Lee Ellis
After many years of coaching and training thousands of people, we know that freedom to know yourself and fulfill your purpose is a significant issue. We can all benefit from gaining the self-awareness to see ourselves objectively. There are several mental barriers to overcome – We’ve been told by others who we should be, or […]
The art and discipline of listening—what an extraordinary skill for leaders! Honing this skill can strongly contribute to catapulting you to success, because everyone likes to talk and be heard. Listening well is another aspect of human nature that continues what I’ve been writing* about the last two months. It seems obvious, but things that […]
Healthy leaders recognize that when their team members feel good about themselves, they naturally perform better–meaning they feel comfortable with themselves. With this insight, secure leaders are able to be intentional about affirming others. It’s a practical way of moving a person toward being more confident and secure. Those types of connections have more power […]
“The goal of many leaders is to get people to think more highly of the leader. The goal of a great leader is to help people to think more highly of themselves.” – Carla Nortcutt Most great stories have a struggling protagonist and a mentor, someone who speaks into their life to help them find […]
Humans are not rocket science, because that would be easy in comparison. At least rocket science is logical, linear, and rational. Human beings, by comparison, are even more complex, emotionally unpredictable, and can’t be controlled with a set of scientific rules! The paradox of human behavior can be maddening: We’re brilliant and beautiful, but foolish […]
Good news—bad news. You and the leaders, teammates, peers, and family, friends, and neighbors in your life are amazing human creations with unique talents, skills, and perspectives. But as amazing and valuable as these people are, we also must consistently respect, communicate, and manage the challenges that come with this uniqueness. It is the duty […]
Sometimes the hardest thing for leaders to do is to pause, reflect and then provide positive, affirming words to others. In the vernacular of performance reviews or debriefs, we generally label it as positive feedback, but I’m referring to regular, daily communication with others. Positive feedback meets several deep human needs, and you’re also you’re […]
Sometimes the hardest thing for leaders to do is to pause, reflect and then provide positive, affirming words to others. In the vernacular of performance reviews or debriefs, we generally label it as positive feedback, but I’m referring to regular, daily communication with others. Having been a leadership consultant, coach, and trainer for more than […]
My recent visit to Whiteman was very special. Privileged to conduct a leadership and teamwork workshop with Lt. Col. Chris “Crank” Conant and his leadership team at the 393rd Bomb Squadron. After lunch had the honor of meeting my LinkedIn friend Col. Keith “Ghost” Butler and speaking to his folks at the 509th Ops Group. […]
As someone who may have an interest in human behavior and the power of understanding natural talents in yourself and others, I want to share the rich lessons that I witnessed for over 40 years with a very special mentor, Col Don Ellis USAF (1932-2018). Col. Don Ellis was a highly decorated Air Force officer […]
As someone who may have an interest in human behavior and the power of understanding natural talents in yourself and others, I want to share the rich lessons that I witnessed for over 40 years with this very special mentor—not related, but definitely like family, Col Don Ellis USAF (1932-2018). Courageous Military Responsibilities Col. Don […]
Leaders must live in the tension of dichotomy or paradox. Often, it’s both. We should get out front in questioning rules and traditions that no longer serve a purpose, while at the same time rejecting the overreach of a “no-boundaries” attitude. This is clearly not an easy task and leaders must set the example. Clarify […]
A few years ago, I began noticing a line of clothing marketed mainly to young people that proudly displayed its label of “NO BOUNDARIES.” I knew it was a marketing ploy to the young and restless, but instinctively it felt dangerous. Unfortunately, some people took the label seriously. In today’s culture, far too many people […]
It’s so critical for the honorable leader to have a keen understanding of the human domain, because we must face the dangerous reality that people desperately want to succeed at all costs (even if it potentially means cutting corners or side-stepping the truth). Honorable leadership must prevail to get the maximum performance out of your […]
Here we go again. Another unrealistic goal handed down from leadership where I didn’t have any input. Accept it and figure out how to make it happen. Now I’m trapped in a corner, so I’ll have to “lie, cheat, and steal” (as the saying goes) or possibly lose my job. Does this scenario really happen […]
You’ve had that feeling for a while, and it’s not going away. The daily battle to stay engaged and productive is wearing on you. It’s time for a change, and you’re either reluctant to move forward or don’t know how. Courage is needed, and your mind drifts to those traditional heroic figures in movies such […]
Are you a Strategist or a Reflective Thinker? Are you an Initiator or a Relationship Builder? These are just a few of the unique style groups explained in Lee and Hugh’s award-winning book, ‘Leadership Behavior DNA: Discovering Natural Talents and Managing Differences’. Learn more about your natural strengths and struggles – purchase your copy […]
Every human is unique — and the best leaders know why this might be an advantage. Learn how embracing different talents and abilities, both our own and those of others, can lead to more effective leadership and success. Grounded in statistical research and supported by data from millions of clients and more than 45 years […]
You have to be honest yet respectful, so what do you say? And how do you say it? Or just leave it alone and say nothing? In a previous article, guest Tom Crawford stressed that communication is the essential ingredient for organizational success. As former Chairman and CEO in three major companies and current member […]
As I look back on my life’s journey, one of the things that stands out most is that our happiness and success depend on our choices. Choose the wrong path and you’re virtually guaranteed to arrive at a destination that is less than your potential and may, in fact, bring discouragement and heartache. My focus […]