In Forrest Gump, the figures of leadership can almost all be seen as performing a role that aids Forrest Gump's development of self-definition and agency.
Forrest (Tom Hanks) has a number of notable relationships with leadership figures. This is especially true if we include the characters of his mother (Sally Field) and his childhood friend and sweetheart Jenny (Robin Wright).
In his relatively innocent and guileless way, Forrest is very willing to be a follower to his mother, to Jenny and to Lt. Dan (Gary Sinise). Each of these characters give Forrest advice to apply when they are not around. With folksy sayings and solid guidance, these three figures turn Forrest into a person who himself is capable of leadership.
Importantly, this strength is developed through self-knowledge. There is, perhaps, a bit of irony in the idea that Forrest learns to define himself as an individual through his interactions with other important figures in his life. Then again, the irony is only slight seeing that it is the internalization of good advice (and a filtering out of bad advice) that substantially defines the inner-being of this lead character, Forrest Gump.
Leadership, in the end, is concerned with wisdom, which is a practical application of life's lessons combined with a sense of personal agency.
Dorothy Harris: Are you coming along?
Young Forrest Gump: Mama said not to be taking rides from strangers.
Dorothy Harris: This is the bus to school.
Young Forrest Gump: I'm Forrest, Forrest Gump.
Dorothy Harris: I'm Dorothy Harris.
Young Forrest Gump: Well, now we ain't strangers anymore.
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