Col. Chamberlain Discussions

1.  What was the most important decision that Col. Chamberlain made as the leader of the 20th regiment and why do you feel that was the most important one? The most important decision is when Col. Chamberlin made a speech to the mutineers with sincerity and truth. Col. Chamberlin could have forced the men forward under armed guard, recruit them, persuade them to take up arms with the 20th Main, or he could wait until the men were derelict in their duties and shoot them. Col. Chamberlain remained calm under acute stress and strained conditions. He utilized two important skills as a leader, communication and listening. He listened to the soldier’s complaints and spoke to them candidly. He understood their position and influenced them to join the fight and cause. He treated each as an equal rather than a criminal. He bonded by telling the story of his need for them to be by his side. He had taken a negative situation and reversed it by his actions and behavior and described them by stating that they were some of the best soldiers in the regiment.  It was a very empowering speech that motivated, encourage, and promoted trust, and as a result pulled everyone together as a team.

2.  Chamberlain's new soldiers were mutineers and he was given orders to "make them do duty or shoot them down". What strategy should leaders use when they are faced with people that refuse instructions given by leadership?

The type of strategy that can be used in this situation is tactfulness, persuasion, commitment, and gaining trust. It is also good for senior management to be visible and not middle management because it easy for middle management to say “I am just relaying the message from the top”. But if it has to be middle management there needs to be transparency. In fact, dealing with resistance in positive ways is one of the highest impact strategies for accelerating change efforts and lowering its ultimate cost. Emergent leaders have more respect from others, than assigned leaders.

3.  When it comes to leadership, do you think leaders are born are do they acquire the skills they need over time?

Leaders are not born they are made. It is an attitude and an acquired skill.  To acquire good leadership, it is gain by listening, watching and asking questions. It can be believe that people are born with certain qualities and traits that make them more suitable for leadership. But there is a significant difference between “learning a skill” and mastering one, in the same way that others are born with amazing musical gifts or athletic talents. Effective leadership is the key to improving, achieving, and attaining lasting change.

4.  Chamberlain said "I have always been interested in military matters, and what I do not know in that line, I know how to learn."  How important is it for leaders to be able to recognize their deficits and weaknesses, and seek to improve on them?  What could have happened in this case had Colonel Chamberlain not?

It is important for leaders to recognize their deficits and weaknesses to become a better leader. Leaders are forward thinkers, who have vision, set strategies, establish direction, align people, motivate and inspire.