Success in business brings with it a tension in acknowledging the source of that success. Pride can easily surface with the success being credited to the individual. Yesterday we talked about the “Impostor Syndrome.” This is when some leaders feel unworthy of the success they have experienced. This can result in what appears to be humility, but taken to an ...
In 1978, two psychologists, Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, coined the term “impostor syndrome.” They described it as the feeling of "phoniness in people who believe that they’re not intelligent, capable, or creative despite evidence of high achievement." God has provided us with God-given talent and skills, making our job look easy at times. Our success, coupled with the lies ...
Martin Luther King Jr. was an unconventional leader. While many, like Malcolm X, promoted revenge and violence, Dr. King voiced a different message. Dr. King was quoted as saying, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Although it took patience and perseverance, Dr. King’s unconventional approach made ...
While attending a funeral, I struck up a conversation with Joe, a guy I hadn’t seen in 20 years. As he learned about what I do here at Integrity Resource Center, Joe was reminded of his uncle. Joe’s uncle started with modest means in a blue-collar trade, but today is worth millions. When Joe asked about his uncle’s success, his ...
As recent “Empty-nesters,” Kathy and I decided to try to sell our house. A potential buyer made an offer subject to the typical inspections. This buyer made me nervous from the beginning. He was going to finance the entire purchase including closing costs. This man had nothing at risk. My instincts proved correct. When the buyer started to get “cold feet” he ...
Families and friends can pay a huge price when a loved one chooses to launch a new business. When that decision is made in a vacuum, without input from loved ones, it can lead to destroyed marriages and relationships. In a Wall Street Journal article titled “The Ethical Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs,” a venture capitalist recommends aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss the ...
Results are important, but when management exerts too much pressure it can end badly. In a Wall Street Journal article titled “The Ethical Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs,” Professor Kirk Hanson shared a story about a Silicon Valley CEO that emphasized this point. This CEO demanded that his organization find new sources of revenue. His team complied by developing new products, but ...
In a Wall Street Journal article entitled, “The Ethical Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs” Professor Kirk Hanson emphasizes that ethics can especially be tested while working towards going public or selling a business. After working months on a deal it can be tempting to hide any last minute adverse surprises from investors, and/or to look for illegal ways to pad your bottom ...
Matt was recently hired to teach a series of seminars for irrigation contractors in his field. His excitement to share his knowledge with others was quickly replaced with fear when he realized his reputation would be on the line. “What if I don’t know an answer to a particular question?” Matt asked himself. A mentor of Matt’s suggested a simple ...
There have been seasons when I’ve been so busy serving God that I haven’t had time to listen to God. Like many leaders I can obsess about tasks or performance, thinking I’m doing what God desires. But what if God had a different agenda for me that day, and I didn’t stop to ask? Times like this remind me of ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
