In the mid-1980's, the retail industry was changing. Walmart was growing rapidly, while Kmart was beginning to decline. Jim, a friend of mine, was an executive at Kmart at the time. Jim remembers Kmart executives holding a weekend retreat specifically to discuss Walmart’s success. Yet, any comments addressing the possibility that Walmart could overtake Kmart were quickly squelched. When Jim ...
The State of Kansas was a pioneer in allowing private industry to hire prison labor. Many prisoners work for the state making license plates for about $.50 per hour. Working for private industry, however, is different. I toured the Hutchinson, Kansas prison recently and a private company housed inside the prison called Seat King. Seat King has worked out a ...
In a Harvard Business Review article, Mike Erwin identified six reasons that can lead to poor decisions. The fifth reason is emotions. As a young trainee in banking, I was presenting loan requests to the bank’s CEO. When I realized that he was in a foul mood, I moved my toughest loan request from the top of my stack to ...
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We have all heard this idiom. And in business, it could not be truer. Knowing what steps should come first and discerning priorities is cumbersome and can be overwhelming at times. We are bombarded with choices and opinions. Too many possibilities have the potential to distract from making progress in any one ...
In an article by Plainview, Dominica DeGrandis states, “The bulk of business opportunities lie in the daily decisions of individual contributors.” Minute by minute decisions are made by contributors at all levels of the organization. How can leaders ensure these decisions are sound? The Apostle Paul gives insight in Philippians 3:1b, “It is no trouble for me to write the ...
A recent article by Investopedia states, “The process of budgeting for capital expenditures is essential for a business to operate and grow from a sound financial position.” When considering growth, added capacity, new facilities and the like, it is important to make financial preparations to ensure the organization can handle the financial implications of the changes. Luke 14:28 says, “For ...
Valentine’s Day highlights love. In the workplace, we may hear people who love their customers, but loving employees makes many too nervous to discuss such an idea. The MeToo Movement has further amplified this fear. With many celebrities and leaders accused of sexual impropriety, many are reconsidering even having private meetings with someone of the opposite sex. This can be ...
Botanist and Inventor, George Washington Carver, was an uncommon man. Despite being born into slavery, Mr. Carver became respected by many famous people, including Henry Ford and President Theodore Roosevelt. Even more uncommon was his willingness to give God credit. Mr. Carver once said, “When I was young, I said to God, 'God, tell me the mystery of the universe.' ...
While attending a funeral, I struck up a conversation with Joe, a guy I hadn’t seen in 20 years. As he learned about what I do here at Unconventional Business Network, Joe was reminded of his uncle. Joe’s uncle started with modest means in a blue-collar trade, but today is worth millions. When Joe asked about his uncle’s success, his ...
Christian cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Caroline Leaf, in her book “Switch on Your Brain,” says, “How we think not only affects our own spirit, soul and body but also people around us.” The thoughts we dwell on impact every area of our lives. They are indicators of our future success. Our thoughts frame our success even in relationships. If we dwell ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
