Ronald B.’s Post

For tonight’s horror film, I went with something more light-hearted: "Tucker and Dale vs. Evil" (2010), a hilarious deconstruction of the classic “cabin in the woods” slasher trope. The movie flips the genre on its head by portraying Tucker and Dale, two well-meaning, kind-hearted hillbillies, as the accidental villains of the story. Through a series of misunderstandings, a group of college students mistakes them for crazed killers, leading to chaotic, darkly funny consequences. The film is a great reminder of how dangerous assumptions can be in both life and the workplace. Just like the students in the movie jump to conclusions about Tucker and Dale, in our professional lives, we can sometimes make snap judgments about colleagues or situations without fully understanding the context. These assumptions can lead to miscommunication, conflict, and missed opportunities for collaboration. As leaders, it’s crucial to foster a culture where curiosity replaces judgment. Encouraging open dialogue and taking the time to ask questions before jumping to conclusions can help uncover the truth and lead to stronger, more effective teamwork. Much like in "Tucker and Dale vs. Evil", things are often not what they seem on the surface, and taking a step back to gain a clearer perspective can prevent unnecessary misunderstandings. In the end, success in the workplace (and in life) often comes down to empathy, communication, and giving others the benefit of the doubt. It’s amazing how much smoother things go when we don’t make assumptions, but instead seek understanding. #HorrorMovieLessons #Leadership #Empathy #Communication #Assumptions #Teamwork #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment

This weekend I watched the new Gladiator movie, and it left me thinking about leadership, resilience, and the dynamics of change. While the film is set in the brutal arena of ancient Rome, its themes resonate powerfully in today’s world of business and management. At its core, Gladiator is a story of individuals navigating forces beyond their control - power struggles, shifting alliances, and unforeseen challenges. It struck me how much this mirrors the experience of modern leaders, especially in times of transformational change. Three insights stood out: ROLE OF PURPOSE Just as the gladiators fought for survival, freedom, or revenge, leaders today need to define a clear purpose—not just for themselves but for their teams. Purpose provides direction in the midst of uncertainty and chaos. In times of organizational change, clarity of purpose can be the guiding light that rallies teams and keeps them focused. ADAPTABILITY UNDER PRESSURE The arena is unpredictable - so is the business landscape. In the film, survival required quick thinking and strategic shifts. For leaders, this translates into the ability to pivot, recalibrate, and make decisions with limited information. Change management often feels like stepping into an arena where the rules shift mid-fight. The ability to adapt is what separates those who thrive from those who falter. POWER OF INFLUENCE OVER AUTHORITY In Gladiator, respect and loyalty weren’t earned through titles or hierarchy but through actions, integrity, and the ability to inspire. This is a reminder for leaders: true influence comes not from a position of power but from the trust and commitment you cultivate among those you lead. This is especially critical during change, when uncertainty can erode trust if leaders fail to connect authentically. As we navigate our own "arenas"—whether leading teams through organizational transformation, managing cultural shifts, or introducing new strategies - Gladiator reminds us that leadership is as much about mindset as it is about skillset. It’s about standing firm in your purpose, adapting to the unexpected, and building influence through trust and action. Change, like the arena, is never easy. But for those willing to embrace its challenges, it can be an opportunity to lead with impact and emerge stronger. Sometimes a movie, just like a good book can help us reflect and find wisdom we can apply in our daily lives. https://lnkd.in/gKa9Xx3p

How to Build a Hitchcock-like Reputation Without Murdering Anyone While sitting in a dark theater, in one of those new reclining cushy seats. Popcorn is on one side, and a drink is on the other. Eyes glued to the screen as the clock’s ticking down, heartbeats echo like drum rolls, and our hero—the procrastinating leader— is in a cinematic race against time to beat the looming deadline. Sweat beads, papers fly, the tension! I feel the pit in my chest. It’s a scene straight out of a Hitchcock thriller. Only, this isn’t Hollywood, and the stakes are all too real. 🕒💼 Ever felt like you’re starring in your own corporate suspense film, directing a plot twisted by last-minute scrambles and near-disasters? If so, you might just be the Hitchcock of your office. While suspense may have been Alfred’s best friend, in the business world, it’s the fastest way to a plot where nobody wins Especially not team morale!! But what drives us to this edge? Is it the thrill of the last minute, the paralysis by analysis, or the quest for the perfect plot twist that never comes? Whatever your script, it’s time to yell cut on the procrastination that’s turning your leadership style into a nail-biter that nobody enjoys. Ready for a rewrite? Drop the suspense and pick up some straightforward action. Check out the full story on how to shift from Hitchcock suspense to Spielberg inspiration in leadership https://lnkd.in/eimy_sJ2 Because if there's one thing we should be directing, it's success—not suspense. #Management #CEO #LeadershipDevelopment #JimTalk #Leadership

Tom Hanks' iconic portrayal of Forrest Gump is a masterclass in emotional intelligence and cognitive reframing. The famous "run, Forrest, run!" line likely brings to mind Michael Conner Humphreys, who played young Forrest. However, Humphreys hit a snag early on in production due to his difficulty mimicking the accent Hanks was using for the movie. Instead of getting frustrated, Hanks chose to adapt and instead adopted Humphreys' Mississippi accent. This decision not only created the cherished character we know today but also demonstrated the power of seeing a problem from another's perspective. Reframing is a powerful tool supported by research showing it can reduce fear, increase pain tolerance, and decrease stress. When faced with a challenge, consider how you can change your perspective to make a situation work for you. Next time you find yourself in a potentially frustrating situation, step back and ask: How serious is this problem? Can I change my view to improve the situation? How can I focus my energy on more important issues? By focusing on what you and those around you need, you can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration. I loved this article. Not only did it provide me with some great new movie trivia, but it was also a powerful lesson in the power of EQ from a beloved blockbuster. #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #CareerAdvice #ProblemSolving https://ow.ly/cjbn50SzZpj

This line from actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson really caught my eye. Sometimes as executives and business leaders we choose the nice option. The friendly option. Maybe we've become so sanitised, fearful of taking action, scared of what might be the wrong move. Even if there's a monster size issue. A gigantic problem. A s&#€ storm of a situation that needs to be dealt with. What I love about this is that sense of sometimes you just know you have to roll up your sleeves, put yourself into gear and deal with it. Even if it means breaking through that metaphorical wall. What's your wall? And what are you going to do about it? #motivationalmonday #businesspsychologist

Fight the urge to read unread emails when you’re about to sign off. Why? The one-last email syndrome can you land you in more and unexpected work territory. Nothing is urgent because 99.9% of the time it isn’t. https://lnkd.in/e_dcHWVu #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #coaching #success #mindsetcoaching #leadershipcoach #personaldevelopment #inspiration #motivation  #successcoaching#successtips #successmindset #leadershipcoach #executivecoaching #executivedevelopment #coaching #coachingworks #mindset #leader #growthmindsetcoach

I've been watching 'Your Honor.' Anyone else a fan? Great series! In one scene, crime boss Jimmy Baxter, facing his family's urge for instant revenge, calmly says, “Patience is NOT inaction.” 🤯 He knew that being calculated and in control would lead to the desired result. The speed of action wasn't his priority—the outcome was. And he got what he wanted. Of course, his intentions were nefarious, but let's focus on the lesson here. 😂 A question I often ask in my business: How can I make this challenge [aka problem, project, task] simpler, easier to execute, more fulfilling, and create the best odds of achieving an excellent result? The answer often lies in simplifying and planning FOR THE DESIRED OUTCOME instead of rushing in simply to check a task off of the list. Most won't stop to think and plan; they charge ahead, driven by reactionary emotions or the misguided notion that all decisions must be made quickly. But taking a moment to think first makes our actions more effective and efficient and sets us up for better outcomes and opportunities. So, don't be a crime boss, but maybe make plans and decisions like one? 😃 #leadership #businessstrategy #creativebusiness

Why it is not good to procrastinate? Procrastinating on more and more tasks will only lead to cognitive overload. Complete your tasks according to their timeline; get things done so you can focus on other matters. Remember that unfinished tasks will lead to mental burden: making you worry about when and how you will complete them. This is a scenario that will slow you down and will add tension to your day . Sharing an article regarding Zeigarnik effect. #leadership #personaldevelopment #ready #wednesdaymotivation

The Harold: 11 steps to stop ego getting in our way. It’s easy for us to trip over own egos at work. Walking into the meeting… watch out…there it is… often hiding in our blind spots… waiting to send us flying. Ego is the enemy, as Ryan Holliday says in the title of his book.s Yet we seldom mention the word. And it’s hard to fight an enemy that’s hiding in the shadows. Ego needs to be flushed out into the open. When we did this with a group of leaders at COOK Trading Ltd it was a lightbulb moment for many. Ahhh… now I see how my ego is messing with me. We used a great set of prompt questions from Amazing If (link in comments). And this week I stumbled on another tool… The Harold is a challenging improv comedy technique built on 11 principles. Dont worry about the improv (phew): it’s a wonderful checklist for making sure our ego doesn’t get the better of us. And if there's a single takeaway from both to keep our egos in check it's this: listen more. Principles of The Harold 1. You are all supporting actors. 2. Always check your impulses. 3. Never enter a scene unless you are needed. 4. Save your fellow actor, don't worry about the piece. 5. Your prime responsibility is to support. 6. Work at the top of your brains at all times. 7. Never underestimate or condescend to the audience. 8. No jokes. [ie focus on the system not the result] 9. Trust. Trust your fellow actors to support you; trust them to come through if you lay something heavy on them; trust yourself. 10. Avoid judging what is going down except in terms of whether it needs help, what can best follow, or how you can support it imaginatively if your support is called for. 11. LISTEN. #culturematters #leadership #founders

Today has been an exceptionally long, rigorous, and rewarding day . I’ve spent hours in consultations with clients, navigating through turbulent waters to contract negotiations. And like many of us with ADHD, my mind wondered into the fantastic world of my youth when I played video games. My favorite types were the sparring games, such as Tekken, Street Fighter, and all time favorite, Mortal Kombat. Whether I was actively engaging in the conversations or acting as a advisor, I could listen to how some of my clients were having challenges, feeling defeated within these corporate hunger games And I realized, the corporate landscape, which many professionals war against daily was similar to what I’d label: corporate combat. The verbal sparring, the strategic alignments, and the perpetual code switching takes a strenuous mental toll. Feeling attacked in business can sometimes feel like a relentless round of Mortal Kombat, where every move you make meets with an unexpected counter and every decision leads to a more complex challenge. It’s as if you’re constantly on the defensive, dodging the Shao Kahns and Kitanas of the corporate world, who seem to have mastered the art of surprise attacks. It’s frustrating when it feels like every step forward is met with two steps back, especially when you’re committed to playing by the rules and striving for excellence. In these moments, it’s crucial to remember the essence of Mortal Kombat—it’s not just about the battles won, but also about the resilience developed and the strategies honed through each fight. Just as in the game, where players learn to anticipate moves and counter effectively, the business battles teach us resilience, strategic planning, and the ability to think quickly under pressure. So, here’s to turning those attacks into opportunities to sharpen our own skills, reminding us that sometimes, to win in the corporate arena, you need to tap into your inner warrior and fight back with strategy and strength. And when the dust clears, all you should hear is.. [Insert Your Name] WINS‼️ #BusinessIsPersonal #InRealLife #Leadership #Corporate #OrganizationalDevelopment #Strategy