Cross of Iron (1977)

Cross of Iron (1977) Movie Review Student's Name Course Name & Number Submission Date "Cross of Iron" is a film produced in 1977 that presents a picture of brutality in fighting and German army command on the Eastern Front during the Second World War. A ruthless and unforgiving war brings out some significant leadership perspectives. The film depicts Colonel Brandt as a leader worth studying, with his character exhibiting various leadership qualities and how they influence crisis resolution. This paper incorporates a critical examination of Colonel Brandt's leadership attributes, both presented and not presented in the film, hence shedding light on leadership dynamics, such as decision-making, problem-solving, continuous learning, and ethical considerations. It also examines Colonel Brandt's reaction to crises, integrity, and the influence of the organization's culture. In this vein, the paper suggests components that can be acquired by future individuals involved in real-life circumstances. Leadership Qualities Displayed Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Colonel Brandt demonstrates leadership skills in decision-making and the ability to deal with problems, as shown in Cross of Iron (1977). He assesses complex situations and makes hard judgments during stressful moments, which is vital for leaders in challenging settings.  Colonel Brandt makes hard decisions regarding resource allocations, tactical setbacks, and ethics in the film. Using critical thinking skills, Colonel Brandt weighs the benefits and drawbacks of several alternatives. During a crucial conflict with limited supplies and human resources, he prioritizes goals and allocates resources accordingly. His leadership quality shows when he can analyze a situation, think fast on what to do next, or maybe evaluate different options. Also, Colonel Brandt settles problems flexibly – a fundamental trait that any leader in changing circumstances must possess. His tactics adjust according to emerging dangers and opportunities on the battlefield. An open attitude towards change and creative thinking allows him to unravel intricate issues.  Cooperation is central to Colonel Brandt's leadership style since he believes in teamwork. While doing this, he often seeks their opinions during consultation before they make a decision alone. He also fosters openness among his team so that they work together to get solutions to their predicaments. This demonstrates that military leadership entails ethics, principles, and self-sacrifice. This movie teaches how Colonel Brandt analyses complicated cases, knows how to adapt himself at every moment, and, although authoritarian, works with others. This strengthens the importance of sound judgment and collaboration in leadership. Colonel Brandt shows how leaders can overcome obstacles and survive through tough times.[perrysplus1, “L21816133new,” 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlO7EsaOfoI.] [Michael Guillot, “Critical Thinking  for the Military Professional,” Military Intelligence, 2006, 36–45, https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASPJ/journals/Chronicles/guillot.pdf.] [Guillot, “Critical Thinking  for the Military Professional.”] [perrysplus1, “L21816133new.”] [James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, “Focusing on the Future Sets Leaders Apart,” Data set, 2010.] Organizational Culture and Influence Colonel Brandt's leadership in the movie shows his influence on military culture. The film shows his ability to influence others and shape organizational culture. He influences others by modeling the qualities he expects from them. He sets an example for his unit by being committed, dedicated, and hardworking. This approach supports the leadership attribute theory, emphasizing how leaders shape organizational culture. Colonel Brandt regularly collaborates with his subordinates, promoting open communication and mutual respect. He creates a healthy and cohesive workplace by respecting his team members' feedback. Colonel Brandt's impact is most substantial under challenging situations. His calmness and decisiveness affect his subordinates during crises and warfare. Strong leadership improves subordinates' psychological well-being, influencing organizational cohesion and morale. Colonel Brandt's resource stewardship and decision-making skills strengthen his corporate culture influence. His resource management and mission focus shape the unit's culture. Colonel Brandt's portrayal in "Cross of Iron" emphasizes the importance of influence and corporate culture in leadership. Colonel Brandt inspires his army by demonstrating values, promoting collaboration, and handling crises calmly, demonstrating the necessity of these leadership traits in building a strong military.[perrysplus1, “L21816133new.”] [Larry Forster, “Coalition Leadership Imperatives,” Data set, Military Review, 2000, https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Coalition-Leadership-Imperatives-Forster/ee1145598d781c98c3a301186bcf4be2d9fed3a6.] [James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, “Focusing on the Future Sets Leaders Apart,” Data set, 2010.] [Guillot, “Critical Thinking  for the Military Professional.”] [Forster, “Coalition Leadership Imperatives.”] Flexibility and Adaptability In "Cross of Iron (1977)," Colonel Brandt leads through complex military scenarios with outstanding adaptability and suppleness. Colonel Brandt can quickly appraise shifting situations and change his strategies. Colonel Brandt makes decisions quickly and prioritizes mission accomplishment despite unanticipated enemy actions or battlefield conditions. This emphasizes leaders' critical thinking, decision-making skills, and adaptability in quickly changing contexts. Colonel Brandt is also flexible in his leadership style, delegating authority and empowering subordinates to make educated judgments. Colonel Brandt encourages creativity and agility in his unit by trusting and empowering his juniors. Colonel Brandt stays calm and considers other options in a crisis. His approach is flexible and innovative, embracing change and uncertainty to overcome challenges and achieve mission goals. Colonel Brandt's resilience and flexibility in managing complicated situations are evident through his capacity to react to unexpected problems. Colonel Brandt's adaptation goes beyond tactics to strategic aims. He adapts his ideas to meet overall goals by listening to comments and fresh information. Leaders must be flexible in decision-making and problem-solving to adapt to changing conditions. Thus, Colonel Brandt's performance in "Cross of Iron" shows how leaders must be adaptable and flexible. Colonel Brandt overcomes difficulties with tenacity and determination by being nimble in his decision-making, motivating his subordinates, and embracing change, impacting his unit and mission success.[Kouzes and Posner, “Focusing on the Future Sets Leaders Apart.”] [Randy Coats, “Command During a Category 4 Hurricane,” Air Force, 2005, https://www.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/143714/command-during-a-category-4-hurricane/.] [Kouzes and Posner, “Focusing on the Future Sets Leaders Apart.”] [ibid.] [perrysplus1, “L21816133new.”] [ibid.] [Kouzes and Posner, “Focusing on the Future Sets Leaders Apart.”] Integrity in Leadership Although the movie portrays Colonel Brandt as lacking ethics, he sometimes exemplifies ethical leadership by being honest, accountable, and moral. Even in war's chaos and moral ambiguity, Colonel Brandt's consistent commitment to fairness and justice shows his ethical leadership. He insists on ethical behavior in some situations and expects the same from his subordinates. Although determined to win battles at all costs, which somehow corrupts his ethics, he considers men's safety and well-being over personal gain and glory. He prioritizes his unit, making tough decisions for them. This correlates with a leader's ethical responsibility to assess how one's actions affect others. Colonel Brandt's relationships with superiors and peers show his honesty and moral courage. He refuses to surrender his values despite coercion. Even when it would be easier or faster, he refuses to act unethically or ignore injustice. Brandt also encourages open communication and positive feedback in his unit. He leads by example, being honest and accountable in all his transactions. The leader influences organizational culture and promotes ethical behavior in subordinates. He acts with integrity and compassion, putting his men's safety and well-being before himself. The colonel retains an authoritative stand while ensuring he is approachable to his juniors. For example, his honest farewell speech to Kiesel demonstrates an emotional response to battlefield situations that is an ideal occurrence for most military leaders. Therefore, it can be inferred that Colonel Brandt leads ethically in "Cross of Iron," setting an example of honesty, accountability, and moral courage. His unrelenting commitment to ethics and his men's well-being set a high standard for leadership, emphasizing values-based decision-making in complicated environments. In this vein, future military leaders should embrace such leadership traits to lead successful missions in the contemporary warfare landscape.[Joanne B. Ciulla, “Ethics and Effectiveness: The Nature of Good Leadership,” in Issues in Business Ethics, 2012, 12–17, https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/232754918.pdf.] [John C. Kunich and Richard I. Lester, “Profile of a Leader: The Wallenberg Effect,” The Journal of Leadership Studies 4, no. 3 (1997): 221–27, https://doi.org/10.1177/107179199800400301.] [Ciulla, “Ethics and Effectiveness: The Nature of Good Leadership.”] [perrysplus1, “L21816133new.”] [Kunich and Lester, “Profile of a Leader: The Wallenberg Effect.”] [Ciulla, “Ethics and Effectiveness: The Nature of Good Leadership.”] [Viktor E. Frankl, “Man’s Search For Meaning,” Data set, Excerpts from Forward, n.d.] Missing Leadership Elements As noted in the preceding discussion, Colonel Brandt demonstrated a wide range of excellent leadership skills. However, military leaders are not without limitations, as would be demonstrated by the leadership traits that are lacking in Colonel Brandt, as discussed below. Personal Growth and Self-Reflection "Cross of Iron (1977)" depicts Colonel Brandt as less self-reflective and self-developing, breaking with leadership concepts that encourage continual introspection and progress. In the film, Colonel Brandt's leadership style is focused on warfare, leaving little room for reflection or personal growth. Influential leaders must critically evaluate their behaviors and decisions. Unfortunately, Colonel Brandt seems preoccupied with war's immediate concerns an...