Reaction Paper

Abstract

"We Were Soldiers" is an excellent example of a film in which the leader
demonstrates effective supervision skills. After identifying the various methods, they will be
examined thoroughly to determine whether or not they were successful. It will discuss how
the tactics may have been improved or if they were the right decision. Finally, this study aims
to determine which supervisory style approach is most beneficial to the author and why.
Using textbooks and trustworthy online sources, this article will give clarity and direction on
many supervisory methods.

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Leadership
Many people have different definitions of leadership, and there are many situations in
which leadership may be employed. The skill of inspiring a group of individuals to work
together toward a shared objective might be considered a basic definition of leadership (Grint
& Smolovic, 2016). Workers and colleagues are directed by a plan to suit the company's
requirements in terms of workplace leadership (Krause, 2015). The two definitions of
leadership have one thing in common: they are both about encouraging and leading people to
achieve a shared objective. The role of Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, played by Mel Gibson
in the film "We Were Soldiers," epitomized what a leader should be.
The film opens with the introduction of Moore, the film's central character, preparing
to lead a squad of men into combat during the Vietnam War. It becomes clear early on that
Moore is married with children, and although the film's events reveal that Moore will be
fighting in another nation, his family seems unfazed by the idea that he would be away for
long periods (Wallace, 2002, 2:02-4:45). A great leader will not always display fear or let
others know they are worried or dubious; instead, they will be strong and not allow anything
to distract them from completing the task. Throughout the movie, Lieutenant Colonel Moore
used various methods to direct his troops, all of which successfully fulfilled the task.
When one of Moore's men had recently become a parent and was concerned that he
would not return home to see his newborn baby, Moore used a supervisory tactic. After
congratulating the soldier on the birth of his first kid, Moore listened to his worries.
Afterward, Moore encouraged his troops to pray about the soldier's fears of not returning and
leaving his baby an orphan. To ensure the safety of Moore's soldier, he added prayer to the
platform and claimed that he was "deserving of his future" in the prayer. Before going into
war, this was a crucial period for the soldier's mental well-being, as it helped calm his fears

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(Lobik, 2018). Instead of trying to shout over or yell at his troops, Moore listened patiently to
all his word anxieties and demonstrated that he was also human and cared about him. Often,
all individuals need an outlet to express their anxieties and frustrations.
Supervisory skills are also shown in a scenario where the combat has started but the
tone of the platoons becomes split and encircled by enemy soldiers. For safety's sake,
Lieutenant Colonel Moore decided to keep his other battalion in situ overnight while he
searched for his other unit. At first light, they could locate the stranded platoon and give them
water and ammo so they could continue the battle. Moore made a wise and successful choice
here, and it fits neatly into a problem-solving approach used by supervisors. Moore
considered all alternative options to minimize risk and yet accomplish the task.
In the end, the Lieutenant displayed tremendous pride in his soldiers and placed them
ahead of himself. He demonstrated this several times throughout the film, demonstrating his
genuine concern for his men and his vow never to abandon them. Moore made a promise to
his staff and family members during his address on the set: although he couldn't guarantee
that everyone would make it back, no one would depart before him. Moore remained in the
area after making good on his word until every soldier, dead or alive, had been located and
safely sent home. This exemplifies a great leader who sets an example for others to follow. I
am sure everyone else saw Moore as their leader and looked up to him. Building trust in a
business or among coworkers is easy with this managerial strategy. In the end, I do not
believe I would have made any changes to what Moore accomplished. I believe that every
choice he made and his approach were successful. Even though the battle


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