Napoleon Bonaparte Leadership Style Analysis

Leaders have been created and have evolved throughout the course of time. In today’s ever changing environment, a collaborative leader must work parallel to the changes around them and continue to view their followers as allies with useful skills and viewpoints, who may have worthwhile insights and who can be trusted. On the other hand, authoritative leadership is not as effective because all power resides with one individual, and usually, the authoritative leader does not trust his or her followers as assets, and claims that one cannot befriend the common people. Between these sharply contrasting leadership styles, collaborative leadership is more effective because power does not reside in one individual, but the whole community or nation …show more content…
Jacques- Louis David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps, recollects Napoleon’s army crossing the Alps into Italy prior to a series of military victories for Napoleon’s troops. This certain painting is conceptualized rather than a portrayal of a historical scene. However, even though this painting is not an accurate depiction of a historical event, Napoleon’s confidence is shown as he is charging his army towards Italy. Initially, his troops were undisciplined, dispirited, and poorly equipped for the hard journey ahead; however, through Napoleons inspirational leadership, boldness, and courage, which showed great confidence in his men, he was able to rally his troops and lead them to victory. Napoleon definitely gave his subordinates clear orders and goals, but he “led from the trenches.” Since Napoleon is not an authoritative leader, he including his troops, faced many struggles which notably gave him recognition among his troops that he too is one of them. He is facing the same adversity and this shows Napoleon’s credible nature which ultimately indicates he trusted his followers in the battlefield. The painting ultimately establishes Napoleon as a disciplined, but charismatic leader of men, who uses communication and gestures to lead his men …show more content…
Emanuel Leutze’s, Washington Crossing the Delaware depicts Washington and the Continental soldiers crossing the frigid Delaware River to attack Britain’s Hessian army at Trenton, New Jersey. In the painting, the men and women are all working in unity to steer the boat in the direction provided by their confident leader, Washington, who is predominantly standing on one leg while guiding the crew in the right direction. This stance serves as an example of confidence and depicts Washington visionary leadership as he looks far into the horizon. This confidence is contagious among the hundreds of men and women on the boats which motivates all of his crew members to work hard together to accomplish their common goal. Since Washington is not an authoritative leader, he is choosing to ride in the same boat as his crew members all while providing direction with the group. This shows respect and trust between Washington and the common man. Similar to Napoleon, Washington is part of the action and is in the front lines of battle with his fellow soldiers. It also depicts solidarity between the fellow soldiers and Washington, which in turn increases the moral and spirits during the cold journey. Washington’s collaborative leadership style accomplished the common goal of crossing the Delaware River through