Monthly Archives: December 2012

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The Scars That Lie Beneath

My wife and I have recently found a show we really enjoy. It’s called Arrow on the CW.

Arrow follows the story of Oliver Queen after he is rescued from a remote island.

Bridge

Image by Paul Bica

Oliver pretends to return to his previous life as a rich playboy. Except that’s not who he is now.

The island had changed him. It left him with scars. Both physical and mental. And it’s changed his mindset.

His story got me thinking about the issues we face in our daily lives. How we’re often left with mental scars that redirect our lives.

How We Get Mental Scars

We are left with mental scars by many of the situations we face daily.

An abusive boss. An argument we had with our spouse. Words said by an abusive father.

The wounds cut deep and leave us altered. Guarded and scared.  Read more...

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The Trap Of Negativity

Have you discovered the trap of negativity? It’s able to grip quickly and pull you down without much warning.

I’ve found my caught in it’s grip more than I’d like to admit. Have you?

Why Negativity Has So Much Power

Negativity multiplies when focused upon. The choice is ours: Which do we want more of?
— Julia Cameron

You’d be amazed at the power negativity has. Once it takes hold, it’s easy to spiral into a cycle of negativity.

I find myself wondering why this happens. I think I found an answer.

Scientific studies show that negativity is contagious.

There’s power behind negativity. It’s able to quickly multiple when someone starts the ball rolling.

Just think of a time when you entered a room happy only to have someone state a complaint. It was easy to join in and find something to complain about, wasn’t it?  Read more...

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How To Build A Great Team

Our society often promotes the idea of The Lone Ranger as the ideal.

Being self-sufficient is key, we hear. But it’s a lie.

Boat Rope

Image by Moyan Brenn

The ideal should be to work in a great team. And that requires teamwork.

What Is Teamwork?

Teamwork is the combined effort of a group of people working together towards a common goal.

When we begin to combine our efforts and work with others, our output is multiplied. Creative ideas that were blocked by a lack of vision are released when shared with others.

Before you know it the team is knocking out new ideas and increasing productivity.

“Great teams never depend on individual creativity and thinking.”
— Andy Stanley

How To Build A Great Team

To build a great team, you’ve got to find people who are willing to work together. Those that know that a great team requires more than just an individual.  Read more...

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7 Leadership Lessons From JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit

A Reel Leadership Article

The movie version of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey releases in theaters today. Are you going to watch it? I’m hoping I’m able to watch the movie soon. It looks amazing.

But did you know before The Hobbit was a movie it was a book?

The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey

J.R.R. Tolkien wrote it as the prelude to the enchanting Lord Of The Rings series. The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins as he leaves Bag Ends and enters into a world of adventure.

As I was reading his story, I picked up on 7 leadership principles we could all learn from The Hobbit.  Read more...

  • Sometimes leadership finds us unaware: Bilbo wasn’t ready for an adventure when Gandalf stopped by his house one unassuming morning. But adventure is what Bilbo received. Your entry into leadership can happen like this. Someone sees your potential. He picks you. Before you know it, you’re on a grand adventure of leadership.
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Why Leaders Must Be Fighting Men or Women

As a leader, you’ve probably experienced times of feeling down and out. Like you couldn’t go on anymore.

You just wanted to give up and throw in the towel. But you know better.

You’re a leader who is persistent. You’re a leader who is resilient. You’re a leader who is determined.

You’re a fighting leader.

Luis Contreras Vs Demetrious Mighty Mouse Johnson Fight

Image by Kelly Bailey

Leadership will draw out traits in you that you never knew you possessed. One of those will be the spirit of a fighter.

There will be times when your position of leadership requires you to be a fighter. Kind of like Rocky, but instead of knocking someone out you persist and continue. Taking on the trials of leadership.

Your time as a fighter will require three traits:  Read more...

  • Persistence
  • Resilience
  • Determination