10 Leadership Quotes And Principles From Dolphin Tale

There are few things I enjoy more than a great, inspirational family movie.  I got that today when my family saw the delightful Dolphin Tale.  This movie is about a fatherless (more on that later) and lonely boy named Sawyer who finds meaning and purpose in the rehabilitation of a beached dolphin named Winter.  I can’t recommend this movie enough.  Fathers, take your whole family this weekend!

The following are the leadership principles and quotes I got from the movie: 

• Great Things Can Come From A Crab Trap – Winter is discovered on the beach tangled up in a crab trap.  What seemed like a potentially fatal situation turned into a story that has inspired thousands of amputees and millions of others.  We all face devastating things in our life.  Always remember that Jesus can make beautiful things out of our pain.
• “A Turned On Kid” – Sawyer’s mother Lorraine played by Ashley Judd found something that inspired her son.  All children are unique and wonderfully created.  A key to parenting is discovering your children’s uniqueness and leveraging it in a healthy and productive manner. 
• “Can I ask a weird question?” – It was this question posed to Dr. Cameron McCarthy at a VA Hospital that led to the creation of Winter’s prosthetic tale.  It is weird questions that launch genius and innovation.
• “No one in their right mind would even try it.  Luckily, I’m not.” – Normal is overrated.  If you think you’re weird or don’t fit in, you are the type of person who will one day do great, great things.
• “Just cause we haven’t got to where the star is taking us doesn’t mean it’s the wrong star.” – There is much patience, sacrifice, pain, effort, and perseverance needed to have your dreams come true.  If you’re thinking of quitting on your dream or what you are most passionate about, please don’t.
• Dreams Cost Money – The rehabilitation facility/acquarium Winter was in was going to be closed due to a lack of funding.  Any great vision or dream a person has requires financial resources to become a reality. 
• “Never quit on Winter.  Never quit on yourselves.” – It took over 60 different attempts and variations of prosthetic tales before they discovered one that Winter would not reject.  If God has put something in your heart to be done to serve others and glorify Him, please know that it may take multiple (maybe over 60)  attempts to discover the right combination of resources needed for success.  
• “Just cause you’re hurt doesn’t mean you’re broken.” – There is a difference between being hurt and broken.  You may be legitimately hurt – physically, emotionally, psychologically, relationally, or financially.  But stay the course.  You’re not broken.  You can succeed.
• Vision Requires A Funding Strategy – The facility’s fundraising plan was humourously led by the 11-year Sawyer.  This isn’t the movies though.  Churches and non-profits require a comprehensive plan to raise the needed resources for vision to become a reality.  For information on developing a resource strategy, email me or go to INJOY Stewardship Solutions.
• Leaders Invest In Other Leaders – During the film, the land the aquarium is located on was purchased by an investor for the purpose of becoming a series beachfront hotels.  However, upon seeing the work by the facility’s director Dr. Clay Haskett, the investor says, “I’m going to keep this open as long as you’ll run it.”   Leaders, people will buy into you before they buy into your dream.
• The Importance Of Fathers – The most poignant moment of the movie was the last scene when Sawyer was snuggled up with Winter.  This was immediately after he said, “Family is forever.”  Sawyer’s dad had left their home seven years prior.  He had not been heard from since and Sawyer knew not of his whereabouts. 

It’s an unbelievable movie but I have to say this – Dolphins shouldn’t have to replace dads.  Another thing I noticed was that there were about 125 people in the theater.  7 were men!  A ton of children were brought by their mothers.  As we were leaving the theater I heard one mom say to the other, “My husband had a 2:00 tee time.” 

Fathers, one of my main takeaways from this film is that we have to be more engaged.  We (me included) have got to get better.  Taking your family to see this movie would be a good start.

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