My wife, Kathy, makes it a habit to stop people in a military or police uniform and thank them for their service. Lately, she has begun doing the same thing with waiters and waitresses. I’ve noticed many restaurant employees seem overwhelmed lately, resulting in more opportunities for Kathy’s gift of encouragement. After she thanks a server for their service, Kathy ...
Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King? In 1929, Dr. King’s father spent time in Germany admiring the reformer, Martin Luther. This event moved Mr. King and his teenage son to change their names to Martin Luther King and Martin Luther King, Jr. Carrying the name of a great reformer like Martin Luther impacted Dr. ...
In a 1967 sermon, Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Before I was a civil rights leader, I was a preacher of the Gospel. This was my first calling and it still remains my greatest commitment. You know, actually, all that I do in civil rights I do because I consider it a part of my ministry. I have no other ...
Last month, Ryan Brandt, a waitress in Arkansas, received a tip of $4,400! The customer requested that she split the tip with the other waitress that served this group. Brandt’s manager, however, demanded that she share it with the whole staff, counter to the restaurant’s previous practices. The customer learned of the manager’s demand and asked for his tip back ...
At 17 months old, my granddaughter, Addy, has a small vocabulary, but she still communicates effectively. Recently, Addy mischievously smiled and pointed to our Echo device. She said, “Poppa,” then began dancing to tell me she wanted me to turn on the music. Only one word was spoken, but I clearly knew what she wanted. In business, sometimes your staff ...
Politics can be a vicious sport. When one party wins an important election, there’s traditionally an acceptance speech that declares and celebrates the victory. However, it’s not uncommon after the victory for some members of the winning party to begin to gloat publicly about their opponent’s defeat. Unfortunately, this happens in business at times as well. Some people are so ...
Early in my ministry, I became jealous of another ministry leader. While his ministry was growing and flourishing, I became critical of his work due to my jealousy. Eventually, I realized that God wanted my best, without being concerned about other people’s successes. I apologized to this leader and chose to focus on my stewardship, not others. Competition can become ...
One thing I love about attending Kansas City Royals baseball games is when military veterans are spotlighted. When the audience cheers for the veteran of the day, it’s a great reminder of this nation’s past and its admiration for its veterans! The gratitude in these veteran’s faces is heartwarming. These brave soldiers are men and women called to serve our ...
Years ago, our son’s psychiatrist forewarned us that Jeremy would likely struggle during Daylight Savings Time. Jeremy, like many young adults with autism, struggles emotionally in the fall with time changes and allergies. By being forewarned, it was easier for us to be patient and to help Jeremy navigate the oncoming fall season. In our workplaces, it’s likely that we ...
On a flight back to Kansas City, I was seated next to an entrepreneur who talked nonstop. For the next hour, I listened to this businessman talk about his business. By listening intently, I built trust with him. Suddenly he blurted out, “I had leukemia four years ago. Yesterday the doctors told me they think my leukemia is back.” I ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
