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5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025

Chase Mathias

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BIO

I am from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and I am currently a graduate student in the systems engineering program. I earned my undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University, completing one in aerospace engineering and one in mechanical engineering. I am pursuing a graduate degree in systems engineering to strengthen my understanding of systems thinking and engineering and to apply this knowledge in my professional role. I work as a civilian for the U.S. Air Force, and my goal in this program is to enhance my career opportunities while contributing to the protection of the warfighter.

George Washington: Leadership Biography Paper & Poster

Authors: Chase Mathias, Dr. Daniel R. Georgiadis
Student Major: MS Systems Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Daniel R. Georgiadis
Mentor's Department: IME
Mentor's College: College of Engineering
Co-Presenters:

Abstract

George Washington was a visionary leader who is known as a decorated commander of the Revolutionary Army as well as the first president of the United States of America. This paper analyzes Washington’s characteristics, behavior, motivation, emotional intelligence, ethics, courage, and approach to followership collectively shaped his effectiveness as a leader. This will be based on historical context that shows his true traits and behaviors that he has demonstrated as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army as well as the President. In the study, discussion will also show evidence of how Washington was able to operate within complex systems, with ample amounts of uncertainty and risk. The study shows that Washington was able to balance his authority and manage the situation around him. This paper will also incorporate concepts from The Motivational Code to examine Washington’s visionary motivation and emotional intelligence. These feed into his moral authority that established a long lasting ethical and prosperous culture. Overall, this paper will illustrate how Washington’s leadership encompasses his followers’ needs, systems thinking, discipline, and long-term vision. A study into Washington’s leadership is a study into endless lessons for leadership in complex organizations.

Keywords: Leadership, Theory, Revolutionary War, Ethics, Attributes, George Washington