My friend, Larry, was interviewing for a position to run the operations of a large privately-owned business. They also wanted him to mentor the CEO’s son, with the intent that this CEO’s son would eventually preside over the family business. During the interview the CEO’s son pointedly asked Larry, “Can you train me to eventually lead this organization?” Larry responded, ...
As we begin a new year, let’s discuss what it takes to reinvent an existing organization that is in decline. The word Renew will be an acronym we discuss this week to help you refresh your organization. The R stands for Request. Reinventing your business takes courage. You need to request God’s help and then, also, request the help of ...
Ken Eldred, author of “Integrated Life,” wrote in a Washington Times article that many today feel the “Business suit, not one’s character, is the measure of a man.” Ken went on to say, “Character is the long-lost ingredient of successful capitalism, and, biblical values are the underlying values of the character ethic.” Many of our successful business practices flow out ...
This last year our Presidential race gave us many more opportunities than usual to see private mistakes made put on public display. From both candidates we witnessed errors that became public. On some occasions there was an admission of guilt with little remorse. On other occasions, there was a dismissal of the importance of the claims with no apology forthcoming. ...
The second Presidential Debate of 2016 felt like a street fight rather than a debate as each candidate repeatedly pummeled the other verbally. Then, unexpectedly, there was a moment of graciousness. A man asked each candidate to share one thing about the other candidate that they admired. Surprisingly, both candidates took the question seriously and answered with a legitimate response. ...
In 2009, the world fawned over Captain Sullenberger’s heroic plane landing in the Hudson River. Behind the scenes, however, the National Transportation Safety Board was building a case against him. In the movie, “Sully,” Sullenberger’s case seemed hopeless as we watch the pilots in a computer simulation land safely, without landing in the Hudson River. The tide turned, however, when ...
If you’re a business leader who sincerely believes there is no god, nor any eternal consequences or rewards, why wouldn’t you say or do whatever is necessary to sell your product? If we are randomly evolved creatures without an eternal destiny, then the only thing that should matter is our personal gain and pleasure. However, if there is a god ...
In my book, “Unconventional Business,” I highlighted seven questions from marketing guru, Seth Godin, that may help you shape your marketing plan. The third question is, “What do your prospective customers want?” During my banking career I watched as we constantly launched products to meet our needs with little concern about the customer’s desires. Then a new product was announced ...
As a child I usually tried to be a peacemaker and avoid conflict. After decades in business, however, I’ve come to accept that there will be differences of opinion and misunderstandings that can easily result in broken relationships. It’s easy for these relationships to remain unreconciled leaving a bitter root of resentment. But God desires us to be peacemakers and ...
Matt’s chest tightened as he listened to the voice mail from Roger, an unsatisfied client. “Matt, we won’t be needing your services any longer. Your company dropped the ball on this project.” Instead of making excuses or begging for a second chance, Matt responded with offering a 100% refund as well as a personal guarantee to correct the problem. Rogers’s ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
