General Patton's Leadership and Communication Style Analysis
Running Head: Assignment 1 – Patton Leadership and Communication Style Analysis
Patton Leadership and Communication Style Analysis
ALHE 5070
September 5, 2010
Laura Terán
East Tennessee State University
Patton Leadership and communication Style Analysis “When in doubt, attack.” This quotation concisely sums up General Patton’s styles of forceful leadership and unilateral communication.
Authoritarian vs. Democratic Leadership styles Army General George S. Patton, Jr. came from a military and patriarchal family. His authoritarian father role modeled a successful totalitarian approach which would have overshadowed any attempt at a democratic leadership style (General Patton, n.d.). “A leader’s selection of a particular behavioral style depends in part on the schemata that he has stored in long-term memory” (Hackman & Johnson, 2009, p 62). General Patton was a formidable and strategic leader. “Patton is now considered one of the greatest military figures in history” (General Patton, n.d.). Unfortunately, his blunt and intolerant personality and his authoritarian leadership style, at one point, was the primary force in his fall from grace. Even though Patton enlisted excellent military technicians, such as General Omar Bradley, his authoritative approach stifled their suggestions and constructive criticisms; ultimately leading to not only their dissatisfaction and throughout the ranks (Hackman & Johnson, 2009, p 45). Albeit these military technicians were highly trained, if General Patton had utilized a democratic style of leadership the decision-making process might have stalled to the point of becoming ineffectual, war and the military often demand immediate and decisive actions (Hackman & Johnson, 2009, p 43 & 46). General Patton maintained strict control over his subordinates and demanded 110% effort from everyone. His expectations were over-inflated, rigid, callous, and unyielding. Once his mind was made up no other possibilities would
Patton Leadership and Communication Style Analysis
ALHE 5070
September 5, 2010
Laura Terán
East Tennessee State University
Patton Leadership and communication Style Analysis “When in doubt, attack.” This quotation concisely sums up General Patton’s styles of forceful leadership and unilateral communication.
Authoritarian vs. Democratic Leadership styles Army General George S. Patton, Jr. came from a military and patriarchal family. His authoritarian father role modeled a successful totalitarian approach which would have overshadowed any attempt at a democratic leadership style (General Patton, n.d.). “A leader’s selection of a particular behavioral style depends in part on the schemata that he has stored in long-term memory” (Hackman & Johnson, 2009, p 62). General Patton was a formidable and strategic leader. “Patton is now considered one of the greatest military figures in history” (General Patton, n.d.). Unfortunately, his blunt and intolerant personality and his authoritarian leadership style, at one point, was the primary force in his fall from grace. Even though Patton enlisted excellent military technicians, such as General Omar Bradley, his authoritative approach stifled their suggestions and constructive criticisms; ultimately leading to not only their dissatisfaction and throughout the ranks (Hackman & Johnson, 2009, p 45). Albeit these military technicians were highly trained, if General Patton had utilized a democratic style of leadership the decision-making process might have stalled to the point of becoming ineffectual, war and the military often demand immediate and decisive actions (Hackman & Johnson, 2009, p 43 & 46). General Patton maintained strict control over his subordinates and demanded 110% effort from everyone. His expectations were over-inflated, rigid, callous, and unyielding. Once his mind was made up no other possibilities would
References: Bolman, L. & Deal, T. (2008). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (4th Ed). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. General Patton. (n.d.). Biography of General George S. Patton, Jr. Retrieved September 3, 2010 from http://www.generalpatton.com/biography.html Hackman, M. & Johnson, M. (2009). Leadership: A communication perspective (5th Ed.). Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc. Liebler, J. & McConnell, C. (2008). Management principles for health professionals (5th Ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.