Lee Ellis
On this day in leadership history in 1945, during World War II, American soldiers liberated the Nazi concentration camp of Buchenwald in Germany. What’s the leadership lesson? How can you, the honorable leader, give more freedom to those in your care? Think of ways to increase freedom, not decrease it. Buchenwald Concentration Camp – Wikipedia […]
Today is Former POW Recognition Day – while not as well-known as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, it’s just as important. The word “former” is the key to remembering the major difference between these two events honored every year on their respective days. This day honors the more than 500,000 American warriors captured while protecting our […]
On this day in leadership history in 1967, the U.S. lost its 500th plane over Vietnam. It would be another 7 months before Lee Ellis and Ken Fisher were shot down in their F4-Phantom jet. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders must weigh current losses to determine whether the future gains are worth the sacrifice. […]
On this day in leadership history in 1917, during World War I the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was founded. Despite their valuable contributions to the war effort, they weren’t given the same rights and benefits as men who were serving. This issue was remedied in WWII. What’s the leadership lesson? Virtue and doing the […]
Lee Ellis served as an Air Force fighter pilot flying 53 combat missions over North Vietnam. In 1967, he was shot down and held as a POW for more than five years in Hanoi and surrounding camps. Today, he is an award-winning author, leadership coach and speaker on leadership, teambuilding and human performance. The brotherhood […]
On this day in leadership history in 1986, Debi Thomas becomes first African American woman to win the World Figure Skating Championship. In addition, she was the 1988 Olympic bronze medalist and a two-time U.S. national champion. Her rivalry with East Germany’s Katarina Witt at the 1988 Calgary Olympics was known as the Battle of […]
Today is my 48th anniversary of regaining freedom from my POW experience. My group of POWs in Vietnam stepped forward on March 14, 1973 and ever since the lock has always been on the inside of the door. Please look back at these photos and celebrate this annual milestone with me and my comrades – […]
On this day in leadership history in 1933, the board game Monopoly was invented. What’s the leadership lesson? Regardless of your type of work, honorable leaders know that part of the training process is going through scenarios for better decision-making on the team. Share your stories and wisdom with them. Monopoly – Wikipedia […]
On this day in leadership history in 1974, the U.S. and Egypt re-established diplomatic relations after a break of seven years. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders look for opportunities to make amends and/or reconnect with relationships that are important or worth salvaging. What is a relationship where you can reconnect? U.S./Egypt Relations – Wikipedia […]
On this day in leadership history in 1950, the first International Pancake Race was held in Liberal, Kansas. The friendly little competition between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England, with women running 415 yards down the streets of each town flipping pancakes, has been going on for more than 70 years now. It is still the […]
On this day in leadership history in the 14th and 15th centuries, February 14th was associated with romantic love when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the “lovebirds” of early spring. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders know that expressing love and appreciation to others is important regardless of the day. Show […]
On this day in 1877, the first Guernsey Cattle Club was organized in New York City. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders understand the power of a group of people coming around a core idea or passion. Unify your people towards a common goal with a set of core values that guide that process. Guernsey […]
On this day in leadership history in 1982, Sandy Duncan gave her final performance as “Peter Pan” in Los Angeles, CA. She completed 956 performances without missing a show. What’s the leadership lesson? Commitment. Resilience. Perseverance. Passion. Talent. Generosity. What other honorable leadership traits does her accomplishment come to mind with you? Sandy Duncan – […]
On this day in leadership history in 1943, U.S. President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill concluded a wartime conference in Casablanca, Morocco. On the final day of the Conference, President Roosevelt announced that he and Churchill had decided that the only way to ensure postwar peace was to adopt a policy of unconditional surrender. […]
On this day in leadership history, Inventor and Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, was born in 1706. Here’s a brief clip showing the progression and accomplishments in his life – please watch
On this day in leadership history in 1776, “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine was published. It advocated independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies. What’s the leadership lesson? As an honorable leader, what is one important thing that you need to do now that you’ve been putting off? Follow through and do […]
On this day in leadership history in 1924, English explorer Howard Carter discovered the sarcophagus of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, Egypt. What’s the leadership lesson? More important than someone merely discovering you after you’re gone, will that person know how you positively impacting society by leading with honor? Decide now […]
On this day in leadership history in 1978, Spain adopted a new constitution and became a democracy after 40 years of dictatorship. What’s the leadership lesson? Think about the courage, patience, resilience, and teamwork that it took to accomplish this goal. Whatever your endeavor, find these attributes around you as a leader to keep moving […]
by Ted Ballard (1932-2019) (Lee’s Note: In this stirring and emotional article written by Lt Col Ted Ballard USAF (Ret) and former Vietnam POW, he recounts 7 Christmases when we were in the prison camps of Vietnam. We encourage you and to take a moment and read the details of these unforgettable events in his […]
On this day in leadership history in 1946, the Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life” had a preview showing for charity at New York City’s Globe Theatre, a day before its “official” world premiere. James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film. What’s the leadership lesson? Think about the powerful emotions and message […]