Tom, a friend in the construction business, offered a bid on a big job that he felt was critical to win. He prayed and prayed to be selected for this project, only to learn that one of his competitors had been selected. At first, Tom was very disappointed and angry with God, until months later when Tom learned that the ...
Years ago, I worked for a bank led by someone who had a cousin also working in the banking business. They were fierce competitors and at times my boss made irrational decisions when his cousin’s bank was competing for a loan. Competition can be healthy or unhealthy depending upon the motives driving decisions. Jealousy and envy can lead to badmouthing ...
Years ago, two friends came in for some counsel. They desired to start a partnership to rehab houses, and they wanted to do it carefully. Knowing that conflicts are inevitable, I recommended that they formalize a partnership agreement before buying any houses. In addition, I encouraged the two friends to address how they would handle any future conflicts. After leaving ...
I received an email that reminded me that some people believe Paul’s “unequally yoked” principle, found in 2 Corinthians, doesn’t apply to business; while others take it to the extreme of avoiding doing business with even customers who don’t profess to be Christians. Twice in King Jehoshaphat’s life he formed alliances with other Kings known for their wickedness, and, suffered ...
Lucy had a new consumer product and a need for significant cash. Some investors tempted her with funding, but she feared partnering with people who don’t share her faith and her passion for generosity. After prayer and counsel, God provided a new option that still allowed Lucy to walk-out her faith without being unequally yoked. The Apostle Paul wrote in ...
Years ago, I started a consulting practice with my friend, Gregg. As 50/50 partners, I hoped Gregg would provide half of the start-up capital, but that wasn’t possible at that time. From the sale of a bank I had worked at, I received enough money to fund the start up. But, I didn’t want to let go of my money. ...
Four close friends launched a business. After years of losses and questions about the future direction of the company, Tammy, one of the partners, called me for advice. We discussed the challenges the four friends faced. Tammy’s involvement and concern for the business was beginning to jeopardize her cherished friendships. As much as Tammy enjoyed working with her friends, she ...
Dr. Evelyn Hill, a Kansas City, Kansas, school district board member, shared at a “Caring for Kids” banquet that most of her students are on public assistance. Dr. Hill has discovered that these students need what she calls IHOP; Individualized Hope from Other People. She encouraged the audience to share words of hope and encouragement with the children in their ...
When my friend, Steve, was a police officer, he once received a dispatch call to head for the morgue. When he arrived, there was a scared violent man inside the morgue. Steve fought with the man until he subdued and calmed him. Steve learned that this man had been pronounced dead at the scene of an accident! When this dead ...
My friend, Roger, recently returned from a 6-week Stanford Graduate program. One thought that one of his professors emphasized caused him to rethink his personal views on shaping culture in his business. As a strong believer in having stated values for his business, Roger’s thinking was modified by his professor’s thought that “values are not the solution.” Roger was reminded ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
