My grandfather was a great auto mechanic, but not nearly as effective as a business owner. On many weekends he would repair the car of a single mom or someone down on their luck at no charge. One day, however, I was surprised when he installed a new carburetor on a man’s car known to be a millionaire. “Grandpa,” I ...
A recent article from the US Chamber of Commerce suggests, “Many businesses are asking for customers to help mitigate the cost of keeping their staff (and patrons) safe. Sometimes it’s in the form of a clearly stated COVID-19 surcharge, often between 3% and 5%, to cover the cost of things like masks and gloves.” No doubt the costs to reopen ...
In this series, we’re discussing the importance of developing, communicating and instilling core values into your organization. In Deuteronomy 6, God gave directions to the Israelites on how to instill His values into the hearts of children. The second directive God gave the Israelites is stated in Deuteronomy 6:8. In this verse, God said, “Tie them as symbols on your ...
For years, I prayed that God would send a chief operating officer to help implement the vision of Unconventional Business Network, but no one surfaced. Then, as we were struggling to implement a new software system, I prayed, “Lord, this is going to be a disaster if someone doesn’t help oversee this transition.” Then, my friend, Scott, called. Scott offered ...
Author, Simon Sinek, in his book titled “Infinite Game,” believes that the business world has been stuck chasing what he calls a “finite game.” When business leaders simply chase profit from quarter to quarter, they are chasing a finite solution, rather than a lasting purpose. Sinek contends that what business leaders should be pursuing is what he labels a “just ...
Joseph Grenny, author of Crucial Conversations, highlights in a Harvard Business Review article four ways to prepare for a tough conversation. The final way he recommends is to “get curious.” Recently, I had a tough conversation with a family member. Fortunately, before I confronted him with my set of facts, the Holy Spirit prompted me with curiosity for his side ...
Over dinner, a young couple shared with Kathy and I about being raised in a religious cult. The leadership of this cult had control over all aspects of their lives. The congregation was not allowed to view TV or movies. Their schooling, marriages and jobs were managed or monitored as well. This couple’s God-given talents were stifled. There are also ...
When I’m the person in authority, slowing down and being thorough is my job. It’s not optional. This means stepping back, listening, observing, taking plenty of notes, studying, doing research, and getting advice from wise people. Proverbs 20:8 teaches, “When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.” Many decisions can be biased ...
Early in Phil’s business career he noticed how easy it was for people—including himself—to speak disrespectfully to and about his bosses or customers. Somewhere along the way he read Titus 2:9-10: Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and ...
I just finished a two-hour conversation and walked away without an answer. How frustrating! No matter how hard we try, sometimes we’re not going to get answers. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Very seldom did Jesus answer a question ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
