Leadership Lessons From My First Official Half Marathon

Two years ago I did something crazy. I partnered with my pastor and a couple of friends to run a half marathon at 3 AM in the morning.

Little did I know what that experience would bring. It was a time of bonding, growth, and helping the less fortunate.

This half marathon was unofficial and untimed.

Half marathon runner high-fiving children

Photo by Ryan Hanson

Last year, I did something I believed I never could. I ran my first official full marathon. The marathon run was challenging, frustrating, and heart-wrenching.

That’s why, this year, when the opportunity presented itself to run for Team World Vision and clean water again, I begrudgingly said yes. I chose to run the Metro Health Grand Rapids Half Marathon because of clean water.

I ran the Metro Health Grand Rapids Half Marathon this past Sunday, October 20th. It was a much better experience than the previous year. It has me excited for the next half marathon in June.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil

A Reel Leadership Article

Angelina Jolie returns as the misunderstood Maleficent in Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil. In this sequel to the 2014 Maleficent, Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora (Elle Fanning) have their bonds tested by a new threat.

Aurora, the Queen of the Moors, has fallen for Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson). His mother, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer), learns of their love and begins to plot against the world Aurora has lived in for so long. Queen Ingrith sees an opportunity to rid the world of the fairy creatures living in the Moors.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Maleficent Mistress Of Evil

When Aurora, Maleficent, and Diaval (Sam Riley) meet with Prince Phillips family, things begin to go south quickly. Queen Ingrith enrages Maleficent. While the moment is hot, Queen Ingrith stabs her husband, King John (Robert Lindsay) with the enchanted needle from the spindle. This puts King John to sleep and sets in motion Queen Ingrith’s evil plans.

How To Create A Challenging And Enriching Work Environment

A paycheck is one reason people go to work. Other reasons may include the social interaction they get from an office environment or their reason to work could be altruistic. They want to give back.

Two reasons I haven’t mentioned are big reasons people go to work. They want to challenge themselves to do the best work they can. They also want to continue to grow and be enriched.

These two reasons for working are something you can use to create a great environment. One that actually attracts top talent.

By creating a challenging and enriching environment, you will also weed out those people who are only doing it for the paycheck. Bonus! Right?

What Does A Challenging And Enriching Work Environment Look Like?

Before you look to create an environment that is challenging and enriching, you have to figure out what this means. For me, it is quite simple.

Image result for servant leadership institute logo

I recently had the pleasure of talking to Bryan Malinski and Robin Swift on the Servant Leadership Institute Podcast. We discussed my free eBook Leadership Is Dangerous amongst other topics.

Bryan and Robin were excellent hosts and helped create a great conversation. You can check out our discussion at https://servantleadershipinstitute.podbean.com/e/leadership-is-dangerous-with-joseph-lalonde/.

Date:
Appearance: Featured On The Servant Leadership Institute Podcast
Format: Podcast