I recently read The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara and liked it so much, I picked up Gods and Generals by his son Jeff. It was so cool to go to Gettysburg and actually see where those fateful events took place (although I did get some sort of eye infection while there). I also wrote the following as part of a class project.
While reading the book The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, I had great
difficulty choosing one character who exhibited the best leadership
qualities during the Battle of Gettysburg. Each of the leaders had
tremendous attributes as well as flaws. Most leaders from both sites were
similarly trained and many went to West Point together. Ultimately, I chose
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain based on his determination to excel, his ability
to make things happen, and his focus on people. These qualities make
Chamberlain widely regarded as being a great leader.
The quality of excellence is at the core of every great leader. Colonel
Chamberlain showed tremendous determination to excel as seen by his
continuing to fight after being wounded an incredible six times. Along the
same lines, Chamberlain also had an ability to overcome difficulties placed
in his way. A good example of this ability is seen in the interaction
between Chamberlain and the one hundred and twenty mutineers from the Second
Maine. The speech he made was very moving and he was able to turn a
liability into an asset as the Second Maine agreed to fight with him.
Chamberlain, professor of rhetoric before the war, had a great ability to
learn as evidenced by his ability without military training to recruit his
own regiment and lead them to victory on Little Round Top. With this
capacity to acquire knowledge, he was able to accomplish great things. He
never considered retreat as on option.
Colonel Chamberlain had a knack for guiding people to good behavior. He
showed profound respect for the individual. Chamberlain had constant
respect even for those with whom he did not agree. The ultimate example of
this is while receiving the Southern surrender at Appomattox, he calls his
troops to attention to salute the defeated South.
Overall, Chamberlain was a good example of Mission first; people always. He
had many other great qualities not mentioned in this paper such as
selflessness, integrity, and honor. A true citizen soldier, he had the
skills and character that make a great leader who is able to influence
people to achieve more than they thought possible. Chamberlain was a master
at solving problems and mitigating risk; a true description of what a leader
should do.
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