Mikayla Henault

September 23rd, 2018

Psychology of Leadership: Leadership Movie Essay

The Blindside

Not only is the movie The Blindside an inspiring, uplifting movie, it also portrays characters
with exemplary leadership skills. The movie based off of a true story, depicts the life of Michael Oher,
an African American teen with a difficult family background, who was taken in and later adopted by
the Touhy family, an upper-class white family. Through the Touhy family’s guidance, particularly their
mother Leigh Anne, Michael ends up becoming one of the best offensive linemen ultimately playing
for the NFL. Leigh Anne Touhy, played by Sandra Bullock, displays many of the fundamental
characteristics of a good leader throughout the movie.

One scene that encapsulates her leadership abilities is during one of Michael’s first football
practices. During the practice Michael’s coach, Coach Burt Cotton, is getting annoyed with Michael’s
performance and results at yelling at him in order to try to get his point across. Sitting on the
sidelines watching the practice is Leigh Anne and her son SJ, Leigh Anne decides to take matters into
her own hands and stops the practice to talk to Michael. In doing so Leigh Anne is challenging the
process one of the five main practices of exemplary leadership. She understands that the way the
coach is trying to appeal to Michael is not working, and decides to step up to improve the process.
When talking to Michael, Leigh Anne discusses how his football team is just like his family and it is his
job to protect his team like he protects his family. She understands his values of family and
protection, and uses those values to try to drive positive results on the football field. This actions falls
under the second practice of exemplary leadership, inspire a shared vision. After her discussion with
Michael practice continues, and Michael’s game improves tremendously. The coach comes over to
talk to Leigh Anne, asking her what she said to Michael to make such a difference, her response is
“you should get to know your players Burt”. She then tells the coach about Michael’s test results, and
his extremely high score in protective instinct. She uses that knowledge of Michael and the
relationship she had with him in order to successfully enable him to act, the fourth practice of
exemplary leadership. By explaining to the coach how to teach and connect with Michael, she is
modeling the way, the first practice of exemplary leaders. Leigh Anne displays the fifth practice of
exemplary leadership, encouraging the heart, within the scene by being present at the practice and
cheering on Michael from the sidelines. Throughout the movie she recognizes Michael’s potential and
allows him to find that potential within himself. She creates a community around him consisting of
family, teachers, coaches and school administrators, all of whom ultimately help Michael to grow into
the man and football player he becomes.

Leigh Anne’s strength and determination is motivating throughout the movie, but her heart
and her ability to connect with people, especially Michael, is what makes her an inspirational leader.

Practice Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuYlHxijIho