To conduct an analysis of the leadership of a fictional character, I chose the film The Green Mile (Darkwoods Productions, 1999). Specifically, I chose to talk about Paul Edgecombe who was played by Tom Hanks. Paul Edgecombe is the head guard of the Green Mile which houses death row inmates in a penitentiary. He has a balance between work and leisure, is reserved in his judgment, is instinctive and resolute in his goals. He was able to do his job well because he felt that the inmates under his control deserved the death penalty, but they also deserved respect and calm before that happened. The film illustrates his response to an unruly prisoner, an unruly subordinate, and an innocent man capable of performing miracles that he is forced to perform. This film is based on a series of novels by Steven King (Darkwoods Productions, 1999). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Although many leadership approaches can be applied, I have chosen to analyze Paul Edgecombe with the trait leadership approach. The trait approach “believes that leaders and non-leaders could be differentiated by a universal set of traits” (Northouse, 2013, p. 40). This film features a multitude of characters who are on different levels of the trait approach. Paul's right-hand man, Brutus Howell9 (played by David Morse), could be an effective leader if he were able to control his temper and had a greater desire to understand the emotions of others (Darkwoods Productions, 1999). Director Hal Moores (played by James Cromwell) could have been an effective leader if he hadn't been so willing to offer his nephew a job on the mile and a difficult home life at present with his very Ill (Darkwoods Productions, 1999). “The trait approach is very different from other approaches because it focuses exclusively on the leader, not the followers or the situation” (Northouse, 2013, pp. 28-19). Paul Edgecombe is balanced and stable, allowing his traits to shine through no matter the situation. Northouse (2013) analyzes six different studies on the trait approach and simplifies them into a table (p. 23). There are five main leadership characteristics that are repeated across studies: intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability (Northouse, 2013, p. 23). Paul Edgecombe consistently demonstrates each of these traits. Intelligence is apparent in his character. He is humble and unaware of his intelligence, but his self-confidence and resolute actions demonstrate his intelligence, especially in the area of ​​emotional intelligence. He has acquired the skills and experience to demonstrate self-confidence in his work and uses that self-confidence to teach others. Even when he has a difficult employee to manage, he exudes self-confidence as he takes on the challenge of hiring and teaching them. Paul is determined to do his job and make sure his subordinates are safe and happy as well. Paul's integrity is one of the most important lessons in this film. Paul Edgecombe was very good at his job, but after witnessing the miracles of John Coffey (played by Michael Clarke Duncan) and realizing his innocence; Paul Had a Crisis of Conscience (Darkwoods Productions, 1999). Paul Edgecombe unsuccessfully lobbied lawyers and the state to try to save John Coffey (Darkwoods Productions, 1999). This crisis of conscience led him to no longer be able to execute any man and to leave his post at The Green Mile (Darkwoods Productions, 1999). His integrity is better.