Top films to inspire you to be a great leader

TOP FILMS TO INSPIRE YOU TO BE A GREAT LEADER

Inspiration can be found in all different places, including film. Whilst many films are based on fiction within their morals and messages there are often grains of truth. Here we suggest films that will inspire you to be a great leader.

Courage Under Fire (1996)

Follow Denzel Washington is this US military film surrounding the concepts of truth and courage. It will leave you questioning that when things go awry, how does a leader pull their team through? Something every new leader needs to be able to do in order to achieve success.

The King’s Speech (2010)

Collin Firth stars in the 2010 biographical drama film about King George Vi who is learning to cope with his stammer. Highlighting the importance of a good support network, and the need to pursue activities in the face of challenges, there are some clear takeaways from this film for what it means to be a leader.

Glory (1989)

Here is a film about the first formal unit of the Union Army during the American Civil War to be made up entirely of African-American men, told from the perspective of their white commanding officer. After being told that they could be executed if they do not take honourable discharge, this film shows the courage that is needed of a leader.

Freedom Writers (2007)

Based on the book ‘The Freedom Writers Diary’, ‘Freedom Writers’ follows the journey of an American High School teacher who is dealing with a new racial integration plan. Watch as this leader works to gain her pupils trust and works with them to help them succeed. Something that all leaders need to learn how to ensure they do well.

The Great Debaters (2007)

Based on a true story, this film centres on the efforts of a debate coach who wants to place his historically black team on equal footing with the white Americans in the south. Explore how leaders can defy obstacles presented to them, such as social constructs. This will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tear down any obstacles in your way.

The Iron Lady (2011)

Sit back and watch as Meryl Streep portrays the longest-serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of the 20th Century. With a main theme focusing on the personal price an individual pays for power, it’s an intriguing must see for all leaders.

Braveheart (1995)

An epic historical medieval war drama, based on Blind Harry’s epic poem ‘The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir Will Wallace’, focused on a 13th century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Set at the conservative and aristocratic Welton Academy in the Northeastern United States, this film tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. A leader who encourages his students to “make your lives extraordinary”, which is what all great leaders should encourage.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Based on a best-selling novel, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ focuses on a recent graduate beginning her journey into a career in journalism. Not only does this film highlight what is needed to become a leader, but crucially what some leaders are often lacking. This film will leave you contemplating how your actions as a leader will affect those you are leading.