Years ago, Kathy and I met a family on the streets of Kansas City who were panhandling for money. They told a sad story that seemed believable, so we decided to help. We bought them some groceries, and then, I began helping this man to find a job. We developed a resume, I lined up an interview, and I even ...
Our youngest daughter, Bekah, noticed the oil light when it first surfaced, but she thought it was a “suggestion” to get her oil changed. She scheduled an oil change and kept driving. Two days later, she discovered that the light was a warning, not a suggestion! With no oil in the car, the engine “threw a rod” and ruined the ...
Morten Hansen, a University of California, Berkley professor, has released a new book around his research on high performers. In our fast-paced world when we have so many priorities and opportunities, Mr. Hansen discovered that the highest performing workers have mastered selectivity. These high performers have discovered that carefully selecting which projects and tasks they should work on is more ...
Years ago, a pastor and his elders were locked in conflict. Early on, the pastor shared a vision with the elders that they needed to become more evangelistic and community minded. The leaders, knowing their church was dying, embraced his vision and hired this pastor to move them forward. Sometime later, however, these longstanding leaders began grumbling about the changes ...
Our pastor recently shared that many psychologists believe that “anxiety is the common cold of our day.” The information and inputs into our brain continue to grow at alarming speed, causing little time or space for quiet reflection. This sensory overload not only increases our anxiety levels dramatically, it is also causing distraction and disruption to our personal time management. ...
Years ago, two friends came in for some counsel. They desired to start a partnership to rehab houses, and they wanted to do it carefully. Knowing that conflicts are inevitable, I recommended that they formalize a partnership agreement before buying any houses. In addition, I encouraged the two friends to address how they would handle any future conflicts. After leaving ...
Mark had a $3,600 credit card bill that was turned over to a collection agency. Mark feared calling the collector due to their ruthless reputation. His mind raced with worries of the bank seizing his business. After listening, I realized Mark needed some reality and hope. We developed a plan for debt repayment. Then I urged Mark to stop worrying ...
In 2001, a local CEO noticed his parking lot virtually empty at 5:00 pm and became incensed. He rashly sent an email to his executive team ranting about their poor performance. He believed that the parking lot should be half-full on Saturday mornings and on most evenings. His email demanded that the work ethic of the company improve or otherwise ...
Many years ago, a bank I worked for was being sued and I was a key witness! As our attorneys prepped me for a deposition, I discerned that their advice applied to life in general. These attorneys shared that when I was asked a question, I was to only answer the question, no more or no less. They highlighted that ...
Offering education as a benefit to everyone isn’t always good. A fool doesn’t want to learn. He may only want grades and diplomas so he doesn’t need to think and work so hard. Perhaps the public schools should have a test that discerns the serious learners from the fools, and only offer school to people who are sincere about learning. ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
