Based on the Stephen King novel, “The Shawshank Redemption” tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a successful banker wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Once in Shawshank prison, his world is turned upside down as he learns the new dynamics of life on the inside. Set in the 1940’s, the film shows the graphic and harsh world that exists inside prison walls and when viewed through a leadership aspect, provides insight into the ways in which corruption, power, and struggle can change the way we behave both as leaders and followers. The leadership roles that are displayed throughout the film are not just displayed by the main character Andy Dufresne, but by all many of the other characters also. For example, Red is
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He shows assertiveness when he undertook the task of procuring funding to upgrade the Shawshank prison library. Through weekly letters and continued effort, he secured adequate funding and resources to allow the library to thrive. Throughout the entire process, Andy was constantly reminded that he would never succeed at his endeavor. Despite the difficulty, Andy continued to maintain optimism in the face of failure. He shows warmth when he helps Tommy a young inmate in and out of legal system most of his life to prepare to take his high school equivalency test to better his life after Andy told him that he was not a very good criminal. The main character Andy Dufresne also displays courage when he was chosen for a coveted, outside prison job where inmates would tar the prison roof. While doing this work, Andy overheard the main guard, Captain Hadley, talking about an inheritance he would receive. Although a dangerous idea, Andy approached the guard and told him that he could save money using a legal tax loophole. Captain Hadley, after a rather tense conversation, allowed Andy to help him in exchange for a few cold beers for his fellow co-workers. In everything Andy does throughout the film, he displays great emotional intelligence through his numerous unselfish acts of kindness to lift the mood of his fellow inmates. This is shown in a tension-laden negotiation with Brooks Hatlen,
He shows assertiveness when he undertook the task of procuring funding to upgrade the Shawshank prison library. Through weekly letters and continued effort, he secured adequate funding and resources to allow the library to thrive. Throughout the entire process, Andy was constantly reminded that he would never succeed at his endeavor. Despite the difficulty, Andy continued to maintain optimism in the face of failure. He shows warmth when he helps Tommy a young inmate in and out of legal system most of his life to prepare to take his high school equivalency test to better his life after Andy told him that he was not a very good criminal. The main character Andy Dufresne also displays courage when he was chosen for a coveted, outside prison job where inmates would tar the prison roof. While doing this work, Andy overheard the main guard, Captain Hadley, talking about an inheritance he would receive. Although a dangerous idea, Andy approached the guard and told him that he could save money using a legal tax loophole. Captain Hadley, after a rather tense conversation, allowed Andy to help him in exchange for a few cold beers for his fellow co-workers. In everything Andy does throughout the film, he displays great emotional intelligence through his numerous unselfish acts of kindness to lift the mood of his fellow inmates. This is shown in a tension-laden negotiation with Brooks Hatlen,