Learning from the Battle of Gettysburg 

The challenges of decision-making and leadership during a crisis are evident throughout the Battle of Gettysburg and pertinent to law enforcement today. Law enforcement officers eager to learn about leadership will review the film, “Gettysburg,” based on the Pulitzer prize-winning book Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. The leadership traits, skills, attributes and limitations depicted by such Civil War leadership as John Buford, Richard Ewell, Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee will be examined and discussed as they pertain to the work of law enforcement executives. Participants will analyze different perspectives of “Gettysburg” and explore these lessons by applying them to current organizational issues. It is important to note that the primary lessons here are not about gallantry and heroism at all costs; rather, they are about how different organizations and leaders from diverse backgrounds react under crisis, conflict and change – themes common throughout law enforcement.