LITTLE BIGHORN HISTORY & LEADERSHIP
The Battle of the Little Bighorn
What led one of America’s most celebrated cavalry officers toward one of the nation’s most debated military disasters
An engaging historical presentation by Dr. Thomas Collins
THE PRESENTATION
What Happened at the Little Bighorn?
Dr. Thomas Collins examines Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn through the lens of leadership and human behavior.
The battle included 760 troops of the 7th Cavalry and became one of the most studied military disasters in American history.
In this 80-minute presentation, Dr. Collins explores five leadership traits that gradually converged into a perfect storm, helping explain the decisions that led Custer and his command toward disaster.
80 MINUTES · FIVE LEADERSHIP TRAITS · ONE ENDURING QUESTION
01
Impulsiveness
How Custer’s tendency to act quickly and decisively shaped his choices before and during the battle.
TAKEAWAYS
What Audiences Will Explore
02
Empathy
How difficulty understanding the perspectives of troops and fellow officers affected Custer’s leadership.
03
Arrogance
How Custer’s view of himself and sense of entitlement influenced his judgment and decisions.
04
Trust-Building
How Custer’s relationships with troops and fellow officers reveal the importance of earning and maintaining trust as a leader.
05
Self-Centeredness
How Custer’s ambition and focus on his own goals influenced his relationships, judgment, and leadership decisions.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Thomas Collins
Dr. Thomas Collins brings together a lifelong interest in history with decades of experience studying and teaching leadership, communication, and human behavior.
He has taught undergraduate and graduate leadership courses and provided professional education for the U.S. Department of Defense. His background also includes leadership development, continuing education, and presentations in the United States and internationally.
Dr. Collins holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His lifelong interest in history eventually led him to begin presenting on Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 2010.
BOOKING & AVAILABILITY
Bring the Battle of the Little Bighorn to Your Audience
Dr. Thomas Collins is available to present to historical organizations, community groups, educational audiences, and other organizations interested in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, leadership, and the human decisions behind history.