12 O Clock High Leadership Styles

Twelve O’clock High is set in the year 1949 in Great Britain at the Royal Air Force Station Archbury, following the 918th daylight precision bombing group during World War II. The unit is known for low success rates and even lower morale among their men. Leading the 918th is Colonel Keith Davenport. A compassionate leader of his men, Colonel Davenport becomes too emotionally distraught to effectively lead and is replaced by General Frank Savage who believes in a tough and steely approach when conducting the men of the 918th. More than an accurate depiction of life for these men during wartime, Twelve O’clock High assesses the command style and influence of two leaders and puts into question the effectiveness of either method. The leadership
While this style of leadership is ideal, as evidenced from the movie, it is also not completely possible. As human beings we become emotionally vested in others that we spend a great amount of time with. A real example of this is Detachment 295. While as Cadets we conduct a professional standard of interaction within the detachment there have been friendships formed and we do care to see each other succeed. Putting these friendships and personal involvements aside while in a professional setting is something we all actively to each time we enter the detachment. I personally believe that my leadership would be both Colonel Davenport and General Savage styles with more of a focus on General Savage’s efforts for boundaries. This type of leadership is a balancing act, establishing a trust with the people you lead while also instituting that you will not tolerate an exceeding amount of emotional backlash or poor work ethic. Twelve O’clock High is a film that clearly exemplifies the difficulties and gratifications of either style of