Presentation by: Joanne Mihaly
Braveheart is a 1995 ‘historical’ drama film directed
by and starring Mel Gibson. Gibson portrays William
Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior who led the
Scottish in the First War of Scottish Independence
against King Edward I of England.
Directed by: Mel Gibson
Screen Play: Randal Wallace
View two minute clip below to watch an overview of
the movie content
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBXBtORI7pE
Situation and Situational
Charismatic
Transformational
Authentic Leadership

“persons who are leaders in one situation may not
necessarily be leaders in other situations” (Zaccaro,
2007,p. 65).

leaders can be effective across situations demanding
very different leadership approaches (Zaccaro, 2007).

Zaccaro, 2007, explains that ‘the situation’ is critical in
explaining variance in leadership behavior; however,
it may not be as critical in explaining differences
between leaders and nonleaders. Trait perspectives of
leadership need to account for the role of situational
variance.
=
Leadership role
Situational Leadership


Were his ‘followers’ able and willing to
perform the tasks put forth?
Were his expectations to high, demanding or
sacrificial to elicit true willingness to follow?
Or did they follow out of fear, or lack of
choice?
War/
Oppression
Independence
Freedom
Charismatic Leadership
Example (copy and paste into internet browser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlf9ZLnrtiE
Intrinsic motivation;
1. How do you want to live?
2. Life vs Death
3. Cost of freedom


Well spoken, confident body language
Small
group of devoted followers – lead to large
group of followers
1.
2.
3.
Interaction between
leaders and followers
1.
Considers the needs
of the followers
2.
Leader as a role
model
3.
Definition
Close circle of
followers. He is
considered legendary.
Offers them choice –
what type of life do
they want to live.
Does not accept
compensation, true to
his plight, upfront,
honest.
Examples from Movie
1.
2.
3.
Promotes change
1.
Motivates followers to
exceed expectations
2.
Authentic
Definition
3.
Wants Scotland to be a
free nation/independent
of England
Won battles, changed
minds about fighting
back against England
Leads by example, fights
at the front line,
ultimately his life is
sacrificed for his cause
Examples from Movie
May not be flexible, but
consistent in his message
and actions
Knows where
he stands and
who he is
Action oriented
Believes there is a
chance to be free.
FREEDOM
Fights for a better
life for all Scottish
people
Hopeful & resilient
Decision making is
concise and definitive
Does not pretend to know
everything
Stood against the
English army
Fought for what he
believed in “freedom”
and “independence”
Devote group of
followers (those closest
to him)
Never sought personal
gain through financial
compensation
Led by example
United people in a
common goal





War, oppression
Death of his wife
Became a leader in a time where people were
obsessed with hierarchy
Reality of freedom and independence was
slim
Out numbered, out matched and unpopular
amongst Scottish nobles



William Wallace can be seen as a leader in this
movie
His leadership framework can fall under
multiple frameworks and is fluid in nature.
This is do to his leadership style and the
situation in which the movie/plot took place.
Evidence of leadership is aboundent
The question remains – Was he a good leader?
Avolio, B.J., & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the
root of positive forms of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly 16, 315–338.
Fairholm, Gilbert W.. Understanding Leadership Perspectives : Theoretical and
Practical Approaches: Springer, p 27
Winkler, Ingo. (2010) Contemporary Leadership Theories Enhancing the Understanding of the
Complexity, Subjectivity and Dynamic of Leadership: Chapter 5
Van Seters, D. A., & Field, R. H.G. (1990). The evolution of leadership theory.
Journal of Organizational Change Management, 3(3), 29 - 45.
16.
Zaccaro, S. J. (2007). Trait-based perspectives of leadership. American Psychologist, 62(1), 6-
Youtube Freedom Speech. Braveheart. Retrieved from internet on November 10th, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlf9ZLnrtiE
Youtube, Movie Trailer. Braveheart. Retrieved from internet on November 10th, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBXBtORI7pE