Tip#882: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 3 - The Towering Inferno

Growing up as a kid, I loved the disaster films of the 70’s like The Towering Inferno! The story was exciting and I loved the poster artwork which depicted all the key exciting scenes from the film. Plus the music by John Williams really captured my imagination and I'd play the record over and over again!

I enjoyed the movie as pure entertainment and loved watching the characters figure out how to escape being trapped in a glass tower on fire. It would only be years later that I’d recognize this film also demonstrated great leadership.

The Towering Inferno (1974)

The action disaster drama film, The Towering Inferno, is about a fire breaking out at the world’s tallest building at an opening night party trapping hundreds of guests. Producer Irwin Allen is famous for disaster movies creating characters we care about like the architect Doug Roberts (Paul Newman) and Fire Chief Mike O’Halloran (Steve McQueen). See: movie trailer

Seeing this film recently made me aware of what an excellent leader Chief O’Halloran was. From his introduction he demonstrated confidence, assertiveness, resourcefulness, resilience and courage. And unlike today’s disaster films focused on stunning CGI visuals (like 2012 or San Andreas) this 70’s film took the time to show you O’Halloran’s processes for putting out fires and rescuing people in different situations. All the while keeping calm and alert!

Inspiring themes:
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Leadership
• Confidence and Courage
• Resourcefulness
• Teamwork

I recommend revisiting your favourite films growing up as they may have quietly been showing you qualities you wish for like leadership, confidence and courage. Let these films inspire you to unleash these same qualities already inside you!

Related Tips:
Tip#604: Recognize Great Leaders - Lincoln
Tip#702: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 1 – Ender’s Game
Tip#766: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 2 - How to Train Your Dragon 2
Tip#882: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 3 - The Towering Inferno
Tip#926: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 4 - Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

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Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015