This weekend Disney+ released its latest full-length feature film The One And Only Ivan. This is a good movie! It is solid family entertainment with no language or even perceived sexuality. It is this type of film-making that made Disney great.
Based on Katherine Applegate’s Newbery Medal-winning 2013 novel, this movie tells the story of a silverback gorilla named Ivan who was saved from African poachers by a loving family. At 3 years old, he was moved by Mack, played by the incredible Bryan Cranston and the family’s husband, to a shopping mall where Mack served as ringmaster and owner of Big Top Mall and Video Arcade located in Washington state.
Spoiler alert – I love how the movie ends with Ivan, after not going outside for 27 years, being relocated to Zoo Atlanta. This is my hometown zoo. I did not realize who I was looking at or the backstory, but I have observed the silverback gorilla named Ivan on countless occasions.
The following was my biggest leadership lesson from the film: To generate momentum, Mack purchases a baby elephant to generate momentum and bring back the crowds. Initially, the older animals resisted the young elephant with all its energy and countless questions. But very soon, they took the baby elephant under their wings, mentored it, protected it, and ensured its success. From the very beginning, the baby elephant respected the older animals. It just took awhile for the veterans to reciprocate. There are obvious lessons here for all older leaders. May we not be resistant to young leaders in our organization.
The following are 16 Additional Leadership Quotes And Lessons From The One And Only Ivan:
- All Leaders Long For The Untroubled Smile – The elephant said to Ivan, “Don’t you love the moon with its untroubled smile.”
- Leaders Must Work Hard To Change Preconceived Notions – The elephant added, “I think humans like us one way. They like gorillas angry.”
- Ivan said, “Anger is precious. Use it to warn others of danger. Here, there’s no one to protect. It’s hard to roar for no reason.” – Ivan
- Leaders Carry An Extra Weight Of Responsibility – The elephant reminded Ivan, “You’re the headliner.”
- New Generates Momentum – Referring to a new baby elephant, Mack said, “Everybody loves baby animals… She’s never performed before but she’ll turn around this show in no time.”
- All Leadership Is Temporary – Referring to the new baby elephant, the dog said, “Ivan’s always been the headliner.”
- Great Leaders Are Great Encouragers – Ivan said to Ruby just prior to her first solo performance, “They’re going to love you… You can do it.”
- Trust Is The Foundation For Any Successful Relationship – “Based upon my word as a silverback, I promise.”
- Leaders Must Properly Self-Evaluate – “I’m the one and only Ivan.”
- Smart Leaders Push People Out Of Their Comfort Zone But Not Too Far Beyond It – Despite the pleas from everyone around him, Mack pushed the baby elephant beyond exhaustion during training. As a result, the baby elephant spit up on him.
- Leaders Must Continually Improve And Innovate – Once Ivan began to paint, the crowds returned in larger numbers than ever and he, once again, became the star of the show.
- Smart Leaders Know Their Limitations – The poodle said, “I wouldn’t last too minutes in the wild. There are no hairdryers.”
- Effort Matters – The older elephant said, “There’s a difference between ‘can’t remember’ and ‘won’t remember.'”
- Ivan said, “Change is scary for all of us. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. Trust that kindness will always be there when you need it. Not all humans are bad. They can surprise you.”
- All Leadership Is Temporary – Ivan said, “All good things come to an end.”
- Everyone Has A Name. Every Names Has A Story. Every Story Matters To God. – The dog said, “Everyone needs a name. I guess mine’s Bob.”
Once again, you should make time for The One And Only Ivan this weekend. You will enjoy the 90 minutes you dedicate to it. And so will your family!
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