Leadership

Certain of Uncertainty

2019-01-02T15:14:41-06:00January 18th, 2019|Tags: , , |

In an article by Lean Methods Group, uncertainty is stated as one of businesses biggest challenges.  Because of uncertainty, managers tend to hunker down and make decisions with consideration for the short-term, but not the long term issues. We can be certain of the uncertainty in business.  Yet, we can be smart to make plans for the long-term, even when ...

Pitching Your Proposal, Part I

2019-01-02T14:51:43-06:00January 14th, 2019|Tags: , , |

According to molecular biologist, John Medina, the human brain craves meaning more than details.  This means, according to Harvard Business Review, that the details will be lost in promoting your organization unless they first hear why your concept is important. For business leaders, your “why” is your pitch or tagline. Carmen Gallo, a Harvard University instructor, has three recommendations for ...

Common Mistakes for New Entrepreneurs, Part V

2019-01-02T14:48:09-06:00January 11th, 2019|Tags: , , |

While coaching a young entrepreneur I was reminded of several common mistakes made by new business owners. The fifth mistake I’ve encountered is “poor pricing practices.” Recently, a young web developer was hiring someone to help him. This entrepreneur’s billing rate was only $23 per hour and he was going to pay this new employee $15. I realized my friend ...

Ripples of Obedience

2018-12-17T11:30:23-06:00December 26th, 2018|Tags: , , |

Are you facing a business dilemma? Any dilemma typically presents two options.  One aligns with your beliefs but is challenging. The other will be an easier road but doesn’t align with your beliefs. Abraham demonstrated God’s blessings come from walking in obedience. As he faced the altar of sacrifice with his son, Isaac, each step of obedience rippled out to ...

Listening & Leadership

2018-12-17T11:02:18-06:00December 20th, 2018|Tags: , , |

Coach John Wooden said, “being an effective leader requires being an effective listener.” When we take on a leadership role, we often suppose we were put in charge to speak, not to listen. However, as Mr. Wooden informs us, listening to those around us is our most critical leadership tool.  As we listen, we gain insight into the ideas, hearts ...

Online Hurdles

2018-11-21T10:22:57-06:00November 26th, 2018|Tags: , , |

Twenty-five years ago, buying products online wasn’t possible nor desirable. Today, however, it’s estimated that over $7 billion in products will be sold on Cyber Monday in one day. Cyber Monday exists due to some pioneers who dreamed of what could be possible and persevered to overcome many hurdles. One of the biggest hurdles was shipping. Customers were accustomed to ...

Navigating Black Friday

2018-11-21T10:13:42-06:00November 23rd, 2018|Tags: , , |

According to an article on thebalance.com, Black Friday is changing. After peaking in 2016, in-store sales declined 4% in 2017, while online sales grew 18%. 40% of the online sales were through mobile phones. For a retail store to protect their customer base, they now need to have a strong online strategy and mobile oriented advertisements, while still advertising and ...

Lonely at the Top

2018-10-19T15:29:59-05:00October 30th, 2018|Tags: , , |

A CEO, I’ll call Julie, had an overwhelming season this past year. Daily, Julie was making tough decisions without anyone around her who could relate, empathize, and provide wise counsel. Julie asked me if I knew any female CEOs who might be able to help her. I proposed that she consider either joining a CEO roundtable group of like-minded leaders ...

The Three P’s – Part III

2018-10-01T16:40:13-05:00October 11th, 2018|Tags: , , |

A former General Mills executive, Marc Belton, discussed three P’s; Perks, Privilege, and Power in an interview with Dallas Theological Seminary. Today, let’s discuss Power. Unions have been in decline for many years. Many believe it’s due to the power some union leaders have abused. Years ago, a friend of mine attended a union meeting to discuss a potential strike. ...

The Three P’s – Part I

2018-10-01T16:29:55-05:00October 9th, 2018|Tags: , , |

A former General Mills executive, Marc Belton, discussed three P’s: Perks, Privilege, and Power in an interview with Dallas Theological Seminary. Let’s discuss each of those this week beginning with Perks. As a young banker I once presented a loan request for a country club to our loan committee. The CEO was so excited he pronounced to the entire room ...

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