One of the core values of Unconventional Business Network is to be open to God-sized opportunities. God’s ways, however, often seems unattainable or crazy. For example, Gideon was charged by God to defeat Midian. The only problem was that Midian’s army “was as numerous as locusts.” Gideon had rallied 22,000 men to go to battle, but God wanted the credit ...
This week we’ve discussed Nehemiah’s 5 steps to success. The final step is to “Encourage Commitment and Accountability.” When adversity comes, teams can either fall apart or they can become stronger together. A good leader recognizes this and handles adverse situations accordingly. Nehemiah’s team received multiple death threats and his team members were scared. In Nehemiah 4:14, Nehemiah was at ...
This week we’re examining 5 steps Nehemiah implemented to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. After “Leveraging the Right Leaders” the fourth step Nehemiah took was to “Build Collaborative Teams.” There were 41 sections of the wall around Jerusalem that needed repair. Each team could have focused on their section of the wall, but without collaboration their wall would become an ...
This week we’re examining 5 steps Nehemiah took to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls in an amazing 52 days! After he prayerfully assessed the situation his next step was to “Cast a Compelling Vision.” For 140 years, no one had revived the city of Jerusalem, and few likely believed it was possible, or necessary. Nehemiah, however, had a much bigger vision and ...
Recently, I was a judge in an entrepreneurial pitch event for college students. My job was to listen to six startup business presentations, ask clarifying questions, then, provide feedback or recommendations. The thought and work of each of these young people was impressive. The event for me was a reminder, however, that the most critical factor in any new ...
After 17 years at my employer, it was clear to both of us that it was time for a change. I jokingly told people we were growing apart, with the employer strongly hinting that “it was time to see other employees.” But behind the joking was tremendous fear. After spending so many formative years at the company, I had no ...
In leading any organization there are constant challenges and decisions to be made. Some decisions are more difficult than others, which can leave me feeling inadequate at times. That’s when I yearn, and seek, the wisest counsel I can find. Fortunately, I have access to boundless wisdom. Recently, faced with some difficult decisions, I was reminded of the importance ...
When you host a business event or conference, you can decide who will occupy the best seats. Many will reward their best paying customers with the best seats. That may be appropriate if they pay extra, but if not, the dilemma for followers of Jesus comes when we try to apply the wisdom of James. James 2:3 says, “If ...
When I was in my 20s, I started a used car rental agency. But unfortunately, interest rates soared to 20% and unemployment to 13%. About a year later, I asked a friend for his advice on my business. My friend looked at my business’ financial condition and kindly, but firmly, told me, “Rick, if you get out now you can ...
When I first started in banking I was accepted into a management training program. Young college graduates were given exposure to all facets of the bank, giving us the opportunity to discover our best job fit for the future. Their concept was a good way to match people’s interests and passions with the area of the bank where they ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
