Two of the most limiting words for me in the past have been “I’m not...” I’m not good at fixing things or I’m not good at sales. These phrases usually come from past mistakes or a time when others have been critical. Unfortunately, when we grab on to the “I’m not…” phrases, it becomes self-perpetuating. If I think I’m not ...
When I started my first commercial banking position, my boss challenged me by saying, “Your top priority is to land some business accounts with the hospital next door. We don’t have a single account with them.” It took two years, but we finally obtained a $20 million trust account and a $3 million loan opportunity. My pride swelled as I ...
When Roger introduced me to his friend, Bob, he forewarned me that “Bob is a firecracker.” When Bob called, our conversation took off like a rocket! For over one-hour Bob talked at a pace and a passion that could easily be exhausting, but instead, his stories of God’s amazing power energized me. He blessed and encouraged my faith journey. The ...
A recent article by McKinsey & Company states, “Although corporate decision makers cannot plan for every potential risk, we examined some ways they can prepare for extraordinary risks, determine which protections are worth the investment, and position themselves for better resiliency.” Business leaders have been tasked to make impossible decisions, choosing between bad and worse. Resilience is the courage to ...
Harvard Business Review conducted a research project on creativity under pressure. The study found, “The more time pressure people feel on a given day, the less likely they will be to think creatively.” 2020 brought about the need to innovate, solve and pivot to accommodate the changing dynamics of business in a pandemic strained world. 2021 presents an opportunity to ...
For weeks, a friend was not responding to my text messages or voicemails. I began making assumptions about his motives for not calling me. When we finally met, we discovered that his phone was broken, and my number was blocked. In Joshua 22, the Israelites that lived east of the Jordan built an altar. The rest of the Israelites assumed ...
A friend of mine recently expressed concern for the young adults who work for him. My friend’s business is seeing significant turnover as many young adults are giving up and moving home due to their COVID related anxiety and depression. A November 23rd National Center for Health Statistics study revealed that almost 50% of 18-29 year-olds are experiencing significant anxiety ...
Martin Luther King Jr. inspired millions with his work on the civil rights movement, and he also provided wisdom for the workplace. For instance, Dr. King once said, “Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” He also once ...
The impact of 2020 will last for years to come. Financially, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically the world has been challenged, stretched and forever changed. 2021 is the plus one year. Plus one is taking all that was learned, experienced, challenged and changed in 2020 and adding to it the hope of a new year. Plus one is the opportunity ...
A recent article from Harvard Business Review stated, “Under uncertainty, traditional approaches to strategic planning can be downright dangerous.” The danger comes from “underestimating uncertainty.” The nation is more aware than ever of the possibilities of restrictions, shut-downs, shipment delays, quarantined employees and the lingering possibilities of future shutdowns. 2021 may require planning with multiple strategies based on potential outcomes―providing ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
