Leadership is typically defined as a particular trait that an individual has that inspires and motivates individuals to be effective in their lives. Specifically, effective leaders are those who not only build and coach a team, but assist in helping individuals effectually set priorities and achieve their goals. The concept of leadership is often reasoned to be both a skill that can be practiced, and a particular area of operation in business that can be thoroughly and extensively researched. Books and films have frequently showcased the concept of leadership with the hope of conveying a unique message to audiences about the captivating power that these individuals, who exhibit these traits, have.
One such film series in the Harry Potter series. The series, which is eight films in total, is based on the series that was written by J.K. Rowling. The story follows that of an orphan, named Harry, who discovers that he is a wizard, and through a series of experiences finds himself at a school identified as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This school assists him becoming the individual he is meant to be through his interactions with many different people. Two of the individuals that Harry comes in contact with are leaders - Professor Album Dumbledore, who is the headmaster of the school; and Minerva McGonagall, the headmistress at the school. This paper discusses their leadership qualities in substantial detail.
Dumbledore and Leadership
In a discussion on Harry Potter, writer Rob Jenkins, identifies that a good leader is someone who can provide substantial insights and be a great individual at the same time. These traits are exhibited in Dumbledore. Jenkins writes that good leadership requires a trustworthiness by the people and that Dumbledore effectively and consistently shows this. One such instance is his treatment of the gamekeeper at the school. In particular, "Dumbledore hired [him] after he was expelled from the school for something he didn't do" (1). It could be argued that most people would not do such a thing for fear of retaliation or revenge, but Dumbledore viewed Hagrid as someone who could offer wisdom to the students regardless of his past.
Leaders have a remarkable capability of leading and recognizing the good attributes in others and persuading them to use these characteristics in an appropriate manner. Hagrid is not the only character that Dumbledore trusts in the film series. Another is Snape, who is the master of potions. Despite the alignment that Snape has with the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, Dumbledore seems to overlook this and wholeheartedly believes in the good that Snape has brought to the students and to the school. He utilizes participative leadership with Snape in order to not only involve him in the subject matter that he is teaching the students, but to ensure that Snape understands that he has control over him, despite the sly maneuvering that Snape executes.
Essentially, Dumbledore is not oblivious to Snape's escapades with Voldemort, but he has opted to overlook them seeing the larger picture. The bigger or larger picture is a concept that leaders usually operate under. They do not allow themselves to get proverbially bogged down with the daily minutiae or chaos - but rather see the end. This is to a certain extent, what makes a leader, a leader. It is not that they are overlooking the issues and problems that may come through goal achievement, but rather they consider that in the grand scheme of things – that such problems will ultimately be mitigated and work toward the good of all in the end.
Rob Jenkins states that "it's worth noting that Dumbledore is right to trust both Hagrid and Snape, and that in the end, his faith in them is repaid many times over" (1). It can be said that because leaders tend to see the good and bad in people, yet gravitate more toward the good that they often bestow their trust with an emotional intelligence that all will end up working out. The concept of emotional intelligence is a capability of appropriately observing the emotions of others, as well as those within said individual. As such, Dumbledore understands his emotions, and because of this, is also able to see the extent of how the emotions of others drive them to do what they do. This is why it is easy for him to accept Hagrid and Snape for who and what they are.
Jenkins goes on to state that Dumbledore reveals his leadership qualities in the other staff also. Each of the individuals is able to effectively perform the tasks related to their jobs. He does not meddle but rather chooses to have a great deal of confidence in the individuals he has hired (1). This presents an ethical side to the leadership of Dumbledore. Ethical leadership, by and large, deals with the operation of a leader who comprehends and has respect for the beliefs and values of others. To this end, these leaders know their value, and the value of the people that they lead. There is minimal mistrust, ultimately, between the leader and his or her subordinates.
Minerva McGonagall and Leadership
Good and great leaders take pride in being committed and dedicated to those that they are afforded the chance to lead. They recognize the need to do this in order to make an impact. Additionally, they know that this will usually allow them to both monitor the objectives of their subordinates, and receive feedback when necessary. In essence, the professor extensively knows that she will receive feedback from the students and the staff if what she is doing is not necessarily the correct or right thing, while simultaneously monitoring their goals. For Harry, the professor is able to carry out his students, understanding that the professor will seek him out to correct or adjust where he is going wrong. In order to be both a good and effective leader, these individuals must be willing to correct those that they are responsible for. This should be an evident trait or characteristic in the leader. These individuals understand that those who they are responsible for will undoubtedly make mistakes because they don't necessarily know the best way to perform a particular task or duty. As such, the leaders have to be the bigger individual and give feedback to those they are responsible for so that these individuals correct their mistakes - and do not make the same mistakes a second time.
Another interesting attribute of Professor McGonagall is her uncanny ability to empower the students to immerse themselves in certain activities. In the film series, one of the sports that is played at the school is Quidditch. McGonagall is able to get Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, along with other students interested in playing and participating in the game. Leaders have a specific capability to bring out the best in others. This is why it is almost as easy as breathing and eating for McGonagall to empower Harry and others to play Quidditch, among other things. She, in other words, is a facilitator in the process of them becoming who they are meant to be.
Leaders have this capacity with them that allows for a considerable depth to be drawn out of others. They push and prod others to be the best that they can be – often seeing skills, talents and characteristics in others that those individuals simply do not see or observe. McGonagall in getting Harry and his friends to try out Quiddith, forces them out of their comfort zones and into discovering not only what they love, but coming to truly recognize what they do not like as opposed to just not wanting to do something for the sake of it. It is critical for leaders to know when to force and when to take a step back.
Conclusion
While Harry Potter is not the only film to provide stellar examples of leadership in action through the characters of Dumbledore and McGonagall, the series does offer a unique perspective into the trait. Moreover, the film series affords a substantive discussion on the topic of leadership and its relevance to not only the business world, but in everyday life also.
Works Cited
Jenkins, Rob. "'A Great Man, Dumbledore'." The Chronicle of Higher Education, 21 July 2009. Web. 19 Mar. 2016. <http://chronicle.com/article/A-Great-Man-Dumbledore/47066/>.
Mohler, Albert. "Leaders Tell the Truth." The Gospel Coalition, Inc., 19 Nov. 2012. Web. 19 Mar. 2016. <https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/leaders-tell-the-truth>.
