Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Death Wish

A Reel Leadership Article

I’ve often wondered what I would do if I was ever put into a situation like Bryan Mills from Taken or, now, Dr. Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis) in the new Death Wish movie. Would I want to extract revenge for the pain brought upon me or the deaths I had to witness?

Bruce Willis in promotional image from Death Wish

As a man, these questions often flood my mind. And I love watching movies explore this thought process. Death Wish tells the story of Paul Kersey, a doctor whose job it was was to save lives. Only to have his wife brutally murdered and his daughter shot and left in a coma.

What would you do? That’s the question Death Wish gets you thinking about.

And, if you’re intentional, it’ll also get you to think about leadership.

Caution: Death Wish spoilers below.

4 Ways You Can Create A Leadership Presence

Have you ever met someone who’s physical presence is a little underwhelming? Their demeanor says they don’t matter and their handshake leaves something to be desired?

This reinforces the notions it’s not what you know that really matters. There’s more to leadership than our knowledge. Our presence in leadership matters just as much, if not more.

Image by Sip Khoon

Image by Sip Khoon

Think back to the man you’ve met who left you underwhelmed. Why did you feel this way about this specific person?

I can think of a few reasons:

Their lack of confidence showed in their body language.

We read people by the way they carry themselves.

A lack of energy can often be felt by the other party.

These are but a few reasons you may feel underwhelmed by the presence of another person. As a leader, you need to be aware of the way you’re carrying yourself. Your body language can speak much louder than the words you speak.