Monthly Archives: August 2015

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Why It’s Important To Get Rest As A Leader

I’m droggy. I’m congested. And I’m lacking sleep.

I feel like I’ve been in this state forever. But it’s only been a day.

You ever been there? If you’re like most leaders, you have.

Leaders Lack Sleep

In a Gallop study, research shows that, on average, 40% of the US get less than the recommended amount of sleep. That’s a lot of people.

You’re probably one of them. I know I am.

With 40% of the US not getting enough sleep, we can bring that number over to leaders. There’s a good likelihood that 40% of leaders don’t get enough sleep either.

The number is large. This means the problem is large.

When leaders lack sleep, bad decisions are made.

The Importance Of Sleep To A Leader

Lack of sleep carries with it a number of problems. Research bears this out.  Read more...

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Leadership Lessons And Quotes From The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

A Reel Leadership Article

In Hollywood’s attempt to throw back to yesteryear, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. released.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was originally a TV series that ran from 1964-1968. The show was a silly mix of spy life and international intrigue.

You got more of the same from the movie.

quotes and leadership lessons from the man from U.N.C.L.E.

While not packed with quite as many leadership lessons as other recent movies, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. packed quite a punch in the leadership department.

Warning: Contains spoilers from The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Leadership Lessons From The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

1. Sanders –

Report to duty at 9 AM sharp… And with a better attitude.

Our attitude determines where we go. Those with poor attitudes typically have a harder time leading.

No one wants to follow someone who’s difficult and cranky all the time. Come ready to lead with a better attitude.  Read more...

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Tend To Your Own Garden

You see the church down the street bursting out the doors and needing a new facility. You see the organization across town booming with business.

And then there’s you. Yeah, you…

Your garden matters

Image by Holly Lay

Your church isn’t teeming with life. People seem to be fleeing from the church rather than running towards it.

Your organization can’t seem to keep volunteers. No one wants to be a part of what you’re doing.

You can’t understand why.

But there might be a simple reason you’re not seeing people come in the doors and you can’t hold onto people.

You’ve forgotten to tend your own garden…

You’re Distracted

Whether it’s your church or your business, you’ve grown distracted from what you’ve started. You no longer see what’s happening right in front of you.

Rather, you’re looking across the street or on the other side of town.  Read more...

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How To Destroy Your Influence Through Social Media

Social media is a great tool, one that I love dearly. Who doesn’t, right?

It’s great to be able to catch up with old high school friends on Facebook. It’s great to see the constant flow of information on Twitter. It’s even great to see all of the amazing pictures people share on Pinterest.

Destroy or build your influence using social media

Image by Jason Howie

While there’s a good side to social media, there’s also a dark side many people get caught up in.

The Dark Side Of Social Media

By using social media in the wrong way, you can begin to destroy your influence. Amazingly, many people forget that social media is a very public form of communication.

Your employers can see what you post on social media. Your employees can see what you post on social media. Your friends and family can see what you post on social media.  Read more...

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Leadership Lessons And Quotes From Fantastic Four

A Reel Leadership Article

I’ve been excited to see the new Fantastic Four movie for quite some time. When you break down their story, it’s one of leadership, through and through.

Reed Richards and crew have a vision. They execute on the vision. The vision doesn’t go as planned. They have to run with the consequences.

Perfect parallels for leadership, if you ask me.

Fantastic Four teaches us leadership lessons

However, as the movie approached its release date, the reviews were not promising. Rotten Tomatos reviewers rated the movie at 8%. Critics ripped Fantastic Four apart.

The movie didn’t seem to hold much promise of entertaining. But I went anyways.

I wanted to see what leadership lessons I could find in the Fantastic Four. So, here they are…

CAUTION: Contains Fantastic Four spoilers.

Leadership Lessons And Quotes From Fantastic Four

1. People will laugh at your vision – Reed Richards, the leader of the Fantastic Four, always dreamed big. So big that people laughed at him.  Read more...