Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Harold And The Purple Crayon

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

The beloved children’s book Harold And The Purple Crayon was recently brought to life in a live-action version that extends the original tale into something special. I was hooked when I heard Zachary Levi was attached to play the live-action Harold. I knew I had to see the film. Levi is one of my top 10 actors.

So, what happens in Harold And The Purple Crayon? The film starts with the simplistic, childish drawings from the book. It then transitions into a brief animated scene featuring Moose (Lil Rel Howery) and Porcupine (Tanya Reynolds). They hear the voice of the Narrator (Alfred Molina) and decide to find a way to the real world. 

A man sitting on the couch with a young boy. The boy has a purple crayon in his hand. There's a flying creature in front of them. Scene from Harold And The Purple Crayon starring Zachary Levi

10 Qualities Team Members Should Expect From Their Leaders

We place a lot of expectations on those we lead. From their actions to their qualities, we want them to be Superman. We know they can’t be, yet the expectation is often there.

I covered the qualities a leader should expect from their team in a previous post. Now, I’m flipping the script. We will look at the qualities team members should expect (and receive) from their leaders.

Four people around a table. All looking at a single cell phone

Photo by Mapbox on Unsplash

This one might sting a bit, but it’ll help you become the leader you want to be and the leader your people need you to be.

10 Qualities Team Members Should Expect From Their Leaders

1. Attentiveness:

Your team members need you to be attentive to their needs. When they bring an issue to you, respond. If they need something, find a way to get it to them. 

What Are You Willing To Change?

There are areas of our lives that are absolute. We’re absolutely, 100% unwilling to change certain things. For most, these absolutes are:

  • Our faith in God
  • The love for our spouse/children
  • Our integrity
  • Generosity

We believe these things make up our core. These are what make us us. We know we cannot compromise on these areas of life.

But…

Some things are negotiable. There are things we are willing to change. 

What Are You Willing To Change?

Thinking through what you’re unwilling to change, you must be willing to think about what you are willing to change. When you know what you won’t and will change, you’re going to come out stronger, wiser, more ready to kick butt.

What are you willing to change? It could be:

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Howl’s Moving Castle

A Reel Leadership Article

If you enjoy this article, you’ll love my book Reel Leadership. It’s available on Amazon.

Our local movie theater participates in the Studio Ghibli Fest every year. The festival is a time to focus on and recognize the fantastic works of the Japanese animation studio and their impact on the animation industry. 

Currently, there are 23 films from Studio Ghibli. These range from the emotionally heart-wrenching Grave Of The Fireflies to the light-hearted Porco Rosso or The Cat Returns. There’s something for everyone from Studio Ghibli.

This year, Pamela and I caught Howl’s Moving Castle by Hiyao Miyazaki. It’s a classic anime film celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. 

A young girl is being held by a man with bird-like features.

The story revolves around Sophie (Emily Mortimer/Jean Simmons). Sophie lacks confidence. She believes others are more beautiful and talented than her. After meeting Howl (Christian Bale), the Witch of the Waste (Lauren Bacall) curses her and turns her into a grandmother!

10 Qualities Leaders Should Expect From Their Team

When you’re leading individuals, you need to expect certain qualities from them. These are the qualities you looked for and hired because of. 

The qualities of an individual will also make or break them. Sometimes, their qualities will make or break your organization. 

Scary!

That’s why it’s so important to communicate and look for the qualities you desire in an employee. Below are 10 qualities I believe every leader should look for in their people.

10 Qualities Leaders Should Expect From Their Team

1. Positive Attitude:

A positive attitude goes a long way. Although they may not be able to do everything great, they can do everything better with a positive attitude.

Look for and expect a positive attitude more often than not from those you lead.