Likely one of the first American business coaches was a Paxtuxet Indian named Squanto. You may remember the first Thanksgiving story from your childhood. In 1621, the Pilgrims were dying from hunger and disease. Squanto, an escaped slave that understood English, coached these struggling settlers on how to build a farming and fishing enterprise in this new country. Even though ...
When I was a banker, I used to get nervous when one of my business loan customers would receive glowing press and be featured in articles. When the accolades happened frequently, it was not uncommon to watch my customer’s pride and ego become almost unbearable. It usually wasn’t long afterwards that I would watch as their businesses would crumble, or ...
Veterans Day was an expansion of what was originally Armistice Day. The original celebration was set for November 11th because the Armistice agreement that ended World War I was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Armistice Day was later expanded to include a celebration of all who have served our country, ...
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 ...
When trials come my way, they usually come in waves, one after another until I become weary. Maybe you can relate. But I’ve also learned that struggling with the waves of trouble is like building up an immunity to sickness. I become stronger each time I successfully navigate those personnel issues or tough business decisions. The Bible is full ...
As I was pondering my friend Frank’s recent passing, I recalled the first time I ever had lunch with Frank. He had just returned from his attorney’s office. Frank shared with me his legal situation and how his attorney had recommended handling it. When he asked me my thoughts, I felt led to gently share some concepts from the Bible ...
In the story of Esther, Haman is an evil character who hated Mordecai and the Jews. He had risen to power, becoming the king’s right-hand man, filling Haman with pride and arrogance. In Esther 5:11, we read, “Haman boasted to them about his wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated ...
As many celebrate Maundy Thursday, it’s a great time to remember that part of this celebration relates to Jesus’ washing His disciple’s feet. This humble act has been the cornerstone for many modeling the business approach called servant leadership. During Jesus’ time on earth, a humbling act was to wash the feet of others after they had been out ...
In 1995, I left banking to begin ministering to business leaders. My priorities shifted. I convinced myself that putting God first meant putting the ministry first. Eventually, I began using up our retirement funds, putting my family in a financially precarious position. Because I wasn’t listening to my family and others, God allowed me to destabilize my family’s finances. Fortunately, ...
If you come to our home, you will see over our front door a scripted Bible verse. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I love the tension and mystery of the two different ends of this passage. In my 20s, the desire of my heart was wealth. ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
