Many leaders are extroverts. They make rousing speeches. They have charisma that brings followers flocking to their cause. But you don’t have to be an extrovert to be an outstanding leader. Sometimes the quiet leadership of introverts can be just as effective. Introverts have many qualities that can effectively be… Read More »Quiet leadership of introverts: Marty Baron in Spotlight
The Founder tells the story of McDonalds: its origins as an innovative Californian fast-food restaurant and its transformation to global phenomenon and the world’s sixth largest employer. It’s the story of Ray Kroc, the milkshake machine salesman who persuaded the McDonalds brothers, Dick and Mac, to franchise their restaurant concept before… Read More »The magic of McDonalds: five lessons from The Founder
We all have people in our organisations who don’t receive the recognition they may deserve. The ones who work away in the background, not getting the limelight – yet just as important in determining whether a project or organisation succeeds or fails. The movie Hidden Figures is a great example. It spotlights… Read More »Uncovering the leadership lessons in Hidden Figures
“I’ve been kicked off every team before I even got a chance to prove myself,” laments Eddie Edwards in Eddie the Eagle. Not that it stops him pursuing his unlikely dream of becoming an Olympian. Quite the opposite. Though blessed with little natural athletic ability, Eddie won hearts through his never-say-die… Read More »Soar like Eddie the Eagle with a growth mindset
“What is it that you actually do?” Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (Woz) asks in the movie Steve Jobs, after listing the impressive contributions of other Apple team members. “Musicians play their instruments,” Jobs tells him simply. “I play the orchestra.” Jobs’s widow and current Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook… Read More »Playing the orchestra: lessons from Steve Jobs
In Apollo 13, Flight Director Gene Kranz overhears two NASA directors discussing the low survival chances for the crippled spacecraft. “I know what the problems are Henry,” one of them says. “This could be the worst disaster NASA has ever experienced.” “With all due respect Sir,” Kranz intervenes, “I believe… Read More »Apollo 13 and the power of the counterfact
As we saw in Remember the Titans, movies about race and sport can provide fertile ground for lessons on change. 42 continues this theme, telling the powerful story of Jackie Robinson, the first black player in Major League Baseball. In 42, Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford) breaks… Read More »42: five key lessons about change
Do you feel able to bring your ‘whole self’ to work? What about your team, or your colleagues? In many work environments, we expect individuals to ‘fit in’ rather than be themselves. But being able to bring your whole self to work, to feel comfortable and display all your talents,… Read More »Embracing difference: The Imitation Game