authoritative this time because there is no more time to convene a council.
Right there also, he talked to Robert the Bruce in private and encouraged him of
winning the war. Wallace encouraged him in a way that he made him realize that there
is a leader in Robert the Bruce. Wallace became supportive to his colleagues who he
saw has the potentials to be a next leader.
The best portrayal of leadership in this film, a war film, is not by using strength or
power but in the weakest state of one self. Before Wallace breathe his last breath, he
showed what a leader isstrong in his weakness. He showed everyone witnessing his
death that true leadership is not when you are above others but when you are in your
weakest point. Wallace set the example of a leader ready to sacrifice his life for the
sake of all and that would be the lesson what his colleague has gained from him. He
shouted freedom instead of mercy; chose death instead of life.
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The film clearly shows that leadership style is not a single style in a single
person. It is a bunch of styles in a single person. Each character has shown his
leadership style, whether be good or bad. We must admit that their style depends on the
situation they are dealing with. We have learned several leadership theoriesL-F-S
Framework, Normative, Situational, LPC Contingency model, Path Goal Theory. There
are situations that show one or more theories. They may contradict other theories but
one thing for sure, they lead in their style because the leader, the follower, the situation
and the goal demand it.

Jonas Erik L. Ebora
CED 215
September 23, 2014