Lee Ellis's Blog, page 240
June 9, 2017
Leading with Honor Wisdom for Today, June 9, 2017
“Whenever you see a successful person you only see the public glories, never the private sacrifices to reach them.” ― Vaibhav Shah
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June 7, 2017
4 Defining Steps to Better Leadership Discipline
By Lee Ellis
I really love summertime. But to be honest, it derails my sense of discipline. Perhaps it’s the additional summer activities or vacation time. This isn’t a guilt trip, but there are still worthwhile and sometimes difficult things that need to get done during the Summer, right? What can we do about it as leaders?
My Busy Summer
Recently, my wife Mary and I moved into a new home to get closer to some of our children and grandchildren, and this experience has challenged every ounce of discipline in my mind, body, and spirit. Moving takes an enormous amount of work to pack, unpack, and organize. In the process, normal productive habit patterns get busted, choices seem unending, and the complexity of technology changes, address changes, etc. is mindboggling.
I admit to having some characteristics of ADD, so staying disciplined is even more essential. This battle made me realize how much success hinges on being focused and disciplined in life and leadership.
The Value of Disciplined Training
Discipline is the backbone of military culture, and it was a critical part of my indoctrination and training into the service. Most veterans will tell you that the rigors of their disciplined, military experience were one of the greatest assets that they picked up as a member of the Armed Forces.
It created a natural resilience and strength that can only come from intentionally creating new habits with all military men and women. [Tweet This]
In my Vietnam POW experience, the value of discipline became a steady anchor to live as normal as possible under the challenging conditions of prison life. In this brief clip, I describe some of my disciplined acts in the camps –
4 Steps to Better Discipline
Discipline is found at the core of every success in life. It’s what helps us choose and follow the right path, keeping us on track to achieve our goals. [Tweet This]
Whether it’s a young Millennial or Gen Z or a seasoned Boomer, it’s courageously learning to do what we don’t want to do and doing what we know that we should do. Here are four helpful steps to better discipline –
Recognize that choices become habits. Whether good or bad, the same choice done repeatedly becomes a habit. It’s just human nature. Be aware of your choices and how they affect your desires and goals.
Protect your character. It will keep you on track and help you make more consistent, daily choices. Download the Honor Code if you need some guidance.
Manage distractions. Whether it’s disabling notifications on your cell phone and computer to scheduling thinking and planning time on your calendar, these small changes can yield big results.
Overcome Procrastination. From simple to serious, we all procrastinate about various things. Try doing a couple of things that you’ve been putting off (or dreading) and see the results.
My Challenge for You
Perhaps someday, I’ll do a blog about the crying need for discipline in the today’s culture—even good manners would help. But in the meantime, like most everything in leadership and personal development, the commitment to be disciplined has to start within—with me and you personally.
Have a fun Summer, but develop or retain those disciplined habits that keep you growing and advancing forward. Please also share your comments below—we’d love to hear your wisdom, too. LE
[image error] Watch the free Leading with Honor Coaching Video that accompanies this article. It’s only available via email. Sign up to receive instant access.
14 Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton
[image error]Study the lessons that Lee and his comrades learned from senior leaders in the POW Camps of Vietnam. Bulk savings available for team development.
Lee’s award-winning book and training materials are available in the Online Store.
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Guest Article – Art as a path to transformation
In this inspirational article by Brazilian friend and executive search consultant, Adriana Prates, she shares her unique stories and perspective on the impact that art has on each of one us in life, work, and leadership.
She firmly believes that art is, par excellence, the place of knowledge, accomplishment and expression. How can you use art as a means of increasing your leadership effectiveness?
Please read her article and share your comments – thank you
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June 6, 2017
A Lee Ellis FAQ on Courage
“Courage is cited by the English author and management specialist, Simon Sinek, as the main requirement for inspired leadership. According to him, to lead is to have the nerve to risk your own neck, to take the first step and, therefore, influence teams. Do you agree with this point of view? Why?”
Lee’s Answer –
“I do agree with Simon’s statement. From years of experience as a leader and leadership consultant, I’ve seen that the most effective way to get people to develop and grow is for the leader to set the example. Leaders go first, and setting the example requires courage and vulnerability.
Moreover, leading with honor and accountability requires a mindset of humility—a willingness to engage in the struggle to balance ego and confidence with concern and caring for others. Like many attributes of leadership, this tension between confidence and humility seems paradoxical and it’s rarely easy for anyone. Believe me, as a “take-charge” personality and a former fighter pilot, I experience that tension daily. It is my core values and commitment that propel me to courageously engage in that battle.
Growth is always a struggle involving courage because it requires making hard choices to let go of what feels natural, good, and comfortable in order to reach for what we truly want—to live and lead with honor. It’s tough because we have to: (1) guard our character, (2) courageously lean into the pain of our doubts and fears, and (3) steadfastly stay committed to our goals and responsibilities. It’s a lifelong process and that’s why we have to be resilient warriors—engaged in the ever-present struggle between our ego and humility. Courageously growing with this leadership mentality is not for the faint-hearted.”
Please share your wisdom and insight by commenting below – thank you
How to Build a Culture of Courageous Accountability
[image error]In Lee’s latest, award-winning book, Engage with Honor, he shares his 40+ wisdom and experiences on –
The connection between positive accountability and honorable behavior.
Gripping personal leadership experiences from the Vietnam POW camps.
A proven model for creating a positive accountability culture.
Practical, step-by-step instructions to help leaders create industry-leading performance and morale.
Purchase Your Copy on Amazon or the Online Store
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June 5, 2017
Special Offer for our close friends and family through June 15th
A Special Offer for our close friends and family – from now through June 15th, take an extra 30% off any purchase in the Leading with Honor Online Store. Simply use coupon code “HONOR17” during checkout.
Perfect gift for graduation season. And thank you for your faithful support of Lee Ellis and Leading with Honor!
Visit the Leading with Honor Online Store.
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June 4, 2017
On this day in leadership history, June 4th
On this day in leadership history in 1924, an eternal light flagstaff was dedicated at Madison Square in New York City in memory of all New York soldiers who died in World War I. It still exists today.
What’s the leadership lesson? In your work and leadership, intentionally commemorate special moments in history to help your team remember them. It’s more valuable than you think.
Eternal Light Flagstaff – Link
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June 2, 2017
Leading with Honor Wisdom for Today, June 2, 2017
“Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” – G.K. Chesterton (1909)
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June 1, 2017
The updated Courage Challenge Card is here!
The updated Courage Challenge Card is here! Thousands of leaders are using this small card to help improve their communication skills.
Download your free copy or purchase them in bulk in our Online Store.
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May 31, 2017
See if you’re doing all 4C’s – the List inside
On average, our guess is that you’re only doing 2 of the 4C’s on a regular, consistent basis—it’s because you’re continuing to grow! Whether you’re a parent, friend, or leader, doing all 4C’s is a fantastic goal for life and leadership. Please read and share – thank you
The 4C’s of Courageous Accountability Explained
Lee Ellis’ latest award-winning book, Engage with Honor: Building a Culture of Courageous Accountability, uses the power of new stories from the POW camps of Vietnam to help leaders learn and apply the 4C’s.
Learn More about Engage with Honor.
Purchase Engage with Honor. Bulk purchase options available.
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May 30, 2017
The Game-Changer in Leadership – The Power of Vulnerability
This insightful message from Brene Brown on vulnerability and human connection makes some critical points that affect others to lead with honor. The courage to be vulnerable is the new game-changer in leadership and career advancement. Please watch and see if you agree – thank you
The 4C’s of Courageous Accountability Explained
The strong emphasis in Brene Brown’s presentation on vulnerability and human connection has been built into the Courageous Accountability Model created by Lee Ellis in his latest award-winning book, Engage with Honor:
The connection between positive accountability and honorable
Gripping personal leadership experiences from the Vietnam POW
A proven model for creating a positive accountability
Practical, step-by-step instructions to help leaders create industry-leading performance and morale.
Learn More about Engage with Honor.
Purchase Engage with Honor – Bulk purchase options available for groups.
The post The Game-Changer in Leadership – The Power of Vulnerability appeared first on Leading With Honor®.
