And the Winners Are…

Friends,
When I saw The Blind Side, I fell in love with Sandra Bullock.  Watching her acceptance speech I fell in love all over again.
See the movie to watch a great mom-as-everyday-leader!  And see any of these awards ceremonies to remember: we don’t accomplish anything great alone.  Oh, there’s a couple goofballs (like the one woman who pushed her co-recipient out of the way to steal the microphone.  Who will ever want to work with her in Hollywood?).  But the thanks are ubiquitous and heartfelt.
I want to thank the many people who have been commenting on this RFL blog.  Lately, the discussions have felt richer than ever before.  Let’s keep inspiring and educating each other to lead with our best.  I also want to thank the tens of people who wrote me directly after my “shut up” column.  I had no idea there were so many kind, positive, and fed-up-with-PC-thinking people out there.
One of the simplest and most enduring acts of leadership is available to you:  Thank the people who help you to
Lead with your best self,
Dan
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”  John F. Kennedy
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And the Winners are

When I saw The Blind Side, I fell in love with Sandra Bullock.  Watching her Oscars acceptance speech, I fell in love all over again.

See the movie to watch a great mom – as everyday leader.  And see any of these awards ceremonies, where winners are effusive and emotional with their thanks and praise to remember: We don’t accomplish anything great alone.  (Oh, there’s always a couple of ungracious winners, like the one woman who interrupted her co-recipient and stole the microphone completely. Who will ever want to work with her in Hollywood?)  Generally, the thanks are heartfelt and ubiquitous.

In that spirit, I want to thank the many people who have been commenting on this RFL blog.  Lately, the discussions have felt richer than ever before.  Let’s keep inspiring and educating each other to lead with our best.  I also want to thank the tens of people who wrote me directly after my “shut up” column two weeks ago.  I had no idea there were so many kind, positive, and fed-up-with-PC-thinking people out there.

One of the simplest and most enduring acts of leadership is available to you today:  Thank the people who help you to

Lead with your best self!

Dan


  • Good morning Dan,

    I believe that most of us who have achieved our goals have been mentored. A dyadic relationship whereas an experienced person guide a less experienced person helping them to become a success, has been proven to be effective.

    Your RFL program for me, has been helping me to reach my goals. Again, for me, this mentoring relationship, falls under the category of an informal mentoring relationship.

    God Bless you,

    Thomas K. Burke – Mentor

  • Dan,

    You were not the only one who fell in love with Sandra Bullock last night as a leader in the acting profession.

    One dress designer did too when the answer to the question is being given: Who will be the most effective at getting viewers to buy the clothes they see on the red carpet?

    Before the awards were made, the “best seller” award already was thought to go to the nominee whom few in the fashion world were discussing: Sandra Bullock. At StyleSpot.com, a Los Angeles-based Web site that links red-carpet photos to stores that sell the looks, Ms. Bullock’s Vivienne Westwood dress at the People’s Choice Awards ranked among the top of all red-carpet appearances this year in inspiring viewers to “click through” to retail sites.

    One more leadership lesson illustrated in the world of fashion: It isn’t pure chic that moves clothes. “For the most part, celebrities that drive sales aren’t necessarily the ones that get nominated” for awards, says Lily Hollander, editorial director of StyleSpot.com. The 45-year-old Ms. Bullock has a down-to-earth image that means millions of women relate to her.

  • Hi Dan,

    As a movie buff, I enjoyed most of the ceremonies last night. I haven’t seen The Blind Side yet, but now I have to go see it. That film was one of several inspiring films that were recognized this year. Hurt Locker and Avatar were also very good films, and it was good to hear winning director Kathryn Bigelow thank all of our men and women who are still out there fighting for us. Regardless of what you feel our position should be regarding Iraq and Afghanistan, all Americans should rightfully be thankful of the sacrifices that all of our military personnel make, day after day.

    As for the woman who interrupted her co-recipient early in the evening, my family speculated that perhaps her name is Kanye. (Or would it be Kanya?)

  • Dan, your note today reminded me that your columns help me to ‘lead with my best self.’ That’s a high tribute, deserving of a moment to simply say, ‘Thanks!’ Your work makes a difference, and I appreciate it.

  • Hi Dan,
    I’m so glad I’ve taken the time over the years to thank those who have impacted my life in big and small ways. Most recently, it hit home when I looked back at my professional reference list and realized that two of my biggest champions have passed away. Wow…time marches on.

    I’d also like to take a moment to publicly thank you for being one of the people whose encouragement has made a difference in my life. Specifically, you encouraged me to mentor. And while I always knew it was a good idea, your encouragement helped me take action. I’m now mentoring my second young lady and we have been together for four years. Our relationship has has really enriched my life and is keeping me forever young.

    In gratitude,
    Mary

    • Mary,
      How great that you’re still mentoring. There’s a lucky girl out there to have an accomplished coach supporting her. As they say on TV: “priceless.”
      I’m so glad I helped nudge you towards something that’s been so enriching!
      Dan

  • I didn’t stay up late enough to watch Sandra receive the award, but I watched the microphone stealer and felt sick afterward.
    While we’re at it, I’d like to recognize you, Dan, as one of the most gracious credit sharers I know.

  • One good part of the Oscars is that all nominees receive credit in hte long term. Hollywood keeps track of nominations and winners, so that being nominated is an honor. Many awards programs should follow this example. Often the line between the winner and the other nominees is very slim, and any of them would deserve to take the top spot.

  • Dan,

    It takes a special talent to engender comment and discussion from other people. Thank you for sharing your talent with your lucky readers. Your unbridled optimism is contagious, and catching it was a balm for my pride, injured by more than one year on unemployment benefits. Thank you for sharing your optimism with your lucky readers.

    Small gaffs like the “shut up” thing are only proof positive of passion and spontaneity, something far too often lost in our world of carefully-crafted sound bytes and doctored spin. Thank you for letting us into your world without the “PC” filters at full force.

    Finally, in an interview, Sandra Bullock, mentioned how wonderful it is that her husband (Jesse James) “has her back.” I will bet the farm that your Governor/wife is very happy that you have her back. I found it refreshing and reassuring that your support for her is unflinching and unrestricted, when it would be so easy to equivocate or side-step tough disagreements with readers whose political views differ. Thank you for letting us see it, and hear it, and feel it in your columns and responses.

    You are a good role model, Dan Mulhern, and an effective leader.

    • Mick,
      Thanks for the encouraging words.
      It’s embarrassing how this column turned into an opportunity to “thank Dan.” Yeesh.
      D.

        • Not only is Dan a mentor, but he is also “Mr. Modest”. Where I come from Dan, you get what you deserve!

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