Would
you describe Paul as a good leader? If so, what characteristics did he embody
that made you think so? Does his
leadership style change over time? How so?
What caused these changes? Did they
make him a better leader? How about Col.
Oliver – was he a good leader?
Paul Rusesabagina is a social activist who
worked as a managed at Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali. He is world-famous
for protecting over 1,100 people during the Rwandan genocide. Amazingly, none
of those refugees received injuries during the attacks, and this clearly
indicates that Paul is a good leader possessing numerous unique characteristics
and traits. With the passage of time, he improved himself and brought positive
changes in his life considering that those were important for the welfare of
his nation. The incident when he saved more than one thousand refugees changed
Paul Rusesabagina by the whole and he started paying utmost attention to his
leadership style, implementing new policies and helping people in all possible
ways. In contrast, Oliver was convicted in Iran-Contra affairs, and he was
given tough time at that time. Later on, in 1991, all charges against him were
dismissed, proving that Oliver was also a reliable leader, but not as perfect
as Paul.
What
skills does Paul have as a manager that you find especially notable? What skills do you think he could have
improved on?
As a manager, Paul used to manage a team of
twenty people and proved his worth with time. Paul possessed outstanding
communication and interpersonal skills, and this is what made him successful in
the workplace. But sometimes, he used to lose his temper and get angry at his
workers especially when the situation was out of control. I believe that he
should develop in himself enough patience and stamina, because without it, Paul
cannot dream of a bright future.
How
did Paul motivate his employees? Was he
successful? Do any of the theories we
discussed in class apply to this situation?
What motivated Paul? Why would he
take the risks he did?
Paul, being a responsible and sensible
manager, used to motivate his employees by offering them weekly bonuses and
increment in salary. The employees who performed well and met their targets
prior to the deadline were assured of receiving rewards at the end of the
month. Paul is a kind and noble person by nature, who has learned a lot from
his past experiences. He might love to take risks in future too as he did in
the past, but that depends on his physical and mental capabilities.
How
does HQ respond to Paul’s situation?
What does Paul want from them?
What responsibility does Sabena have to their employees in Rwanda? Its
stakeholders? Isn’t Paul stealing from
the hotel when he utilizes corporate resources not directly related to hotel
activities or its customers? What about
going to his former employer (L’hotel Diplomat) and taking items from the safe?
HQ shared on Twitter that Paul is the hero of
his nation and a person who is capable of dealing with all situations. For
Paul, HQ is a breeze as their job involves writing trivia questions. Sabena is
responsible for paying salaries to their employees in Rwanda and engaging new
customers. I believe that Paul is not stealing from the hotel but instead comes
up with his own, unique strategies to enhance the performance of his hotel and
get more customers. I don’t think he needs to revisit his former employer
because Paul now needs to look forward and work hard for a prosperous future.
Why
did Paul say to Mr. Tillens“I want to thank you for everything that you have
done for my family and me. Please thank all of my friends at Sabena.”
Paul said to Mr. Tillens “I want to thank you
for everything that you have done for me and my family.” It clearly shows that
he has not forgotten his previous employer and ex-friend, even when he has
moved on in life. Paul still remembers the times when Mr. Tillens supported him
financially and helped him raise his family in a better way.
At
the end of the movie, Paul locks the door when leaving the hotel. What does this say about him? What does this
say about the business?
When Paul locks the door while leaving the
hotel, he wants to ensure that his business is safe and protected. He has spent
years in establishing this business, so Paul doesn’t want to compromise on
anything. It doesn’t mean he is an arrogant or rude person; in fact, Paul is
just concerned about his business and wants to see it growing.
Give
three key “morals” or lessons from this film – specifically, lessons that you
can apply to your future career as managers or leaders in your personal and
professional life.
The way Paul managed his hotel is incredible,
and I have learned a lot of lessons from it. First of all, I would be ready to
face challenges with a smile on my face, just like Paul. I have learned that
life is full of positive and negative experiences, so we should never leave
hope. Another lesson I have learned from Paul’s life is that being a good
manager can ensure the success of my business. I need to be hard-working and
dedicated and should be ready to deal with any problem with or without my
companions. And the last lesson I have learned is that motivating one’s
employees can ensure the prosperity of a business. If in future, I establish my
own company, I would definitely provide my workers with enough room for
self-grooming.
