While finishing my undergraduate studies, my graduation date was set for December. My new job with a national CPA firm started in January. My schooling was paid for by my hard work, some student loans, and in the final semester, through some desperate use of credit cards. My credit card repayment plan revolved around my first paycheck. However, in January ...
In this series, we’re discussing five guiding principles on negotiating agreements. The third principle is to understand the other parties’ needs and concerns. The story of Boaz’s pursuit to marry Naomi’s daughter-in-law, Ruth, is an example of a shrewd negotiation. Because of Jewish law, there was one person who had first rights to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. Boaz ...
Leslie was frustrated with her boss. Although he told Leslie privately that she was performing well, that support disappeared whenever another manager questioned Leslie’s work. Her supervisor failed to defend Leslie and instead deferred to other managers, telling Leslie it is better to “go along to get along.” Although Leslie loved the company and her work, her supervisor’s behavior caused ...
I’ve personally been involved in at least seven business startups. In this series, let me share seven keys to success for aspiring entrepreneurs. Legendary consultant, Peter Drucker, wrote, “There is nothing quite so useless as doing with great efficiency something that should not be done at all.” In my opinion, the first key to success is producing a product or ...
In an article on forbes.com titled, Empathy as a Workplace Superpower, the author, Jason Richmond, notes the importance of leaders showing empathy to their team members. Jason’s next suggestion in this series is to become an active listener. Although I’m typically a good listener, I’m known to have a poker face making it hard for people to read me. When ...
Farming takes tremendous patience to see the fruits of your labor. Farmers work hard cultivating the ground, planting seeds, and praying for rain, month after month. Farmers usually see very little, if any, fruit for most of the year. Then harvest time finally comes, bringing joy and gratitude. Out of joy and gratitude, is when God wisely asks us to ...
In this series, we’re discussing ways that business can shape our faith. Throughout my years in ministry, there have been some lean seasons when advisors would recommend that I establish a line of credit. But when I became an entrepreneur and ministry leader I had to decide my stance on debt. Many small businesses use lines of credit, but as ...
My friend, Jim, in his previous CEO role, was meeting with a newly promoted store manager. Jim knew this person could have some valuable insight from his frontline experience. But, when Jim asked this new manager for ideas to improve the stores, he didn’t receive any feedback. Jim tried a different approach. Jim informed this new manager that at the ...
At 7:30 am there was a loud knock on our front door. We had scheduled an 8:00 start to have our carpet replaced, but when I opened the door, three men charged in ready to work. The man in charge began directing his guys with an urgency I hadn’t seen in some time. Twenty minutes later, I marveled at what ...
Senator Bernie Sanders recently proposed to change the workweek from 40 hours a week to 32 hours for the same pay. Any hours worked after that would require employers to pay overtime. Although some data looks favorable for those companies who have shifted to a 4-day workweek, there are other factors that need to be considered. A shortened work week ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
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