There’s an adage that “the customer is always right.” Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sometimes customers are just mean and unreasonable. This year we have seen an unprecedented number of assaults on airlines as tensions seem to skyrocket. Many flight attendants have been cursed and even assaulted for trying to do their jobs, especially their legal requirement to enforce ...
Recently, millions of people have unexpectedly resigned from their jobs. This has led to what many have called the “Great Resignation.” This Great Resignation has caused a shift in the marketplace and has left a Great Disruption. It has disrupted businesses, loaded additional work on already overworked employees and has disrupted friendships. As employers, we need to pause and consider ...
For decades, retail stores counted heavily on Black Friday to meet their annual sales goals, especially small independent retailers. Covid, however, upended that long time business strategy. In 2020, according to the Washington Post, in-store shopping fell 37 percent on Black Friday from 2019. Although many might hope that Black Friday will return to normal, this is unlikely. Independent retailers ...
Last Thanksgiving we were not able to meet as a family to celebrate Thanksgiving due to Covid, but also, that day was my son’s birthday. We missed out on celebrating Jeremy’s birthday as well. This year, our family has been healthy, and we should be free to celebrate Thanksgiving together. We have much to be thankful for this year! In ...
In “Rare Leadership in the Workplace,” authors Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder unpack RARE as an acronym for how to become a mature leader. The E stands for Endure Hardship Well. James Parker was named CEO of Southwest Airlines just months before 9/11. Most airlines immediately began laying off people and slashing expenses. Parker didn’t lay off any employees, nor ...
The first habit that will help you win the day and become the leader God intended you to become is to Kiss the Wave. Charles Spurgeon once said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” No one likes difficult and challenging times, but it’s in these times that God grows us the ...
Years ago, my family took a raft trip down the Colorado River. As we hit rough water, one person went overboard. Everyone worked to pull him back in and then relaxed for a moment - until we rounded a curve into another round of rapids. One thought helped me remain calm. Our guide knew what was coming next. We have ...
Recently, a Marketplace Chaplains Care Partner was called by a company they serve to respond to a potential suicide threat. A male employee had a gun and was not responding to police efforts. The care partner arrived and made verbal contact with the young man and engaged him in conversation to attempt a peaceful resolution. The employee started sharing his ...
Recently, Kathy and I met a young leader via Zoom. His family business had furloughed hundreds of employees due to Covid. When asked how we might pray for him, he blurted out that he has really been struggling emotionally. This pandemic season has been long and hard for many. The Apostle Paul spoke of how he addressed those dark moments ...
Our mental attitude is important in moving forward after significant trials. We can easily get stuck in the past. Some people are pessimistic in nature, dwelling on the past problems. Optimists, on the other hand, want to look hopefully towards a brighter future. The Apostle Paul experienced many difficulties in his life including beatings, persecutions and prison, yet was an ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
