11 Leadership Quotes And Lessons From White House Down

June 29, 2013 0 Comments

Leaders need fun too.  There are times in a leader’s life when he/she simply needs to turn the brain off, relax, and have a great time.  That is why I love White House Down.  It is all action, adventure, and testosterone.  Guys, this is the movie for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_wonLfgO5p8

1. “Voters today want somebody cool.” – President James Sawyer, played by Jamie Foxx.  President Sawyer knows leaders must make a connection with those they serve.  If not, people will not consistently follow those they do not like.
2. For Fathers Special Events Are Defining Moments – Early in the movie, John Cale, played by the great Channing Tatum, misses his daughter’s talent show.  Special events are defining moments in the lives of children and should be the highest priority for fathers.
3. “You only have so much time to do good things when you’re in the chair.” – Leadership is temporary.  It is a brief opportunity which must be maximized and stewarded well.
4. “We’re in the safest house in the world” says a White House tour guide.  ”Not today it’s not” responds Cale - Leaders know that your greatest strength can often become your greatest weakness.
5. The Law Of The Inner Circle – In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership, John Maxwell teaches that a leader’s success is determined by those closest to them.
6. Elevate Solutions Over Procedures – Leaders simply find a way to get the job done.  When the president was thought to be deceased, there was a pointless conversation about constitutional procedures while the White House was burning down.  I have been in many meetings when procedures were elevated over solutions.
7. The Sustaining Power Of Idealism – Leaders must believe deeply in what they are doing and why they are doing it.  This deep belief will sustain them through good times and bad.
8. The Influence Of Children – Fathers often do things they would rather not because their children want them to.  Agent Cail advised President Sawyer that he did not vote for him.  However, his daughter loved him because President Sawyer brought her daddy home from war.  Therefore, he would protect the man his daughter loves.
9. “Being president is about re-election.” – When leaders worry more about keeping their job than doing their job, churches and organizations suffer.
10. “I don’t want to make history.  I want to make a difference.” – President Sawyer
11. Reward Your Top Performers Generously - Smart leaders take care of those who take care of them.  President Sawyer made sure Cail was well rewarded at the movie’s conclusion.

Once again, just a fun movie to go see.  Have a great time and tell me what you think.