Leadership Traits in "The Godfather"
By Amna
Theoretical Overview. Trait theory of leadership, aims at defining specific attributes (physical, mental, personality associated) that relate to leadership success; Although, there is not a particular attribute or mix of qualities that a leader encompasses, the theory depends on research which hypothesizes the numerous traits (abilities, personality traits, motivation) and factors contributing to leadership success. Abilities: effective leaders possess particular abilities and skills that permit them to accomplish their jobs: cognitive, technical, and interpersonal skills. Personality traits: effective leaders exhibit particular personality traits including personal integrity, self-confidence and emotional maturity. Finally, Motivation: effective leaders exude particular motivational attributes encompassing a relatively high desire for power, high levels of accomplishment and persuasiveness.
Scene Summary. An old friend visits the Godfather to make a request for the Godfather to avenge his daughter who was the victim of a serious assault. He comes to the Godfather for “justice” because he believes he has failed to get justice from the legal system. The Godfather is affronted by the fact that this “friend” has failed to treat him as a friend and only comes to see him when he wants a service done, in this case murder. The Godfather reminds him of the obligations of friendship before ultimately agreeing to help him and provide the service required, but only in exchange for the man’s agreement to reciprocate service when called upon by the Godfather. (ch.1 0:50- 6:40mins)
Ezorri, another friend of the Godfather consults the Godfather over the proposed repatriation to Italy, following completion of military service, of a man, Enzo, employed in Ezorri’s bakery, and his daughter’s prospective husband. (ch.2 11:20-11:58 mins)
Johnny, the Godfather’s godson complains to the Godfather that the only way he can scale the career ladder is if he is given a role in an upcoming glitzy Hollywood movie. The problem Johnny faces is that he will not be given the role by the boss. Therefore, he requests the Godfather’s help to get the role. The Godfather is disgusted by Johnny’s emotional, immature appeal and asks him to act like a man and relax assuring him that he will get the role in no time through the Godfather offering the movie director an offer he cannot refuse. (ch.3 23:12-24:36mins)
Analysis. (ch.1 0:50- 6:40mins)The Godfather’s leadership traits that are observable relate to the traits of effective leaders, ability, personality, and motivation. Abilities, The Godfather’s interpersonal skills are revealed when the acquaintance comes to the Godfather “for justice”. The Godfather effectively communicates: he first listens to the complaint, evaluates the situation and then responds. Personality, the Godfather’s personal integrity is demonstrated when he reminds the man of his obligations as a ‘friend’ and says that if he had first approached him at the outset with his problem, he would have helped him. He is slighted by this friend’s failure to consult him in friendship, rather he comes to him in a business way and this insults the Godfather’s personal integrity. The Godfather questions him pointedly, “When was the last time you came to see me?” Motivation, the Godfather’s motivation traits can be deduced from the dynamics of the conversation. The power, authority and persuasiveness can be clearly perceived throughout the dialogue; he has the upper hand and is not challenged by the man. Persuasion can be seen when the Godfather convinces the man of his shortcomings as a friend, and the man eventually acquiesces with the request, “Godfather be my friend”, and upon departing assures the Godfather’s position power by kissing the Godfather’s hand.
(ch.2 11:20-11:58 mins)The Godfather’s leadership traits revealed are ability and personality. Ability, cognitive skills are shown when the Godfather immediately discerns Ezorri’s circumventive request before he completes it, “You want Enzo to stay and marry your daughter” and Ezorri responds admiringly, “You understand everything.” Personality, The Godfather’s self-confidence is obvious when Ezorri thanks him and the Godfather responds, “Niente” which denotes nothing in Italian, meaning that the service is not a big deal to the Godfather.
(ch.3 23:12-24:36mins)The Godfather’s leadership traits revealed are personality and motivation. Personality, traits include the Godfather’s emotional maturity, personal integrity, and self-confidence. Emotional maturity is shown when the Godfather belittles Johnny’s emotional state responding to Johnny’s imploring, “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to do.” The Godfather responds with, “You can act like a man.” The Godfather’s personal integrity values can be perceived when he says to Johnny, “Spend time with your family.” The Godfather’s self confidence is shown when he gives assurance to Johnny about him obtaining the role and stating he will offer the movie director, “[a]n offer he cannot refuse.” Self-confidence is further revealed in his statement, “eat and relax well… ” “Forget this nonsense and enjoy yourself” and that his request is a done deal emphasized in the concluding statement made to Johnny on his departure, “I want you to give all to me.”