Introduction
Leadership is a significant element in the corporate world where managers and people at different levels of authority get to interact with others for various reasons. There are different leadership approaches used by individuals in a position of authority. Notably, governance and influence in the Erin Brockovich movie, which is set within a law firm and has different characters who have powerful positions. The film is a true story adaptation of a woman who persistently fought for the victims of contaminated water that was causing adverse side effects to their health (Hosea, 2021). Although different characters in the film depict distinct personalities, there are many important lessons to learn.
Leadership Models Demonstrated by Different Characters
To start with, the main protagonist of the movie, Erin, is a transformational leader. She doggedly investigates a case that has proven difficult while at the same time striving to win the trust of the town’s residents who had been deceived into thinking that the utility giant was a great company. She is also a hardworking and determined person who easily motivates people. For example, she influences her boss to see the need to raise her salary. The other leader is Ed, Erin’s boss, who depicts the qualities of a transactional leader. He is reluctant to employ Erin but gets convinced by her persuasive skills. He also advises that Erin should stop wearing provocative clothes to work since other women are not comfortable with them.
Examples of Characteristics of the Leaders
Erin is bold and courageous in all her ordeals, as indicated throughout the film. Specifically, she does not relent when she is determined to get something. One characteristic feature of her boss Ed Masry is that he easily changes based on the direction that he perceives may win. Moreover, he also keeps cautioning Erin about doing things that will negatively impact the reputation of the firm. Moreover, he has a tendency to give rewards or demotions based on what a person has done.
Specific Situations
Evidence of transformational leadership in Erin’s character is depicted in the court as she speaks her mind and ends up losing an accident claim. She is also altruistic as she goes the extra mile to look for evidence that would aid the sick people affected by the contaminated water (Soderbergh, 2000). With regards to Mr. Masry, the scene is shown where he chooses to fire Erin after her first foray into research can be translated into the abandonment of her official responsibilities (Soderbergh, 2000). Moreover, the scene where he promises Erin an increase in salary due to her exceptional performance also exemplifies his transactional leadership style.
Effectiveness of the Individuals as Leaders
Erin’s unwavering determination to create a positive change tends to make the people around her a sense of stability and direction. She is very influential and admirable in her determination for justice, which is effective for the kind of case that they had to handle against a big company that has more money at their disposal. Mr.Masry’s transactional leadership style is also effective in ensuring the stability of the company. Moreover, since he treats all the employees equally, he is perceived favorably by the workers.
Leadership Lessons
One of the important lessons that can be garnered from Erin’s transformational leadership style is that in an urgent need of change, it is relevant to show passion and determination until the desired outcome is achieved. When people see that a leader is unwavering and making small but significant strides, they are persuaded to start following. In Masry’s transactional style, a significant lesson is that it is important to treat everybody with dignity. Also, in making decisions, it helps to weigh options and spend only as much as one can receive.
References
Hosea, L. (2021). Erin Brockovich: California water battle ‘woke me up’. BBC News. Web.
Soderbergh, S. (2000). Erin Brockovich [Film]. Universal pictures.