Monthly Archives: June 2016

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Tribute To My Father

NOTE: This post was originally posted on June 15th, 2012. With Father’s Day being today, I updated the post to reshare it with those who haven’t had a chance to know my father.

Life can pass us by quickly. Days come and go. They blend together. Before you know it, it’s the next big date.

The next big date coming up is Father’s Day. That’s this Sunday.

As such, I’d like to share a bit about my father today.

Picture of my father and mother

My father and mother

His name is also Joseph Lalonde. He goes by Joe most of the time.

He was born in the U.P. of Michigan. Joined the military and served our country. And then moved to Muskegon.

He married his wife and they had three great children: Sharon, Debi, and Joey. Sadly, his first wife passed away after a fight with cancer.  Read more...

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Stop Being A Consumer

Here’s a hard truth we all have to swallow.

WE HAVE TOO MANY CONSUMERS.

Is it time to stop consuming?

What’s A Consumer?

Typically, the term consumer is bandied about in the retail world. A consumer is someone who consumes a product or service.

They’re paying, sure. But all they’re doing is consuming.

They take the product. Use the product. Return for more.

It’s all about consumption.

The world doesn’t need more consumers.

What The World Needs Instead

Let’s stop being people who continue to consume. We have enough people doing this.

Rather, become a person who contributes.

That’s what the world really needs. People who pour back into others.

Whether that’s through mentoring a young student or serving in the local church or stepping up at work. We can be people who serve the world.

I can do that. You can do that. WE can do that.  Read more...

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How To Build A Resilient Organization With Sandy Asch

The Answers From Leadership Podcast Episode 014

Our leadership expert guest for today’s episode of the Answers From Leadership podcast is Sandy Asch.

Sandy is an internationally recognized speaker and author of Excellence at Work: The Six Keys to Inspire Passion in the Workplace. She recently co-authored Roar: HOW TO BUILD A RESILIENT ORGANIZATION THE WORLD-FAMOUS SAN DIEGO ZOO WAY with Tim Mulligan. Asch partners with companies globally to create workplaces that are passionate, focused, healthier and resilient.

Learn how to create a resilient organization

What else do you want listeners to know about you?

I am passionate about leadership. Leadership is underrated and I’m excited to talk about that with you. I have a son who’s going into his junior year at Haas Business School at UC Berkeley. He’s a true natural (but I’m not biased).

And a really important thing you should know, I’m a huge fan of Shark Tank.  Read more...

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15 Leadership Lessons And Quotes From Warcraft The Movie

A Reel Leadership Article

Warcraft is the latest video game to movie adaptation. The basis for the movie? Orcs invade the world of humans and chaos breaks out.

Having been a big gamer, I was excited to see the Warcraft movie. This adaptation brought feelings of nostalgia for my video game days.

With that, I know there are people who may be confused in seeing Warcraft. This movie is based on the original 1994 Warcraft video game, not the more recent World Of Warcraft MMORPG.

Going in with that expectation, Warcraft exceeded what I thought the movie was going to be.

So, let’s get to the leadership lessons from Warcraft.

WARNING: Warcraft spoilers ahead

1. Use what other leaders have left behind: As Warcraft begins, we see a warrior pick up the shield of a fallen soldier. He found something useful the other man had left behind and he began to use it.  Read more...

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Why You Need To Rethink Calling A Meeting

Just the mere mention of a meeting makes me cringe. Crazy thoughts run through my mind. And probably yours.

Meetings tend to be long-winded, only mildly on-topic, and rarely need you in the meeting the whole time. Yet here you sit.

That’s why it’s time for us to rethink whether or not it’s the right call to hold an in-person meeting.

Meetings don't have to be old-school

Meetings Are Good

They really are. They have a purpose.

Finding that purpose is the challenge.

Meetings are great when you need face-time with someone.

Meetings are great when you need to quickly hash out the details of a big project

Meetings are great when you’ve got all the information handy

But meetings often fail to meet these tests. They begin to delve into random topics and people don’t get a resolute answer.  Read more...