THREE key moments of organizational change observed during the movie
The movie showcases a number of changes that were observed during the civil war in America which was aimed at freeing the blacks. There are three notable changes that formed a basis of the success that the organization went through. They include:
Shaw’s promotion: Shaw was promoted to the position of a colonel and commander of the first black regime. He was endowed with the responsibility of guiding and leading all the blacks into war. It was a change that would see many blacks being encouraged to join the army and basically fight for their rights (Cothran, 2006). There is a kind of freedom and relief that people will have when their own member is put into a higher position. It gives them a sense of belonging and authority.
Hundreds of men joining the regiment: After Shaw was promoted, there were many other people that joined the regiment. It was a defining moment for the organization that signified growth and expansion. With more people in the camp, it would be easier to facilitate the changes needed. Getting many people to understand and appreciate objectives of the organization by joining it is big boost to the activities and products of such an organization.
Confederate flag being raised: The third defining moment for the troop was the raising of the confederate flag. It was just after the white soldiers had honored the 54th Massachusetts and was ready to match forward and take over the fort. This was an intense moment that saw two of the competent leaders being shot dead. There was a lot of solidarity that was revealed even as the men sobered on with the war. Even though over half of the men were killed and the fort not taken, there was still some victory that was experienced. The African Americans were empowered to understand that they can always achieve when they are united. Most of the remaining men were promoted to the army due to the solidarity they showed.
How the leaders handled the situations key moments based on knowledge of leading change
In their efforts to win the battle, the leaders were encountered with various situations that included being despised by their own members. The black man had been under victimization that they did not understand the capability that was in their leaders. They were basically slaves for the white and could not imagine that they would ever conquer them. However the leaders braved themselves and acknowledged to their followers the importance of them being united to win (Hussey, 2000). Trip and Shaw are observed confronting one another. Trip seemed to show no concern and appreciation towards the promotion that Shaw had been given. In the end however, they realize that they are of the same decent and hence needed to work towards liberating themselves from slavery. After Shawn was shot dead while leading the troops to the fort, Trip takes over the leadership but he was again shot and died. Their death was however seen as a form of solidarity as they dared to do the imaginable.
How I would have handled the situation differently
The African American proved their solidarity and power at the end of the war. They seemed to have realized how powerful they could be when it was too late for them to conquer. The reason that may have made their prominent leaders to die before experiencing the victory and the subsequent freezing of their men could have been due to lack of preparation and strategy. The other men were not trained to be commandos but mainly followers. The lacked the ability of protecting their leaders or rather leading the rest of the troop towards victory. If it were me, I would have brought all the men together and made them understand the essence of the battle. They should have appropriate training and know that the death of one does not mean loosing. This would have empowered them to keep fighting despite the number of men that died. They would have also defended their leaders who were basically the vision bearers of the troop and hence staying alive to facilitate victory.
How wartime environment affected how the leaders managed change
The environment of war was a time when leaders and members had to prove their loyalty to the team. It was a time of making faster decisions and taking the necessary action. As they drew near to the fort, the battle became more intense; Shaw who was the leader of the troop had to show a lot of solidarity by leading the men onwards. Unfortunately he was shot dead (Cameron & Green, 2004). Trip who had been a good friend to Shawn took over the leadership and encouraged the men to move on. The battle raged and Trip was also shot dead. Even though the men were getting discouraged, they purposed to move on and posses the fort. Almost half of them were shot in the process but as a reward to their solidarity, 180, 000 African American were promoted to the army. They had to learn loyalty and responsibility while in the battle field. When it comes to managerial issues in the company, pressure reveals the true nature of people and makes them develop tactics that will carry them through. It is not about the tough situations that may surround the company but rather the spirit of unity that will see them through.
The character that resisted change the most and how I would have handled them
Trip can be considered to be a character that did not show optimism in the war ahead. In his conversation with Shaw, he seems to have given up on the battle against the whites and gives no reason whatsoever. He did not look at the battle in a similar way that Shaw did and hence not giving him the necessary support. Even though he braved up to take over the position after Shaw had died, he had mentioned earlier to him that he won’t be taking over it. It seems as if Trip was joining the battle as a follower and not psychologically prepared for leadership. If he had been fully into the battle and showed more willing dedication, then I believe him and Shaw would have done much more to ensure victory.
Reference list
- Cameron, E., & Green, M., (2004). Making sense of change management: a complete guide to the models, tools & techniques of organizational change. New York: Kogan Page Publishers.
- Cothran J., (2006). A Search of African American Life, Achievement and Culture: First Search. California: Stardate Publishing.
- Hussey, D., (2000). How to manage organizational change. New York: Kogan Page Publishers.