Lee Ellis
On this day in leadership history in 1791 in the U.S., the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, went into effect following ratification by the state of Virginia. What’s the leadership lesson? As an honorable leader, when is the right time to improve, modify, or clarify your original words, […]
On this day in leadership history in 1765, Eli Whitney was born in Westboro, MA. Whitney invented the cotton gin and developed the concept of mass-production of interchangeable parts. What’s the leadership lesson? How can honorable leaders create processes that ease or automate work for their teams and organizations? Process improvements benefit everyone—leader, team, and […]
Today Dec 7, 2019, we join with so many to say Happy Birthday to a great American, and a very special hero, Col. Charles McGee. Congratulations Col McGee on your 100th birthday and a life well lived. For those who don’t know his story, I hope you will read his biography by his daughter. He […]
On this day in leadership history in 1909, The Pennsylvania Trust Company, of Carlisle, PA, became the first bank in the in the U.S. to offer a Christmas Club account. What’s the leadership lesson? As an honorable leader, how are you equipping your team or customers to plan ahead for their future success and well-being? […]
On this day in leadership history in 1888, Dale Carnegie war born. Born into poverty on a farm in Missouri, he was the author of “How to Win Friends and Influence People” (1936), a bestseller that remains popular today. One of the core ideas in his books is that it is possible to change other […]
On this day in leadership history in 1973, U.S. President Nixon told an Associated Press managing editors meeting in Orlando, FL, “people have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook.” What’s the leadership lesson? Article 1 of Leading with Honor’s “Honor Code” says this, “1. Tell […]
On this day in leadership history in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was opened to visitors in Washington D.C. This 2-acre memorial displaying 58,320 names, including eight women. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders should visit and spend time there when they can. It’s worth remembering the price paid in the name and virtue of […]
On this day in leadership history in 2002 at Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong, 777 people assembled a 58,435 square foot jigsaw puzzle with 21,600 pieces. What’s the leadership lesson? What would it take for you to rally your team to achieve a seemingly insurmountable goal? Honorable leaders have learned the natural influence to […]
On this day in leadership history in 1858, Roland Macy opened Macy’s Department Store in New York City. It was Macy’s eighth business adventure, the other seven failed. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders keep going and don’t give up. Macy’s History – Wikipedia
On this day in leadership history in 1947, Hollywood came under scrutiny as the House Un-American Activities Committee opened hearings into alleged Communist influence within the motion picture industry. What’s the leadership lesson? Especially in a work culture that’s free and open, honorable leaders must be aware of negative influences that would threaten a healthy […]
On this day in leadership history in 1792, the cornerstone of the Executive Mansion was laid in Washington, DC. The building became known as the White House in 1818. What’s the leadership lesson? Before building or creating anything of value, honorable leaders consider the foundational elements first—the why, the how, and the ultimate goal. The […]
On this day in leadership history in 1961, U.S. president John F. Kennedy advised American families to build or buy bomb shelters to protect them in the event of a nuclear exchange with the Soviet Union. What’s the leadership lesson? Whether for positive or negative reasons, honorable leaders and their teams make contingency plans for […]
On this day in leadership history in 1984, Elizabeth Taylor was voted to be the world’s most beautiful woman in a Louis Harris poll. Ironically at the same time, Taylor was in the Betty Ford Clinic overcoming a weight problem. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders must have an objective view of self and seek […]
On this day in leadership history in 1862, U.S. President Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. It stated that all slaves held within rebel states would be free as of January 1, 1863. The Civil War would end two years later. What’s the leadership lesson? Many times, honorable leaders must have supernatural persistence, consistency, and […]
On this day on leadership history in 1949, “The Lone Ranger” premiered on ABC. Clayton Moore was the Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels was Tonto. What’s the leadership lesson? May we all be as consistently honorable as the Lone Ranger in our leadership work and relationships with others! Lone Ranger – Wikipedia
On this day in leadership history in 1966, NBC-TV aired the first episode of “Star Trek” entitled “The Man Trap”. That show was canceled on September 2, 1969 and re-launched as “Star Trek” a week later. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders have to objective to see if an idea or product still has potential. […]
On this day in leadership history in 1982, J.R. Richard returned to major league baseball after a two-year absence following a near-fatal stroke. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders should soak up every new story of courage, patience, and resilience to later remember when you’re in a challenging situation. Honorable leaders can overcome anything! J.R. […]
On this day in leadership history in 1975, Bruce Springsteen’s album “Born to Run” was released. He has recorded rock albums like this one as well as folk-oriented works, and his lyrics often address the experiences and struggles of working-class Americans. Springsteen has sold more than 135 million records worldwide and more than 64 million […]
On this day in leadership history in 1981, Herschel Walker of the University of Georgia took out an insurance policy with Lloyd’s of London. The all-American was insured for one million dollars. What’s the leadership lesson? Think of the ways that honorable leaders can protect and nurture their best people. Start with making a heart […]
On this day in leadership history in 1984, U.S. President Ronald Reagan was preparing for his weekly radio broadcast when, during testing of the microphone, the President said of the Soviet Union, “My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you that I just signed legislation that would outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in […]