Lee Ellis
On this day in leadership history in 1986, the Rogers Commission released a report on the Challenger disaster. The report explained that the spacecraft blew up as a result of a failure in a solid rocket booster joint. What’s the leadership lesson? Do you use debriefs with your projects (progress, successes, and failures)? It’s one […]
On this day in leadership history in 1835. P.T. Barnum launched his first traveling show. The main attraction was Joice Heth. Heth was reputed to be the 161-year-old nurse of George Washington. What’s the leadership lesson? Deception may be somewhat acceptable in the entertainment industry, but in work and leadership it’s a death nail to […]
On this day in leadership history in 1969, the Apollo 10 astronauts returned to Earth after a successful eight-day dress rehearsal for the first manned moon landing. What’s the leadership lesson? Do you have an important project or launch in your work? Honorable leaders plan ahead (or listen and allow time for planners on their […]
On this day in leadership history in 1998, strikes broke out in Russia over unpaid wages. This was in conjunction with the overall Russia financial crisis. What’s the leadership lesson? As an honorable leader, do you ever want to be compared to the Russian government (or indirectly, communism)? Take care of your people, and courageously […]
On this day in leadership history in 1978, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that they would no longer exclusively name hurricanes after women. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders intentionally want to develop a keen skill for emotional intelligence (EQ), and that includes evaluating communication and processes that don’t promote unity and goodwill […]
On this day in leadership history in 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he made a 15-minute suborbital flight. What’s the leadership lesson? We didn’t go to the moon on the first space flight. In the same way, proceed step-by-step to achieve your goals. You’ll get there!
On this day in leadership history in 1947, Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl and five others set out in a balsa wood craft known as Kon Tiki to prove that Peruvian Indians could have settled in Polynesia. The trip began in Peru and took 101 days to complete the crossing of the Pacific Ocean. What’s the […]
On this day in leadership history in 1994, Jackie Parker became the first woman to qualify to fly an F-16 combat plane. But it didn’t happen overnight, as she actually learned how to fly an airplane before she could drive a car. What’s the leadership lesson? Steady growth and persistence pay off with something you […]
On this day in leadership history in 1860, the first Pony Express rider arrived in San Francisco with mail originating in St. Joseph, MO. Able to deliver a letter in only 10 days from east coast to west coast, it was only in operation for 18 months until a new telegraph line was installed. What’s […]
On this day in leadership history in 1970, John Wayne won his first and only Oscar for his role in “True Grit.” He had been in over 200 films. What’s the leadership lesson? As an honorable leader, would you do your work the right way even if you never received any awards or accolades? Let’s […]
More than a face on a coin, Susan B Anthony is a very interesting leader in recent history. Do you know her full story? Check out the short clip below and post your comments too – thank you
On this day in leadership history in 1776, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John that women were “determined to foment a rebellion” if the new Declaration of Independence failed to guarantee their rights. Even though it was drafted in July of that year, it would 143 years later before women were even given the […]
On this day in leadership history in 1947, the U.S. Congress proposed the limitation of the presidency to two terms. President Franklin Roosevelt was the last president to hold more than two terms. What’s the leadership lesson? All honorable leaders should be aware of the best seasons of influence in their domain and when it’s […]
A Quick POW Reunion Story – here is a picture of me and long-time POW cellmate, Col. Tom Story (or as we called him “Uncle Tom”). Tom is 88 and still living life to the fullest. One of the more interesting aspects of POW life was our internal education programs that we had in the […]
On this day in leadership history in 1973, the first American prisoners of war (POWs) were released from the “Hanoi Hilton” in Hanoi, North Vietnam. 46 years later, I’m still celebrating my and my brothers’ release and freedom. What’s the leadership lesson? Never give up. Leading with Honor – Link
On this day in leadership history in 1971, The U.S. Senate approved an amendment to lower the voting age to 18. What’s the leadership lesson? What can you do as a leader to entrust more trust and responsibility to your emerging leaders? Help them stretch their abilities and experience. 26th Amendment – Wikipedia […]
On this day in leadership history in 1910, J.D. Rockefeller Jr. announced his withdrawal from business to administer his father’s fortune for an “uplift in humanity”. He also appealed to the U.S. Congress for the creation of the Rockefeller Foundation. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders can grow their businesses and be generous at the […]
On this day in leadership history in 1803, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled itself to be the final interpreter of all constitutional issues. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders get input and counsel from a variety of sources, but the leader must have the courage to make the final decision. U.S Supreme Court – Wikipedia […]
On this day in leadership history in 1924, swimmer Johnny Weissmuller set a world record in the 100-yard freestyle. He did it with a time of 57-2/5 seconds in Miami, FL. What’s the leadership lesson? How do you think that Johnny was able to achieve this goal? What fears and doubts did he have […]
On this day in leadership history in 1920, major league baseball representatives outlawed pitches that involve tampering with the ball. Do you want to be an honorable leader? Be fair and lead the right way so that your long-term legacy is secured. The basis for cheating is in self-doubt and lack of confidence. […]