Lee Ellis
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 […]
On this day in leadership history in 1944, Nazi police raided a house in Amsterdam and arrested eight people. Anne Frank, a teenager at the time, was one of the people arrested. Her diary would be published after her death. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable, courageous leaders come in all ages and levels of experience. […]
On this day in leadership history in 2006, researchers announced that two ancient reptiles had been found off Australia. The Umoonasaurus and Opallionectes were the first of their kind to be found in the period soon after the Jurassic era. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders are open to new ideas and discoveries in their […]
On this day in leadership history in 2011 in Florida, Space Shuttle Atlantis landed successfully at Kennedy Space Center after completing STS-135. It was the final flight of NASA’s space shuttle program. What’s the leadership lesson? Even though a season may come to an end on something important in your work, it could be transformed […]
By Lee Ellis Where were you fifty years ago when American astronauts landed on the moon? Do you remember what you were doing that day? Most Gen X, no Millennials, nor more recent generations can answer that question, as you weren’t born. But there are still many around who do remember what happened on July […]
On this day in leadership history 1967, Eddie Mathews (Houston Astros) hit his 500th career home run. Then on this day in 1968, Hank Aaron (Atlanta Braves) hit his 500th career home run. What’s the leadership lesson? Honorable leaders can stand alongside others and share a victory with them. They don’t solely need the limelight. […]
On this day in leadership history in 1981, U.S. President Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. What’s the leadership lesson? Determine when it’s the right time to do the right thing, and then have the courage to do it. It’s […]
On this day in 1953, the first Corvette rolled off the Chevrolet assembly line in Flint, MI. It sold for $3,250. No other car has ever achieved 57+ years of production. In these photos, Lee is sitting in the fully restored 1965 Corvette that Capt Lance P Sijan (1942-1968) originally purchased upon graduation from the […]
On this day in leadership history in 2013, aerialist Nik Wallenda completed a quarter mile tightrope walk over the Little Colorado River Gorge in Arizona. Wallenda is a seventh-generation member of The Flying Wallendas family. What’s the leadership lesson? Whether it’s family or close colleagues, honorable leaders intentionally think ahead about extending their legacy beyond […]
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 […]