Lee Ellis's Blog, page 326

Giving Back Focus – Wounded Warrior Project

Lee Ellis and FreedomStar Media™ donate a portion of our income to veterans support organizations.

One organization that we support, Wounded Warrior Project, provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life.

Please learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project.

 

Lee meets with wounded warriors at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda MD.

Lee meets with wounded warriors at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda MD.

Seven Leadership Principles for Restoring Honor in Politics

By Lee Ellis

Having a competitive spirit is usually a positive attribute in our culture. Whether in work, life, or play, we’re hard-wired to face competition with power, tenacity, and the goal of winning. It’s the American way and for many, winning has become the supreme, all-important goal!

As we approach mid-term elections in the height of this season’s political frenzy, many candidates and their parties are desperate to win at all costs, with millions of dollars spent to influence voters. For example, spending for TV ads in several state governors races this year are in the range of $15-30 million dollars. Beyond the vast resources being spent though, the greater concern is the blatant deceit that has become a tolerated part of election season; if you consistently vilify and defame your opponent and play dirty politics, you have a good chance of winning regardless of your own past performance or political record.

Throughout the election season, we’ll be constantly bombarded with out-of-control half-truths (also called “spin”) and outright lies about opponents, as well as promises that will never be kept.

As voters we have to be more shrewd and discerning to find truth and honor in political candidates.

Deception in the Camps

As a Vietnam POW under communist rule for over five years, I heard lies and half-truths three times a day as the speaker box in my cell spewed forth their propaganda. Consequently, my greatest source of anger and concern since repatriation has come from my aversion to lies and duplicity, especially when someone is trying to get me to believe something that is clearly not true or so far out of context that it has no relevance.

Intentional misrepresentations of facts or reckless attacks on another person’s character are anathema to a free society, and they echo the communist tactics we experienced in the camps many years ago.

Why do we tolerate such dishonorable behavior? Regardless of one’s political ideology, what is the real benefit of defending and supporting spin artists whose actions and words consistently show them to be untrustworthy? Is our Republic on a slippery slope where it’s accepted that the end justifies the means?

Unifying the Culture Through Truth

Here’s a truth that we must never forget: Lies chip away at our freedom as individuals and as a nation, and truth is the cornerstone for liberty, justice and a free society. We should make electing honorable leaders our highest priority.

Lee is pictured on the right, 4th man in the row, along with his fellow comrades including Senator John McCain at the front.

The mission, vision, and values of the 4th Allied POW wing in the Hanoi Hilton were eventually combined into three words, “Return with Honor.” Our actions were governed by the Military Code of Conduct, a list of six statements developed after the Korean War to guide prisoners of war. Even though we had ideological differences on some issues, this code clarified our commitments, held us accountable to each other, and inspired an amazing bond that held us together in unity. It was our highest priority as we fought to do our duty and serve honorably under the grimmest of circumstances.

You may have sensed that truth has been under attack in our society for a long time. With our current communication technologies, the truth is twisted and spun so fast and so cleverly that it would take a full time team of researchers to sort out the real truth in a single political contest.

Seven Codes of Honor

Clearly we need a unified code of ethical behavior—a Code of Honor to guide and draw us together into truthful dialog and debate.

Here’s a step in that direction: seven principles to renew our commitment and unify us as honorable people and leaders -

Tell the truth even when it’s difficult. Avoid duplicity and deceitful behavior.
Treat others with dignity and respect. Take the lead, and operate by the Golden Rule.
Keep your word and your commitments. Ask for relief sooner than later if necessary.
Be ethical. Operate within the laws of the land, the guidelines of your profession, and the values that you proclaim.
Act with responsibility, do your duty, and be accountable. Own your mistakes, and work to make things better in the future.
Be courageous. Lean into the pain of your fears to do what you know is right even when it feels unnatural or uncomfortable.
Stay attuned to your spiritual core, your conscience, and your deepest intuitions. Listen for wisdom about honor, ethics, and courage.

What do you think would happen to our society if we all did our best to follow these seven short principles of honor? Don’t underestimate the power of a few honorable people to make a significant difference in our culture. Make a commitment to do your part as leaders in affecting positive change, and expect results from your efforts. Would you join me in making that commitment?

Get a free copy of this Code of Honor.  

LE

Leadership Resilience in Challenging Times – Lee’s New Interview on MoneyWise

Listen to Lee today as a radio guest on MoneyWise with Howard Dayton and Steve Moore.

He shares his latest thoughts on how his POW and career experiences have shaped his life and decision-making. Please share with others!

Listen Here

Important Leadership Day in History for Sunday, September 28th

Pictured: Sir Alexander Fleming

Sometimes in leadership, it’s smart to simply pay attention to new opportunities around you that breed new ideas and ways of helping others.

On this day in history in 1928, Sir Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin when he notices a bacteria-killing mold growing in his laboratory; it remained for Howard Florey and Ernst Chain to isolate the active ingredient, allowing the “miracle drug” to be developed in the 1940s.

You may have a miraculous discovery in your midst—pay attention to your surroundings!

Learn more about Sir Alexander Fleming here.

 

Free Coaching Tools for Honorable Leadership – See Inside

Need some free leadership coaching from Lee? As a supporting part of his book, Leading with Honor, we provide video clips and handouts for digging deeper in the 14 principles that he shares.

We’re happy to provide this special content to you—please enjoy and share!

Click here to learn more.

Want to first learn more about Leading with Honor? Here’s a summary.

Leadership Wisdom for Today, Friday September 26th, 2014

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis

Leadership Courage and Current Events – Listen to Lee’s Commentary in This Interview

Lee Ellis was a recent guest on the KWCK Country Morning Show with the Real Robbie Frish on the topic of leadership courage and current political events like courage in leadership, ISIS/ISIL, the Ebola situation, and more. See if you agree with Lee’s commentary as he talks about current events, and please share your comments –

Leadership Freedom Checklist – Breaking Free from the Mindsets That Limit You

Do you want freedom from being too rigid in your mindsets, and freedom to being open to growth and change? Do you want freedom from an “eggshell” environment that doesn’t allow disagreement, and freedom to engage in healthy, creative conflict that gets buy-in?

Get the checklist that covers almost 30 leadership mindsets that can make or break how you move forward in both work and life.

Please download and share with others!

On This Day in History, September 21st – Leaders Making Their Mark

We love passionate leaders making their mark in their respective fields. In 1937, the women’s airspeed record was set at 292 mph by American pilot Jacqueline Cochran (1906-1980). A big salute to Jacqueline for her steadfast tenacity in achieving this goal.Click to learn more about her life and work.

What’s the next goal that you want to accomplish?

What Does a Dominating Leadership Style Look Like?

When you think of a dominating personality or leadership style, what are the adjectives that you think of? Fear, Anger, Distrust, Pride? I’m sure that you can think of a few more.

Download a free pocket tool to properly engage these individuals and be successful with your objectives –