During my last semester in college, the University of Missouri hosted a recruiting event for many of the largest CPA firms. Some firms were not willing to interview anyone with less than a 3.5 grade point. This left me with less options than some of my peers, so I needed to somehow set myself apart. So, when I sent a ...
I think laughter can be a powerful spiritual tool. In my book about work and faith, I opine that it’s foolish for Christians to get too serious about work in this world when our destiny resides in another. So, see the humor in our work challenges and laugh. Scripture cites many examples of joy as an expression of our relationship ...
The book of Exodus offers many examples of Godly leadership within its 40 chapters. One important lesson for leaders is spending time with God. “Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” Exodus 24:18. Just as Jesus did after he was baptized, Moses spent 40 days ...
Among its leadership lessons, the Old Testament book of Exodus reminds leaders today of the value of seeking God’s strength in our weakness. When God called him to leadership, Moses immediately began listing his shortcomings, from lack of credibility to poor speech. Yet God assures Moses that God will be with him. “The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their ...
Leaders can find themselves losing patience when team members invariably act like the humans they are. The Old Testament book of Exodus reminds leaders that God hears our frustrations and gives us the strength to be patient. The Israelite’s grumbling for water pushed Moses to the brink, and he expressed his frustration to God. “Then Moses cried out to the Lord, ...
The Theology of Work Bible Commentary describes how the Old Testament book of Exodus highlights work. The book opens with the Israelites working for the Egyptians, then chronicles how God frees the Israelites to do a new kind of work under his care. The book’s leadership lessons can guide us today. God paints a picture of this new work when ...
Praying for the teams we lead might not be a leadership tactic in many secular management books. But it is an important leadership responsibility that Moses demonstrates in chapter 34 of the Old Testament book of Exodus. After the Israelites demonstrated their disobedience, Moses recognized that the people needed God’s forgiveness. “Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. ‘Lord,’ ...
In chapter 18 of the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro delivers a powerful leadership lesson as he watches Moses act as the sole judge for the people. “Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good... The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” Exodus 18:17-18 Jethro tells Moses to select capable men to ...
Years ago, Dean purchased his father’s company and took over the day-to-day leadership. Dean shared with me his fears about whether he would be able to lead his father’s company as successfully as his father. He also expressed fear that the wealth he was coming into might tempt him into actions he would later regret. Fortunately, Dean overcame his fear ...
After many years working in the communications department, I was promoted to lead the team. I was ecstatic. Finally, I could pursue the projects I wanted in the way that I wanted. But my immaturity quickly tripped me up. I launched changes that confused and upset team members and did little more than advance my own ego. It took ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
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