Patton the Emotionless Leader General George Smith Patton Jr., renowned World War II leader, executed leadership in a cold, unimaginative style. He lacked the emotional intelligence of truly great leaders, yet, remains one of the most accomplished American leaders of the war. He came from a highly regarded military pedigree. Due to an unknown handicap, he needed to learn at a much harder rate than his father and grandfather. Despite all these problems, George Patton rose through the ranks using an ingratiating style of leadership to become a doctrine writer, master trainer, and recognized general that succeeded during the Battle of Bulge.
Military Tradition A young George hailed from San Gabriel, California and was born on 11 November 1885. The Patton family possessed a long line of military lineage that traced back to the Civil War. Both parents’ families served in varying capacities for the United States military. Grandfather (George I) and Father (George II) both attended Virginia Military Academy (VMI). Both finished first in their class ratings with George I “rated first in tactics, French,
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Here began Patton’s trademark ingratiating leadership style. The style served him well and he transferred to serve as General John “Black Jack” Pershing’s aide. He led a successful though somewhat underwhelming raid against Pancho Villa. During World War I, Major Patton seized a chance and transitioned from the cavalry to the newly constructed tanks corps. As a tank commander, Patton was both brilliant and severe. He declared that his Soldiers must win at all costs and according to Harvey (2008), “100 tanks moved forward the following day and encircled 150,000 Germans, who admittedly, were not putting up much resistance” (p. 347). Patton finally found the recognition he desired. Moreover, he established himself as a writer of tank warfare and excellent