Appreciate Others

Religion in the Workplace is Tricky

2024-11-30T11:58:32-06:00December 17th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Religionnews.com featured an article from some researchers on religion in the workplace. They surveyed 15,000 people of all faiths to better understand the role of faith in the workplace.  One survey question was whether the respondents “conceal their religious beliefs at work for fear of others’ perceptions.” Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists ranked much higher in their desire to conceal their faith.  ...

Overcoming Loneliness

2024-11-23T10:57:46-06:00December 4th, 2024|Tags: , , |

The holiday season is a time in which we need to watch carefully for signs of isolation or loneliness in our teammates. Loneliness is associated with higher risks of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression and dementia.   Three out of four people report moderate to high levels of loneliness.  Recently, an American Bible Society survey discovered that only 11% of people ...

Harvest Time Generosity

2024-11-23T10:45:05-06:00December 3rd, 2024|Tags: , , |

Farming takes tremendous patience to see the fruits of your labor. Farmers work hard cultivating the ground, planting seeds, and praying for rain, month after month.   Farmers usually see very little, if any, fruit for most of the year. Then harvest time finally comes, bringing joy and gratitude.  Out of joy and gratitude, is when God wisely asks us to ...

Being Neighborly

2024-10-23T20:46:09-05:00November 8th, 2024|Tags: , , |

As Hurricane Helene passed through Sarasota, Kathy and I were watching the 70 mph winds and rain pound outside our hotel. Amid this vast storm, truck after truck started rolling into the parking lot.  Before long we watched dozens of linemen enter the lobby in their muddy clothes. Some were from Tennessee, others said Georgia.  Neighboring states sent help to ...

The Snare of Flattery

2024-10-23T19:43:17-05:00November 1st, 2024|Tags: , , |

During the Presidential Debate, Vice President Harris accused former President Trump of selling special treatment to foreign leaders because they flattered the former President. Whether or not that statement is true is not my point.  My point is that flattery can be a snare for many leaders. Success often breeds pride, and pride can lead to less discernment.  Showing favor ...

Feeling Undervalued

2024-09-28T19:13:38-05:00October 31st, 2024|Tags: , , |

A recent Harvard Business Review article highlighted experiments that discovered that 46% of people accepted job offers without any negotiation, out of fear that the offer may be withdrawn.  Obviously, they are willing to work for that amount. But they may feel they are worth more pay.  As an employer who desires to shepherd your people well, this information does ...

Trusting the Untrustworthy?

2024-09-27T21:31:36-05:00October 29th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Recently, I provided counsel to Jeff who is trying to dissolve a partnership that has soured. Jeff’s partner has broken laws, violated Jeff’s trust, and created financial chaos in their shared business.  One of Jeff’s options includes signing a new agreement with Jeff’s partner. However, there is legitimate concern about signing an agreement with someone who has already proven untrustworthy.  ...

Specialty Skills

2024-09-27T21:46:20-05:00October 27th, 2024|Tags: , , |

The ESPN documentary “Broke” showcased the challenges of professional athletes who suddenly come into huge salaries without adequate preparation for handling their new wealth.  Even though the profiled athletes had amazing talents and power on the field, they strained to effectively manage their money. They struggled with greed, peer competition for the flashiest purchases, and separating their finances from the ...

Perceptions Are Not Always Reality

2024-09-27T20:17:39-05:00October 21st, 2024|Tags: , , |

There were those times when my younger brother, Terry, and I would get into battles that resulted in pushing or shoving, or worse. Occasionally, I would start a fight with my brother, only to have mom or dad walk in during Terry’s retaliation.   Terry would get punished even though he didn’t start the fight. Had my parents listened to both ...

Take Time to Learn

2024-10-17T20:02:09-05:00October 17th, 2024|Tags: , , |

I was leading a non-profit board when we faced a divisive issue. Emotions were high, so we brought in a seasoned mediator to help us find a solution. The mediator recommended activities focused on building relationships and consensus to allow us to move forward.  I, and a couple other board leaders, decided the issues couldn’t wait. We pushed through ...

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