Ike: Countdown to D-Day
Abstract
In the 2004 movie, Ike: Countdown to D-Day, a profile of the leadership style of General Dwight D. Eisenhower is presented as planning and preparation for the single greatest invasion in the history of the world is engaged. This paper examines the leadership style and qualities of the Supreme Allied Commander as presented in the movie and in other literary references.
Management in the Cinema – Activity 2 Paper
Introduction
Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed to be the Supreme Allied Commander, directing a force of over 1 million men in an operation designed to liberate Europe from Germany’s control. He was selected for his management style as evidenced by his organizational skills, his political skills and his personal character. This paper answers several questions about those aspects of the man who was tasked with planning and executing the largest, most complex invasion in the history of the world.
Assignment Questions
What managerial strengths does Ike bring to the Allies as they organize for D-Day?
Eisenhower was an excellent choice for Roosevelt and Churchill as Supreme Allied Commander because he had the managerial skills of organization, flexibility, diplomacy, humility, delegation and a sense of duty. These characteristics, in the right proportions, allowed Eisenhower to direct a number of difficult subordinates into planning and executing the massive and difficult invasion of Europe.
Eisenhower had demonstrated his organizational skills during the performance of his duties in World War I and in the following years. Douglas MacArthur, his boss at the time and a subsequent (unwilling) subordinate, wrote of Eisenhower that “This is the best officer in the army. When the next war comes, he should go right to the top.” (Ambrose, 1994, p. 65). His command of the Allied forces in Africa against the Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel, showed his ability to be flexible, and to learn from his mistakes. This trying experience also provided examples of his
In the 2004 movie, Ike: Countdown to D-Day, a profile of the leadership style of General Dwight D. Eisenhower is presented as planning and preparation for the single greatest invasion in the history of the world is engaged. This paper examines the leadership style and qualities of the Supreme Allied Commander as presented in the movie and in other literary references.
Management in the Cinema – Activity 2 Paper
Introduction
Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed to be the Supreme Allied Commander, directing a force of over 1 million men in an operation designed to liberate Europe from Germany’s control. He was selected for his management style as evidenced by his organizational skills, his political skills and his personal character. This paper answers several questions about those aspects of the man who was tasked with planning and executing the largest, most complex invasion in the history of the world.
Assignment Questions
What managerial strengths does Ike bring to the Allies as they organize for D-Day?
Eisenhower was an excellent choice for Roosevelt and Churchill as Supreme Allied Commander because he had the managerial skills of organization, flexibility, diplomacy, humility, delegation and a sense of duty. These characteristics, in the right proportions, allowed Eisenhower to direct a number of difficult subordinates into planning and executing the massive and difficult invasion of Europe.
Eisenhower had demonstrated his organizational skills during the performance of his duties in World War I and in the following years. Douglas MacArthur, his boss at the time and a subsequent (unwilling) subordinate, wrote of Eisenhower that “This is the best officer in the army. When the next war comes, he should go right to the top.” (Ambrose, 1994, p. 65). His command of the Allied forces in Africa against the Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel, showed his ability to be flexible, and to learn from his mistakes. This trying experience also provided examples of his
References: Abrose, Stephen (1994, May). The commanders. U.S. News & World Report, 116(20), 62-70. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from Research Library database. (Document ID: 5171725). Ambrose, Stephen (1997, June). Ike blew it too. Forbes: ASAP,68-69+. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 11811063). Anonymous (2003, May 6). THE ART OF HUMILITY :[FIVE STAR LATE LIFT Edition]. St. Louis Post - Dispatch,p. B.6. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from Business Dateline database. (Document ID: 333019891). Chetwynd, Lionel (Producer), & Harmon, Robert (Director). (2004). Ike: countdown to D-Day [Motion picture]. United States: Columbia Tristar. Irving, David (1977). The Trail of the Fox: The search for the true field marshal Rommel. Focal Point Press: New York, New York. Johnson, Cecil, Knight Ridder (2006, June 25). LIKE IKE, YOU TOO CAN BE AN EFFECTIVE LEADER :[THIRD Edition]. Review. Boston Globe,p. E.2. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from Business Dateline database. (Document ID: 1068629021). Liddel-Hart, H. B. (1953). The Rommel Papers. Da Capo Press: New York, New York. Thomas, Evan (2007, July 1). Common-sense warriors / World War II leadership marked by teamwork and acrimony :[2 STAR , 0 Edition]. Houston Chronicle,p. Z.19. Retrieved June 2, 2008, from ProQuest Newsstand database. (Document ID: 1298390351).