Leadership Lessons from The 5 Levels of Leadership and Heartbreak Ridge
John C. Maxwell's book "The 5 Levels of Leadership" outlines a framework that defines leadership as an evolving journey. This article examines how the character of Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway in "Heartbreak Ridge" exemplifies these leadership levels:
When we think about leadership, it's easy to envision inspiring figures from real life, but fictional portrayals can be just as powerful in teaching us about what it takes to lead. In John C. Maxwell's book The 5 Levels of Leadership, Maxwell outlines a framework that defines leadership as an evolving journey, with each level representing a deeper form of influence. While this leadership model is commonly applied to business, it can also be seen in surprising places like Clint Eastwood's character, Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway, in the 1986 film Heartbreak Ridge.
Through a lens of Maxwell's five levels, let's examine how Gunnery Sergeant Highway's growth as a leader mirrors these principles and how his leadership journey in the film captures each of the five levels.
Let's first start by understanding each of the 5 Levels
Now, let's compare each of the 5 Levels of Leadership to how Sergent Highway exemplifies these leadership levels
Level 1: Position - People Follow Because They Have To
At the start of Heartbreak Ridge, Gunnery Sergeant Highway is assigned to lead a platoon of undisciplined and rebellious Marines. In this phase, his leadership is purely positional. He has authority because of his rank, and the Marines follow him begrudgingly, more out of obligation than respect.
This corresponds with Maxwell's Level 1, where leadership is rooted in the title and the command structure. Highway has not yet earned the respect or trust of his troops, and they do not follow him by choice. His interactions are harsh, direct, and authoritarian: characteristics of a leader relying only on their position.
Level 2: Permission - People Follow Because They Want To
As the movie progresses, Highway begins to build relationships with the men under his command. While his methods are unconventional and rough, he starts to earn their trust. One key moment of transition is when he shows genuine concern for the platoon's well-being, pushing them to improve not just because he has to, but because he believes in their potential.
At this stage, Highway begins to move into Level 2 of leadership: Permission. The Marines start to respect him, not just because of his title but because he has shown that he cares about them as individuals. Maxwell emphasizes that relationships are the foundation of leadership at this level, and Highway exemplifies this by getting his team to see him as more than just a drill sergeant barking orders.
Level 3: Production - People Follow Because of What You've Done for the Organization
Highway's true impact begins to show when the platoon starts delivering tangible results. Through rigorous training, Highway molds his once-dysfunctional team into a competent and disciplined unit. Their physical readiness and mental toughness improve, and they start to take pride in their accomplishments. They begin to understand the purpose behind Highway's tough training methods.
This reflects Maxwell's Level 3, where leadership is measured by results. Highway's platoon follows him not just because they like him, but because he is getting results for the team and the organization. Their collective success on the training grounds validates his leadership and earns him further respect.
Level 4: People Development - People Follow Because of What You've Done for Them
Highway doesn't just train his Marines to follow orders: he trains them to be leaders themselves. He recognizes their potential and invests in their growth, especially in characters like Corporal Stitch Jones, who begins as a self-serving rebel but grows into a responsible leader under Highway's guidance. By giving them the tools to succeed, Highway turns his men into capable individuals who can handle themselves in combat.
This corresponds with Level 4 of Maxwell's model: People Development. At this level, leaders focus on empowering others to lead and succeed. Highway's development of his team's leadership abilities, and his faith in their competence, is a key moment in the film. By the time they face real combat in Grenada, they are prepared, not just because of his training but because of the confidence he instilled in them.
Level 5: Pinnacle - People Follow Because of Who You Are and What You Represent
By the climax of the film, Highway's leadership reaches the pinnacle level. His men follow him into battle in Grenada, not out of duty or even respect alone, but because of the type of leader he has become: a symbol of toughness, honor, and resilience. He's no longer just their commanding officer; he represents the ideals they strive to embody. The loyalty he inspires is no longer dependent on rank but on the person he is and the values he represents.
In Maxwell's framework, Level 5 is the Pinnacle, where leadership transcends the individual and becomes about the influence and legacy the leader leaves behind. Highway embodies this in the final act of Heartbreak Ridge, leading his men through combat with a level of trust and confidence that goes beyond rank or obligation.
Conclusion: Leadership as a Journey
Gunnery Sergeant Highway's character arc in Heartbreak Ridge mirrors the journey outlined in Maxwell's The 5 Levels of Leadership. Starting as a leader relying solely on his position, Highway evolves into someone who builds trust, achieves results, and develops future leaders, ultimately becoming a symbol of what great leadership looks like.
The comparison between Maxwell's leadership model and Highway's character highlights that leadership isn't static: it's a journey of growth, influence, and impact. Whether in the military, business, or everyday life, the principles of leadership remain the same. Leaders must move beyond positional authority and work to develop relationships, drive results, and ultimately leave a lasting legacy by empowering others.
If you're on your own leadership journey, take a lesson from Gunnery Sergeant Highway: lead from the front, but always with the goal of making those who follow you better in the process.
Tags
Tags cloud
