Management 101

How to chew out a subordinate with class and respect.  Watch General Robert E. Lee (played here by Martin Sheen) dress down General Jeb Stuart in the 1993 movie Gettysburg:

There is debate as to whether this exchange ever took place, or how it went, but most would say it was typical of a man that commanded as much respect as Gen. Lee, who had a reputation for dealing with his men with an iron fist in a velvet glove.

Historically speaking, the butt-chewing was well deserved.  Stuart was indeed the eyes and ears of Lee’s army, and his absence in the opening stages of the battle meant that Lee had to advance and fight cautiously, not knowing the exact whereabouts or strength of the Union army.  This caution allowed the Union armies to fortify their positions on the high ground outside Gettysburg, thus setting the stage for the bloody battles of Culp’s Hill, Little Round Top, and the doomed Pickett’s Charge, that ultimately broke the back of the Confederate army at Gettysburg.  Had Lee had better intelligence initially, he may have been able to defeat the Union army decisively on the first day before they dug in on the high ground, or manuevered his army to a more favorable spot for battle, thus avoiding the dreadful defeat he eventually incurred.

At any rate, this clip should be studied by all in management and HR as to how to respectfully deal with employees.  Because employees respond much better to leadership and guidance when they feel respected, a fact that too many workplaces these days seem to overlook.