Monthly Archives: December 2011

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Beware The Backson Monster

A Reel Leadership Article

Monster

Image by stopthegears via Flickr

The newest Winnie The Pooh movie was released a few months ago. In it, Winnie The Pooh arrives at Christopher Robin’s house to find a note. The note read “Gon Out Bizy Back Soon.”

Winnie The Pooh could not read the letter so he brought it to Owl. Owl, thinking he was very wise, read the letter.

He came to the conclusion that Christoper Robin had been abducted by the Backson Monster. The Backson Monster is supposed to be a mischievous and ruthless monster.

The 100 Acre Wood gang decided they would trap the Backson Monster and free Christopher Robin from his evil grasp. Throughout the movie, they face many trials and tribulations trying to set the trap for the Backson Monster.

In the end, they found out Christopher Robin had not been kidnapped by the Backson Monster. Christopher had left the note to let the gang know he was busy and would be back soon.  Read more...

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Why Writing In A Journal Is Important

the next four journals

Image by paperbackwriter via Flickr

Last year I was challenged to keep a journal of thankfulness. I thought this was an odd challenge but one I took on.

For a full year, I wrote a journal entry every day. Each entry was regarding my thankfulness for my wife.

I reached the one year mark on November 26th, 20111.

Throughout the year, I looked back upon the days I wrote in the journal.

I wrote in my journal many things this past year. Two major events happened to my wife this year. They were the severe injury to her ankle and her quitting her job.

It is amazing the things that you forget happened. In the journal I wrote about the talks I enjoyed with my wife, the events we enjoyed together, and her attributes that I was thankful for.

You also notice trends in your life.  Read more...

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How To Overcome A Stressful Situation

even though playing the drums is his passion...

Image by romana klee via Flickr

Okay, I think we can admit it. We are among friends here. We can be open.

The honest truth is:

Being in a position of leadership can be stressful.

Leadership is not easy. There is much that is expected of you.

You wear various hats:

  • Mentor
  • Father/Mother Figure
  • Activity Planner
  • Supervisor
  • Referee

You have to deal with difficult situations:

  • Tension between the members of your team
  • Bad home situations of your students
  • Disagreements
  • Having to correct a team member
  • Interruptions of your schedule

Stress is the trash of modern life – we all generate it but if you don’t dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life
— Danzae Pace  Read more...

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Book Review – How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

If you are a returning visitor, do not be alarmed. The blog has changed. I updated to the Standard Theme and cannot wait to see what it offers. If you are new to the site, I hope you will enjoy the look and the content of the site.

Now, lets dive into today’s content!

One of the most influential books I have read has to be How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. How To Win Friends and Influence People was originally published in 1936. Today, it is still highly regarded as a must read book for communicators.

How To Win Friends and Influence People has been reprinted many times. The copy I read was published in 1981.

With the help of Dale’s wife, Dorothy Carnegie, it has been revised to include more modern examples of people who have applied the principles in the book. If you find differences in my review from the book you have, this may be why.  Read more...

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12 Things You May Not Know About Me

Peanut M&M's

Image via Wikipedia

Seeing as today is December 12th, the twelfth day of the twelfth month, I wanted to do a special post.

I am going to make the post more personal and give you a glimpse into who I am. Today, you will learn of my likes, my history, and my past.

Prepare for twelve things you may not know about me.

   Read more...

  1. I have a deep love of music:
    My musical tastes run a wide gamut. From Third Day, to Casting Crowns, to MxPx, or Squad Five-O. I have a love of all things musical.

    Growing up, there was rarely a weekend that I was not at a concert. There were several great venues that bands were able to play at. The most memorable concert venues were The Underground in Jenison, Skelletones in downtown Grand Rapids, and Palmer Hall in Muskegon.