Patton - Leadership and Communication
Patton (1970)
Famous for...
Oscar winning George C. Scott’s portrayal of the American World War Two
general, George Patton (1885-1945).
Scott refused the award, comparing the Oscars to a “meat contest”.
Based on...
The story of Patton’s World War Two leadership
from two books:
- Ladislas Farago, Patton: Ordeal and Triumph.
- General Omar Bradley (pictured right), A Soldier's Story (Bradley was in the film).
Director
Franklin J. Scaffner (pictured right).
Oscars
Seven including:
- best actor (George C. Scott).
Key characters
George Patton (George C. Scott), American general.
Omar Bradley (Karl Malden), American general.
Bernard Montgomery (Michael Bates), British general (pictured right meeting Patton,
on the left).
The story
General George Patton gives an inspiring speech to his troops (pictured right) and
then the film moves to Tunisia, North Africa, where he has taken over command of the American army, demoralized by
a recent German defeat.
With the help of the British (led by the equally egotistical general, Bernard Montgomery), he defeats the Germans (without their
leader, Erwin Rommel).
In July 1943 Patton:
- leads the American invasion of Sicily.
- races to capture Messina and then the capital, Palermo (before Montgomery
does).
Patton is relieved of his command after slapping a shell shocked soldier in an army hospital,
calling him a “yellow bastard” (pictured right).
This incident results in his exclusion from the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Instead (much to Patton's
disgust) he is put in charge of a fictonal, decoy army in south-east England.
After begging for another command, General Omar Bradley (his ex-deputy, pictured right
below) asks him to lead the American Third Army.
Patton brilliantly advances across France (including victory in the Battle of the Bulge)
and finally into Germany.
He loses command of the Third Army after his controversial comments about;
- the Russians (whom he hates).
Lessons for leadership
1. Be tough but tender
Patton:
- is ruthless with the enemy and his troops.
- rules by fear and insensitive brutality (slapping the shell shocked
soldier).
But he also:
- is kind to those who are prepared to fight.
- realizes that the spirit and ability of his troops win battles.
- respects the bravery of the Germans (saying their killing is “such a waste of fine
infantry”).
2. Teamwork is vital
He believed that a successful army is not a group of individuals (however talented or brave they are) but a
team, which:
- effectively co-operates with one another.
- relies on adequate supplies of food, water, fuel and weaponry.
3. Winning is everything
Victory at any cost is the theme of Patton’s opening speech.
He believes that enjoyment is less important than:
4. Always attack the enemy
He always told his troops to:
- never retreat or hold your position.
So he says:
“Audacity, audacity, always audacity!”
5. Love leadership
He was motivated by his love of fighting. Watching a battle he says:
“I love it more than my life”.
6. Success is temporary
After losing command of the Third Army, Patton says at the end of the film:
“All glory is fleeting”.
He is also reminded of this when he is not involved in the D-Day invasion.
Religion helps him through difficult times. After disastrously slapping the shell shocked
soldier, he prays in church, quoting Psalm 63 about God's love and support in
battle.
7. Learn continuously
Patton is a great student of military history particularly in ancient Greece and Rome.
In Tunisia he visits the site of a Roman victory over the Carthaginians, reflecting on the lessons he can learn
from it.
He also learns from:
- the German general, Erwin Rommel’s (pictured right) belief in attack.
8. Admit when you’re wrong
He has the humility to apologize to his troops for:
- slapping the shell shocked soldier.
- accusing him of cowardice.
9. Communicate with confidence
His opening speech inspires his troops, because of his
Like the British general, Bernard Montgomery,
he is:
- totally confident in his own ability (never contemplating retreat or defeat).
Patton:
- keeps in constant touch with his soldiers.
- encourages them to take pride in fighting and have confidence in
victory.
10. Act with speed and discipline
Patton:
- is a strict disciplinarian.
- clamps down on small things (like appearance and punctuality).
This made his troops:
- immediately responsive to his orders.
Speed of attack was crucial for him, incredibly moving his army 100 miles in three days to win
the Battle of the Bulge.
Key quotes on war
I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other
poor, dumb bastard die for his country, Patton.
We’re not just going to shoot the bastards; we’re going to cut their living guts and use them to grease the
treads of our tanks, Patton.
I love it. God help me, I do love it so. I love it more than my life, Patton.
Key quote on
leadership
Audacity, audacity, always audacity!, Patton
Key quote on success
I wouldn’t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed, Patton.
Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser, Patton.
Key quote on teamwork
An army is a team. It lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team, Patton (on a successful
army).
Two film websites to recommend
1. filmsite.org (run by Tim Dirks).
2. aveleyman.com (run by Tony Sullivan)
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