Tag Archives: challenges

Posted on

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From The Boys In The Boat

A Reel Leadership Article

My latest book, Reel Leadership, is now available on Amazon. If you love movies and leadership, you will love this book.

In 1936, the University of Washington’s Junior Varsity crew team did something amazing. The crew team consisted of Don Hume (Jack Mulhern), Joe Rantz (Callum Turner), George “Shorty” Hunt Bruce Herbelin-Earle), Jim McMillin Wil Coban), John ‘Johnny’ White (Tom Varey), Gordy Adam (Joel Phillimore), Charles ‘Chuck’ Day (Thomas Elms), Roger Morris (Sam Strike), cox Bob ‘Bobby’ Moch (Luke Slattery). They beat varsity teams and then went to the Olympics. From there, they won the Olympic games and took home gold medals for the USA.

These boys, not men, competed in one of the most grueling sports imaginable. Most people don’t even know what crewing is. I only knew what crew was because of the ethical clothing boutique my wife shops at and does a side hustle for. 

The University of Washington Junior Varsity crew team in their boat  Read more...

Posted on

Building Emotional Resilience In The Workplace

Is there a more stressful job than leading a team of people? Maybe it’s leading a group of people who don’t want to align, chase the vision of your organization, or lack the motivation to finish their work.

Leadership is stressful. You’re taxed to the max. Sometimes, you feel like you’re at your breaking point. Especially with the last few years of the COVID-19 pandemic and the following labor shortage.

What’s a leader to do? You’ve got to build up your emotional resilience.

Woman sitting on a trail in the woods. Fog is surrounding her.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Building Emotional Resilience In The Workplace

Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt to stressful situations or crises. That sure sounds like something we’ve had to do a lot of since 2020.

We know stressful situations and crises are going to come our way. It’s one of the things that we signed up for as leaders. We’re there to handle the challenges our employees and organization will face.  Read more...

Posted on

The Growth Mindset: 5 Ways To Transform Your Thinking

Do you thrive on challenges? Do you see failure as a way to grow? Do you desire to continue developing your skills and talents?

Then you probably have a growth mindset. Those that have growth mindsets are constantly looking for ways to improve themselves. They don’t see failure as fatal but rather failure as a setup for success. Challenges are exciting and they are encouraged by them.

But…

Not everyone has a growth mindset. There is a tinge of fear when people hear they need a growth mindset and change.

The good news is that you can cultivate a growth mindset. In fact, if you’re reading this, you’re likely already on the road to success.

What holds people back from a growth mindset

First, let’s take a look at what holds people back from a growth mindset. There’s a wide range of reasons for this.  Read more...

Posted on

Leadership Reflections From The Amway River Bank Run 2023

I participated in the Amway River Bank 25K run this past Sunday. It’s an annual event that was started in 1978. The race, a 15.5-mile stroll through downtown Grand Rapids and more, is one of scenic beauty. You run past the John Ball Park Zoo, along the river bank, and back into the city. Every part of the run can take your breath away.

Over the years, the sponsors have changed. It started as the Old Kent River Bank Run, transitioned into the Fifth Third River Bank Run, and is now the Amway River Bank Run. There’s a lot of history in the race and people are proud.

Something unique about the race is the distance. You hear about 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon but the 25k is an elusive distance. It’s one that brings in runners from all across the country. Over 10,000 people ran in this race. It’s quite the experience to run with that many people!  Read more...

Posted on

5 Leadership Books To Read In May 2023

I regularly get asked what I’m reading or what books would be great for an up-and-coming leader. It’s one of the reasons I provide a new list of 5 books every month.

We’re now entering May 2023. Where did the time go? 

This means it’s time for another entry in the leadership books to-read list. This month, I’m taking a look at great leadership books that can change the way you think. They’ll inspire you to do more than you ever imagined.

Without further ado, here’s your books for May.

5 Leadership Books To Read In May 2023

1. Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success by Ryan Leak:

I began to listen to Ryan Leak’s book while on a run. I wasn’t too interested in the topic but soon became fascinated with Leak’s story.  Read more...