Leadership or Supervisory Techniques - Paper Example

Some of the essential qualities of good leaders is the leadership or supervisory techniques. Leaders with supervisory qualities ensure a good working environment through influence and motivation and lead to the success of projects. Through appropriate organization, leaders helps in organizing the teams which lead to the achievement of project goals and objectives. The essay discusses the supervisory techniques in movies or TV series to ensure efficiency and success. The movie to be investigated concerning leadership/supervisory techniques is Gladiators. Ridley Scott directed the movie, and it was released in 2000 (MacDonald & Scott, 2000).

The Three Supervisory Techniques Showcased in the Movie Gladiators

The three supervisory technique used in this movie include respect, motivation and strategic. For instance, Maximus Meridius exhibited these qualities (MacDonald & Scott, 2000). Through the utilization of these three techniques, there is the development of a successful plot as proved by the effectiveness and efficiency of Roman Army. This is described below:

Respect

In the introductory five minutes of the Gladiators, it is seen that Maximus used to respect as a leadership technique. In this respect, the commander ensures an environment of mutual respect among the soldiers of the Roman Army (Abbott & Bush 2013). The commander acknowledges the deeds of his soldiers to win wars. For instance, in all battle scene, the Commander acknowledges the efforts of even the lowest ranked officer.

Motivation

For the achievement of past battle objectives and to ensure that soldiers had the conviction to win current and future battles, Maximus motivates them. This one of the main supervisory techniques used by Maximus in the Movie Gladiators. For instance, in the introductory parts of the Gladiators, the Commander delivers a motivational speech which the objective of motivating his soldiers for war (Abbott & Bush 2013). He mentions that the success of the war means they will have better lives.

Strategy

The strategic technique is has been vastly used in the Roman army which was considered to be very simple. Maximus uses this technique in the management of his soldiers in which they are well coordinated during battles (Abbott & Bush 2013). For instance, the employment of the appropriate strategy helps the army defeat Germanic that brought the battle on the Roman Frontier to an end. Maximus is seen to communicate the strengths that his army possess and pointing the flaws of the enemy armies.

The Discussion of the Supervisory Techniques used by Maximus in the Movie Gladiators

The Effectiveness of the Employed Techniques: Motivational and strategic techniques are the most effective supervisory techniques used by Maximus in the Movie Gladiators. Their utilization created a platform that enhanced their chances of winning especially for Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The effectiveness of the two employed techniques can be seen due to that fact that others saw the Maximus army as leaders.

Supervisory Techniques which was not effective: Maximus tried to promote mutual respect among all the soldiers. However, the application of this technique was ineffective. This is seen when after the war, Maximus is not respected by others. The only respect is realized for Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Also, respect was not exhibited by the Commodus. Commodus who was the heir to the throne did not show respect to Maximus even had his father killed.

Myself as a Supervisor in a Specific Scene of the Movie Gladiator: There is one scene to be evaluated and the scene I deem most important in the movie Gladiators. It is the scene on the issues of ruling between the Emperor and Maximus. The Emperor tried to talk Maximus out of retirement because Commodus who was the son and heir to the throne was not appropriate as the Emperor of Rome. Maximus is requested to take the role of a regent and act in his capacity to save Rome from corruption. Despite Emperor Marcus proposal, Maximus decides to retire which I think is not the appropriate decision for the sake of Rome.

In my capacity as the supervisor, I would have accepted the Emperor's proposition since corruption is a grave matter that needed immediate attention. This move would help in safeguarding the people of Rome from being made slaves.

Effects of the high-stress environment or emergency room effect on the supervisory techniques: In comparison to the time of peace, high-stress environments negatively affects supervisory techniques (Leavy 2016). The high-stress situations are dominant increases the possibility of the leader making mistakes that adversely affect the achievement of the project goals.

The Supervisory Trait: Respect is the leadership trait I relate. I ensure that I acknowledge and respect efforts of others however small. Respect ensures there is the development of a conducive environment appropriate for productivity and improvement of all the individuals concerned. In my life as a person, this trait portrayed in my daily life through respect for everyone such as elders and peers.

Failure of Supervisors after they use Textbook Techniques: In the documentation of textbook techniques, earlier known situations are used. This does not take into account the dynamism in the practical situations. Practical situations that face supervisors keep changing and may warrant techniques that are not documented in books which are the reasons a supervisor may fail (Leavy 2016). In my daily life, I ensure I do not use textbook techniques in solving various problems. Instead, I use my external environment to find solutions since each problem requires a different set of supervisory technique.

References

Abbott, I., & Bush, T. (2013). Establishing and maintaining high-performing leadership teams: a primary perspective. Education 3-13, 41(6), 586-602. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2011.611813

Leavy, B. (2016). Effective leadership today character not just competence. Strategy & Leadership, 44(1), 20-29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/sl-11-2015-0081

MacDonald, L. & Scott, R. (2000). Gladiator [Motion Picture]. United States: DreamWorks & Universal Pictures.