12 O'clock High - Appendix 2
Appendix 2 - what did Frank Savage do to turn things around?
His priorities were to satisfy the task and group needs. Examples include:
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discipline - (a) the guard, (b) the clerk, (c) Major Cobb in the bar and (d) Colonel Gateley's arrest;
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setting standards - (a) the leper colony, (b) the briefings - the necessity of not violating group integrity and keeping in formation;
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training - (a) practice formation flying, (b) practice bombing missions;
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morale - (a) frequent references to pride - pride in this group, (b) the ignored recall (radio malfunction) and commendation;
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motivation - (a) the briefings, (b) interview with Bishop;
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continuity and succession (a) "combing for leaders", (b) appointments of Cobb and Stovell.
Let us now compare the actions or omissions of the leaders in satisfying the individual needs of the main characters.
Gateley - Davenport did not give him adequate work. Savage forced him to prove himself.
Stovall - Savage recognised that Stovall, the lawyer, looked on the 918th as 'his biggest client'. Davenport didn't.
Kaiser - Davenport refused to give him a policy. Savage did give him a policy.
Cobb - Savage promoted him, giving him responsibility within his capacity.
Bishop - desperately needed a sense of purpose. Though somewhat belatedly, Savage gave him one.
Zimmerman - for emotional reasons, Davenport gave him responsibility beyond his capacity.
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