Lee Ellis
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 […]
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 […]