"It was in the midspring, during the fourth year of Solomon's reign, that he began the construction of the Temple of the Lord. This was 480 years after the people of Israel were delivered from their in the land of Egypt."
In business, we just can't think day to day, week to week, month to month, or quarter to quarter. We have to have a long-range vision and plan to execute if we are going to continue to move in a constant and direction. However, this is harder to do than say. Forces are always moving against and toward us to take off of our plan and to deviate from the vision. It's not easy to stay consistent and to follow through. Most of us would never think of what we do on our job having much, if any, bearing on what the company will be like in 50 years. I have a friend who likes to ask people in their jobs if then can name the person who was in the job before them, and then before them, and then before them. Unless they are CEOs, the line of questioning usually stops at the third generation question. Better yet, ask someone who was the first person in the company to be in the job and they won't have a clue. We don't think that long, even though we should. If we did, then we might find that we would make better decisions and investments of our money, resources and time. It's just not in our DNA to think much further ahead than the lifetimes of our offspring and when we do think about the future it is usually bleak or fatalistic. When did Hollywood create a movie about the future that was not post-apocalyptic? Yet, it is easy for us to make the past look good. To be the best we can be, we need to be able to look into the future and then deal with it for the hope and the optimism that only the future can bring.
Solomon built the Temple from what should have been started 480 years earlier, even though he wasn't around then. He planned and laid the foundation that nearly 500 years of history would be built upon. He gives an example of what it means to grasp a vision and then stick to it, without waver. Maybe what some of us need to do is start looking a little harder now for the future and then setting a plan to get there. If we decide that that future in our careers and life are to be days, weeks, years and decades that we will invite God to walk along and inside of us then we will find that we can see a bright and exciting future that others will want to follow us towards. The walk we make to the future with conviction and perseverance is a powerful message to others who are looking for a reason to want to see the future. Think today about what that futuristic direction you can begin taking today and will follow through with as Solomon did with the Temple. Start building that future today. Another day of waiting gains nothing.
Reference: 1 Kings 6:1 (New Living Testament)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
day 623: The Elevator Lobby
"And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of our Lord."
I remember reading of the skyscraper in Manhattan that after it was completed and the people were moving into the building the building supervisor learned that there either weren't enough elevators or the elevators moved too slowly. The complaints were constant and no one was happy. The tenants began to ask about how to get our of their leases. The building owners were beside themselves and couldn't figure out what to do. So, someone came up with the idea of bringing in an organizational psychologist to understand the complaints and see what could be done to keep the people happy. After a few interviews the psychologist came back to the building owners with a solution that he felt would cost a few hundred dollars per floor. Grasping at any solution, they took his advice and after a simple change, over one weekend, all of the complaints went away and everyone was satisfied with the new elevators and building. I am sure as you read this you are wondering what would an organizational psychologist know about how to speed up an elevator and even if he did know something about it, how could he get it done so cheaply and quickly. The psychologist didn't do anything at all to the elevators. All he did was recommend to the owners that they put floor to ceiling mirrors on all the walls of each elevator lobby and he said the problem would go away. And it did. The mirrors and how we look at ourselves and others provided just the mental distraction that was needed to make the extra waiting time seem short, not long.
We all, in one way or another, stand in the mirrored elevator lobby each and every day. Through our work, our attitude, our energy, our words and our actions, we reflect back to others and image that they will ponder, question and wonder about. Sometimes that reflection is pure and one that they project themselves onto. Other times, they may not like what they see so they look away. It's important that we all remember that we stand in that proverbial lobby each and every day and what we mirror to others says way more than the words that come from our mouths. The real question is, are we reflecting a life that makes God proud and reinforces to others that we are striving to be a reflection of the life of our Savior. It's worth a moment, right now, to ask yourself, what reflection will you be today?
Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:18 (New Living Testament)
I remember reading of the skyscraper in Manhattan that after it was completed and the people were moving into the building the building supervisor learned that there either weren't enough elevators or the elevators moved too slowly. The complaints were constant and no one was happy. The tenants began to ask about how to get our of their leases. The building owners were beside themselves and couldn't figure out what to do. So, someone came up with the idea of bringing in an organizational psychologist to understand the complaints and see what could be done to keep the people happy. After a few interviews the psychologist came back to the building owners with a solution that he felt would cost a few hundred dollars per floor. Grasping at any solution, they took his advice and after a simple change, over one weekend, all of the complaints went away and everyone was satisfied with the new elevators and building. I am sure as you read this you are wondering what would an organizational psychologist know about how to speed up an elevator and even if he did know something about it, how could he get it done so cheaply and quickly. The psychologist didn't do anything at all to the elevators. All he did was recommend to the owners that they put floor to ceiling mirrors on all the walls of each elevator lobby and he said the problem would go away. And it did. The mirrors and how we look at ourselves and others provided just the mental distraction that was needed to make the extra waiting time seem short, not long.
We all, in one way or another, stand in the mirrored elevator lobby each and every day. Through our work, our attitude, our energy, our words and our actions, we reflect back to others and image that they will ponder, question and wonder about. Sometimes that reflection is pure and one that they project themselves onto. Other times, they may not like what they see so they look away. It's important that we all remember that we stand in that proverbial lobby each and every day and what we mirror to others says way more than the words that come from our mouths. The real question is, are we reflecting a life that makes God proud and reinforces to others that we are striving to be a reflection of the life of our Savior. It's worth a moment, right now, to ask yourself, what reflection will you be today?
Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:18 (New Living Testament)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
day 622: Letters of Recommendation
"Are we beginning again to tell you how good we are? Some people need to bring letters of recommendation with them or ask you to write letters of recommendation for them. But the only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves!"
It's hard to know how old the idea of a letter of recommendation is, but I suspect that it goes all the way back to the beginning of writing and when one person would move from one tribe to another and needed an introduction to be able to join and be accepted into another tribe or clan. We ask people to write us letters of recommendation so that we can have the back-up that we are are who we say we are and that we are able to accomplish what we say we can, or at least have history to be able to substantiate this. The best letters of recommendations are the ones that are from the most recent people with whom we have worked. These letters don't get better with time, so if you haven't updated your files lately, you should. Social media sites like LinkedIn and others also allow for us to collect recommendations and "endorsements". These are good too, but the best is when we can get someone to take the extra time and effort to write something directly to the person who is evaluating and assessing us for the next role. This shows two things; 1)you are important enough to the reference for them to stop what they are doing to help, and 2) that you are this interested in the position to have the letter tailored and targeted. Both are good things and could be the difference between you and another candidate.
We actually are writing our recommendation letters for ourselves each and every day. If we think about it, there is no better recommendation than the lives that we lead, the examples that we set, and the role models that we are, or that we aren't. This is what Paul was getting at in his own letter to the Church at Corinth. He was saying to the people that they need not send him letters of recommendation, all they have to do is to continue to be themselves and do the work that they were doing and that would speak for itself. This is so true. If we are doing the work that we are supposed to do and we are doing it well, then those actions will speak volumes louder than any words on paper. It doesn't mean we won't need that letter some day, but let's think that we each and every day, like today, we are writing our own letter in real time!
Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:1-2 (New Living Testament)
It's hard to know how old the idea of a letter of recommendation is, but I suspect that it goes all the way back to the beginning of writing and when one person would move from one tribe to another and needed an introduction to be able to join and be accepted into another tribe or clan. We ask people to write us letters of recommendation so that we can have the back-up that we are are who we say we are and that we are able to accomplish what we say we can, or at least have history to be able to substantiate this. The best letters of recommendations are the ones that are from the most recent people with whom we have worked. These letters don't get better with time, so if you haven't updated your files lately, you should. Social media sites like LinkedIn and others also allow for us to collect recommendations and "endorsements". These are good too, but the best is when we can get someone to take the extra time and effort to write something directly to the person who is evaluating and assessing us for the next role. This shows two things; 1)you are important enough to the reference for them to stop what they are doing to help, and 2) that you are this interested in the position to have the letter tailored and targeted. Both are good things and could be the difference between you and another candidate.
We actually are writing our recommendation letters for ourselves each and every day. If we think about it, there is no better recommendation than the lives that we lead, the examples that we set, and the role models that we are, or that we aren't. This is what Paul was getting at in his own letter to the Church at Corinth. He was saying to the people that they need not send him letters of recommendation, all they have to do is to continue to be themselves and do the work that they were doing and that would speak for itself. This is so true. If we are doing the work that we are supposed to do and we are doing it well, then those actions will speak volumes louder than any words on paper. It doesn't mean we won't need that letter some day, but let's think that we each and every day, like today, we are writing our own letter in real time!
Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:1-2 (New Living Testament)
Monday, March 28, 2011
day 621: Taking A Good Look
"For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror ad doing nothing to improve your appearance"
I am the last one to be writing about the importance of looking our best all the time, as I tend to just normally under dress for the occasion, but I am self-aware enough to know that there is a time for putting it all on, even though I may not like it. But, how we dress at work is only part of our overall self-appearance and consequently, our impact in certain situations. How we carry ourselves, the expression on our face, our energy level, our attitude, can all overshadow how we appear. The definition of our appearance is broad and something to be monitored. I have participated in too many meetings where someone doesn't get the job because the candidate didn't appear to care, or didn't appear to have their act together, or didn't appear to be disciplined, etc. So, how we show up in our appearance is important and like any time when we are trying to sell ourselves we must be able to read our audience and take into account how others may be perceiving us. When in doubt about this, ask someone you trust and then listen carefully to what they have to say. They just might tell you more than you want to hear, but still listen and make those changes.
James gives us a similar direction for our spiritual lives and tells us that if we don't listen to God's Word and direction and then obey what we have learned, then it is no different than ignoring our appearance that needs to be improved. Just as we might lose out on the job because of our appearance, we can lose out on so much more if we ignore what God has put right in front of us in His Word. As you think about your overall appearance, take a good look inside too and ensure that you aren't ignoring where God is telling you to improve. Listen and obey and God will do the rest.
Reference: James 1:23 (New Living Testament)
I am the last one to be writing about the importance of looking our best all the time, as I tend to just normally under dress for the occasion, but I am self-aware enough to know that there is a time for putting it all on, even though I may not like it. But, how we dress at work is only part of our overall self-appearance and consequently, our impact in certain situations. How we carry ourselves, the expression on our face, our energy level, our attitude, can all overshadow how we appear. The definition of our appearance is broad and something to be monitored. I have participated in too many meetings where someone doesn't get the job because the candidate didn't appear to care, or didn't appear to have their act together, or didn't appear to be disciplined, etc. So, how we show up in our appearance is important and like any time when we are trying to sell ourselves we must be able to read our audience and take into account how others may be perceiving us. When in doubt about this, ask someone you trust and then listen carefully to what they have to say. They just might tell you more than you want to hear, but still listen and make those changes.
James gives us a similar direction for our spiritual lives and tells us that if we don't listen to God's Word and direction and then obey what we have learned, then it is no different than ignoring our appearance that needs to be improved. Just as we might lose out on the job because of our appearance, we can lose out on so much more if we ignore what God has put right in front of us in His Word. As you think about your overall appearance, take a good look inside too and ensure that you aren't ignoring where God is telling you to improve. Listen and obey and God will do the rest.
Reference: James 1:23 (New Living Testament)
Friday, March 25, 2011
day 620: Working Together
"But that does not mean we want to tell you exactly how to out your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy as you stand firm in your faith."
If we are honest with ourselves, as I have to be with myself on this subject, working together is a challenge. While we all know that we are better in teams and can multiply our results when we work together (after all, two heads are better than one, right?) finding the groove and the relationship to really work as a team or partners is difficult. Why is this? Partly, I believe, is that we are conditioned to be solo players much more than good team members. We start early in life sitting at a desk by ourselves being called on one by one for the right answer, or the chance to go to the board and show what we know. Only later in life does someone say, "break out into teams" or "break into small groups and come back and report". And when the rubber meets the road in business, we still usually call out the person to take the hill, not the full team. Sure, there are many examples of places where it is about the team, and it works, but it's still just as hard as individuals to work together there as anywhere else. Being good at working together requires removal of ego, sacrifice of ourselves for others to do well and patience. Three areas that are hard for most of us. But, if we can get there, it's worth it. Great team players go far. Great team members become coveted and sought after. Great cooperators get called on over and over. And, all of the opposites are true if we are not good team players or struggle to work together.
This is an area where we shine a strong light to others since everyone struggles in one way or another with this. If we want to be one who can bring the example of our Savior to work with us, being a great at working together is important. Paul and Timothy give us their example in 2 Corinthians when they tell the church that they are not there to tell them what to do, but to show them the joy that comes from working together towards a result. What can we do today to be better at working together? Where are our failings in this area that we need to fix, now, once and for all? Let's not let another day go by that we don't get tuned up in this area. Much is riding on our ability to work together with those who need and look to us for how we are supposed to work and live and will one day want to know the "why" behind it all.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:24 (New Living Testament)
If we are honest with ourselves, as I have to be with myself on this subject, working together is a challenge. While we all know that we are better in teams and can multiply our results when we work together (after all, two heads are better than one, right?) finding the groove and the relationship to really work as a team or partners is difficult. Why is this? Partly, I believe, is that we are conditioned to be solo players much more than good team members. We start early in life sitting at a desk by ourselves being called on one by one for the right answer, or the chance to go to the board and show what we know. Only later in life does someone say, "break out into teams" or "break into small groups and come back and report". And when the rubber meets the road in business, we still usually call out the person to take the hill, not the full team. Sure, there are many examples of places where it is about the team, and it works, but it's still just as hard as individuals to work together there as anywhere else. Being good at working together requires removal of ego, sacrifice of ourselves for others to do well and patience. Three areas that are hard for most of us. But, if we can get there, it's worth it. Great team players go far. Great team members become coveted and sought after. Great cooperators get called on over and over. And, all of the opposites are true if we are not good team players or struggle to work together.
This is an area where we shine a strong light to others since everyone struggles in one way or another with this. If we want to be one who can bring the example of our Savior to work with us, being a great at working together is important. Paul and Timothy give us their example in 2 Corinthians when they tell the church that they are not there to tell them what to do, but to show them the joy that comes from working together towards a result. What can we do today to be better at working together? Where are our failings in this area that we need to fix, now, once and for all? Let's not let another day go by that we don't get tuned up in this area. Much is riding on our ability to work together with those who need and look to us for how we are supposed to work and live and will one day want to know the "why" behind it all.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:24 (New Living Testament)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
day 619: When Yes Means Yes
"My yes means yes because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, never wavers between yes and no."
I've written before that I think one of the worst phrases spoken in business is, "I don't disagree." I wish that when we heard that we would all push back on the person saying it and ask, "So, you agree, is that what you are saying?" Not being strong enough to say "yes" or "no" is not the sign of a decisive and confident person or a leader. Leaders say "yes" when they mean it and "no" when they disagree. And best, if they are undecided, then they are confident enough in themselves that they can say so and then go seek new information or data to help them make the decision. Those who flip-flop back and forth from yes to no to yes again only add confusion into a situation and ultimately hurt their own reputation and standing with their peers and bosses. In times of stress and turmoil, we don't need wishy-washy decisions. We need firm and convicted yeses or no's. Those who build that reputation are the ones who will move up and become counted on for more.
As we strive to bring glory to God in our work, as our purpose, we will be well served to follow Paul's example on being decisive. Paul rebukes those that criticized him for changing his mind. He does not say that we can't change our mind, when we haven't yet made up our mind, but he makes it clear that when we say yes, we need to stick with it and be like the example of Christ who never wavered between yes and no. In this time we live in it is hard to be firmly in a yes or a no camp as the pull to change is great. Today, know what is yes and what is no and stick with the decision. Be firm if you have to, it's okay. At the end of a day where you stick with the decision made, you will have been more of a shining example than you know.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New Living Testament)
I've written before that I think one of the worst phrases spoken in business is, "I don't disagree." I wish that when we heard that we would all push back on the person saying it and ask, "So, you agree, is that what you are saying?" Not being strong enough to say "yes" or "no" is not the sign of a decisive and confident person or a leader. Leaders say "yes" when they mean it and "no" when they disagree. And best, if they are undecided, then they are confident enough in themselves that they can say so and then go seek new information or data to help them make the decision. Those who flip-flop back and forth from yes to no to yes again only add confusion into a situation and ultimately hurt their own reputation and standing with their peers and bosses. In times of stress and turmoil, we don't need wishy-washy decisions. We need firm and convicted yeses or no's. Those who build that reputation are the ones who will move up and become counted on for more.
As we strive to bring glory to God in our work, as our purpose, we will be well served to follow Paul's example on being decisive. Paul rebukes those that criticized him for changing his mind. He does not say that we can't change our mind, when we haven't yet made up our mind, but he makes it clear that when we say yes, we need to stick with it and be like the example of Christ who never wavered between yes and no. In this time we live in it is hard to be firmly in a yes or a no camp as the pull to change is great. Today, know what is yes and what is no and stick with the decision. Be firm if you have to, it's okay. At the end of a day where you stick with the decision made, you will have been more of a shining example than you know.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New Living Testament)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
day 618: Self-Sufficiency
"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have."
We all know who is the most self-sufficient person in the office. He/She seems to never need anything and is always ready on the spot without much help from anyone else. Then there are those who just can't seem to get through the day without a whole bunch of help and if it wasn't someone else watching out for them they would never get to a meeting on time and if they did get there, they wouldn't be prepared or maybe even know what the meeting was about. Being self-sufficient becomes part art and part skill. Staying on top of the latest tools and technologies certainly help, but more so it is knowing how to be organized, detail-oriented and also knowing how and when to trim the level of activity so not to get overwhelmed. Being too self-sufficient has its downside too. If we become too much of our own person then we can begin to shut out others and miss the relationships that can come with being on a team where 1 + 1 = 3. Going it alone is fine in a card game every now and then, but consistently flying solo will not win a place on the team.
Paul talks to us about being content with whatever we have or don't have. Few can ever get to the place where that contentment can be had on both ends of the spectrum. But, that is what Paul is challenging us to do. He wants us to be self-sufficient but be so because our trust is in the Lord for Him to supply. Think of Him as the endless supply cabinet, providing us not all of our wants, but promising us to provide our needs. Through Him our sufficiency is secured.
Reference: Philippians 4:11 (New Living Testament)
We all know who is the most self-sufficient person in the office. He/She seems to never need anything and is always ready on the spot without much help from anyone else. Then there are those who just can't seem to get through the day without a whole bunch of help and if it wasn't someone else watching out for them they would never get to a meeting on time and if they did get there, they wouldn't be prepared or maybe even know what the meeting was about. Being self-sufficient becomes part art and part skill. Staying on top of the latest tools and technologies certainly help, but more so it is knowing how to be organized, detail-oriented and also knowing how and when to trim the level of activity so not to get overwhelmed. Being too self-sufficient has its downside too. If we become too much of our own person then we can begin to shut out others and miss the relationships that can come with being on a team where 1 + 1 = 3. Going it alone is fine in a card game every now and then, but consistently flying solo will not win a place on the team.
Paul talks to us about being content with whatever we have or don't have. Few can ever get to the place where that contentment can be had on both ends of the spectrum. But, that is what Paul is challenging us to do. He wants us to be self-sufficient but be so because our trust is in the Lord for Him to supply. Think of Him as the endless supply cabinet, providing us not all of our wants, but promising us to provide our needs. Through Him our sufficiency is secured.
Reference: Philippians 4:11 (New Living Testament)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
day 617: Pattern Recognition
"Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me - a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus."
Much of business comes down to pattern recognition. As much as we all would like to short-cut experience to gain our own patterns, much of it still comes with time. Of course, there are ways to accelerate this by reading business books, studying business cases, listening intently, hanging out with other business leaders and learning about their companies and what they are going through, etc. But, at the end of the day, being able to say, "I've seen this before", becomes invaluable. So, why is it that there are many people who have worked for a long time but they don't make the connections or they don't carry over the transferable learning from one situation to another? It starts with truly wanting to be a learner and looking at every day as your "laboratory" for experiences that you can carry from one place to another. It's an attitude and outlook decision. If we just go through our work from day to day and not look at each day as the opportunity to add something to our backpack of knowledge, then we are missing part of the joy of work. Instead, we should look at every new day, every new job, every new assignment, every new co-worker, every new boss, as new ingredients and materials that come into out laboratory.
Finding the right patterns that can be carried through life is part of our human success story. God has given us a chocked-full Book of knowledge that we can find our life pattern if we so choose to do so. There is no greater pattern of life than the one that our Lord set for us. If we are committed to becoming His followers and students then we can take that pattern and apply it to all parts of our lives and yes, even our work. What pattern are you following today and if not the right one, then make today the day that the pattern shifts to one that others will recognize as the image or Christ.
Reference: 2 Timothy 1:13 (New Living Testament)
Much of business comes down to pattern recognition. As much as we all would like to short-cut experience to gain our own patterns, much of it still comes with time. Of course, there are ways to accelerate this by reading business books, studying business cases, listening intently, hanging out with other business leaders and learning about their companies and what they are going through, etc. But, at the end of the day, being able to say, "I've seen this before", becomes invaluable. So, why is it that there are many people who have worked for a long time but they don't make the connections or they don't carry over the transferable learning from one situation to another? It starts with truly wanting to be a learner and looking at every day as your "laboratory" for experiences that you can carry from one place to another. It's an attitude and outlook decision. If we just go through our work from day to day and not look at each day as the opportunity to add something to our backpack of knowledge, then we are missing part of the joy of work. Instead, we should look at every new day, every new job, every new assignment, every new co-worker, every new boss, as new ingredients and materials that come into out laboratory.
Finding the right patterns that can be carried through life is part of our human success story. God has given us a chocked-full Book of knowledge that we can find our life pattern if we so choose to do so. There is no greater pattern of life than the one that our Lord set for us. If we are committed to becoming His followers and students then we can take that pattern and apply it to all parts of our lives and yes, even our work. What pattern are you following today and if not the right one, then make today the day that the pattern shifts to one that others will recognize as the image or Christ.
Reference: 2 Timothy 1:13 (New Living Testament)
Monday, March 21, 2011
day 616: Added Security
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”
It seems that wherever you go these days there is added security. Many office buildings have always had some form of security but today they look more and more like Fort Knox. Even places that never had security before, now have added some low level protection. We have come to a place in time where we can’t trust, so we have to add on these extra layers. Unfortunately, the approach has a trickle-down effect and we all become a little more wary and insecure for fear that something could happen at any time. It has become hard to remember the days before access codes, badges, ID cards, sign in/out, etc. Where once we worked freely, today we are constantly reminded that things aren’t as secure as they may seem.
However, because we can’t trust others, doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t trust at all. If we live and work with no trust at all we will find that the security barriers we build up around us will remove our approachability, cause us to be standoffish, and to be overly guarded. If we are that, then we risk losing our ability to establish relationships and also to be someone who others can reach to in time of need or friendship. We are told in 1 Corinthians to be guarded, but that is to guard our hearts from those things that remove our faith and courage. Where we need the extra security is against the areas of our lives where we are most vulnerable to fall away from our relationship with Christ. If we have that security built up then we will be safe to trust holistically and to allow ourselves to be a full person for ourselves and others. So, yes, add the extra guard, but do ensure that is only to build up the security that is from our faith.
Reference: 1 Corinthians 16:13 (New Living Testament)
It seems that wherever you go these days there is added security. Many office buildings have always had some form of security but today they look more and more like Fort Knox. Even places that never had security before, now have added some low level protection. We have come to a place in time where we can’t trust, so we have to add on these extra layers. Unfortunately, the approach has a trickle-down effect and we all become a little more wary and insecure for fear that something could happen at any time. It has become hard to remember the days before access codes, badges, ID cards, sign in/out, etc. Where once we worked freely, today we are constantly reminded that things aren’t as secure as they may seem.
However, because we can’t trust others, doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t trust at all. If we live and work with no trust at all we will find that the security barriers we build up around us will remove our approachability, cause us to be standoffish, and to be overly guarded. If we are that, then we risk losing our ability to establish relationships and also to be someone who others can reach to in time of need or friendship. We are told in 1 Corinthians to be guarded, but that is to guard our hearts from those things that remove our faith and courage. Where we need the extra security is against the areas of our lives where we are most vulnerable to fall away from our relationship with Christ. If we have that security built up then we will be safe to trust holistically and to allow ourselves to be a full person for ourselves and others. So, yes, add the extra guard, but do ensure that is only to build up the security that is from our faith.
Reference: 1 Corinthians 16:13 (New Living Testament)
Friday, March 18, 2011
day 615: Separation Anxiety
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.”
Have you ever had the feeling that you are becoming separated emotionally from your boss or your co-workers? I am talking about that gnawing feeling deep inside that makes us think that we are on unstable footing or that things are changing around us and we are no longer are in control of our own destiny. It’s the being out of the loop or in the dark worry. If you have experienced this, you are not alone. We all go through it at one time or another and it can be the smallest of events or actions that starts the cycle; the unreturned phone call or email, the inability to get a meeting set up, the word from a co-worker that is different than what you were told, or the meeting where you weren’t invited. One of any of these could be enough to cause separation anxiety to creep in.
What is most important is how we react to this feeling. A wonderful learning is that while we cannot control the actions and feelings of others, we have 100% control of our own feelings and reactions. If we choose to let this anxiety define us or to influence how we act or treat others then we make ourselves vulnerable to other emotions to follow that could be harmful; frustration, anger, resentment, revenge, envy, etc. Once those make their way into us we will likely allow them to play out in our behaviors, which, can only led to no-good. God always gives us antidotes to the poisons of our lives. In this case, he tells us to not be concerned with the separation that we may feel from other people and instead put our trust and faith in Him and His love, which can never be separated. To this, we shouldn’t ever allow ourselves to feel alone as we can call on Him at any time and he will be there for us. If you are feeling the anxiety of separation at work, see if you can’t turn this over to Him and let him fill the void and provide you the peace to work and live in a way that this anxiety disappears.
Reference: Romans 8:38 (New Living Testament)
Have you ever had the feeling that you are becoming separated emotionally from your boss or your co-workers? I am talking about that gnawing feeling deep inside that makes us think that we are on unstable footing or that things are changing around us and we are no longer are in control of our own destiny. It’s the being out of the loop or in the dark worry. If you have experienced this, you are not alone. We all go through it at one time or another and it can be the smallest of events or actions that starts the cycle; the unreturned phone call or email, the inability to get a meeting set up, the word from a co-worker that is different than what you were told, or the meeting where you weren’t invited. One of any of these could be enough to cause separation anxiety to creep in.
What is most important is how we react to this feeling. A wonderful learning is that while we cannot control the actions and feelings of others, we have 100% control of our own feelings and reactions. If we choose to let this anxiety define us or to influence how we act or treat others then we make ourselves vulnerable to other emotions to follow that could be harmful; frustration, anger, resentment, revenge, envy, etc. Once those make their way into us we will likely allow them to play out in our behaviors, which, can only led to no-good. God always gives us antidotes to the poisons of our lives. In this case, he tells us to not be concerned with the separation that we may feel from other people and instead put our trust and faith in Him and His love, which can never be separated. To this, we shouldn’t ever allow ourselves to feel alone as we can call on Him at any time and he will be there for us. If you are feeling the anxiety of separation at work, see if you can’t turn this over to Him and let him fill the void and provide you the peace to work and live in a way that this anxiety disappears.
Reference: Romans 8:38 (New Living Testament)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
day 614: Words Matter
"Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grape vine? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty pool."
The words we use at work matter. Salty words do not match up with the fresh pool and bubbling spirit that God wants us to represent and carry for Him onto our jobs.
I wrote the linked article for US News and World Report and I hope it reminds all of us that even though we are in this world, we are not to be of it when it comes to the words we use. Enjoy.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/20110311/ts_usnews/whatyoushouldntsayatwork
Reference: James 3:11-12 (New Living Testament)
The words we use at work matter. Salty words do not match up with the fresh pool and bubbling spirit that God wants us to represent and carry for Him onto our jobs.
I wrote the linked article for US News and World Report and I hope it reminds all of us that even though we are in this world, we are not to be of it when it comes to the words we use. Enjoy.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/20110311/ts_usnews/whatyoushouldntsayatwork
Reference: James 3:11-12 (New Living Testament)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
day 613: Don't Shoot the Messenger
"They do not fear bad news; the confidently trust the Lord to care for them."
We have all at some point in our career either said or thought, "Hey, don't shoot the messenger". Why do we do this? We do this because we fear that the person receiving the news won't like it and are going to take it out on the messenger, which may be us at the time. No one likes bad news but what is most important is how we accept and deal with that bad news. Believe me, I have seen enough people who hate to hear bad news so much that no one will bring them anything but what they want to hear, Not surprisingly, somewhere along the way, they get surprised, are unaware and miss something that is very important that they shouldn't have missed. To be the best we can be we need to hear all sides of a message and all sides of what is going on, even if we don't like it.
King David tells us that we need not fear bad news because we have the Lord to trust in, regardless of the situation. If we decide to bring God to work with us then we can also trust in Him over the news that we will receive from our boss, co-workers, partners, customers or subordinates. Our faith can allow us to be prepared and accepting of any news if we allow ourselves to remember and fall back on God's promise. There may be bad news out there right now that you need to hear, but because you have been guarded and not trusting that all will work itself out, you are avoiding it or others are keeping it from you. Start today in asking, "Is there anything else I should know and don't feel like it needs to be kept from me....I truly do want to hear it all". And then, when the bad news comes in, don't shoot the messenger, but instead thank that person for having the courage and the openness to bring it to you.
Reference: Psalm 112:7 (New Living Testament)
We have all at some point in our career either said or thought, "Hey, don't shoot the messenger". Why do we do this? We do this because we fear that the person receiving the news won't like it and are going to take it out on the messenger, which may be us at the time. No one likes bad news but what is most important is how we accept and deal with that bad news. Believe me, I have seen enough people who hate to hear bad news so much that no one will bring them anything but what they want to hear, Not surprisingly, somewhere along the way, they get surprised, are unaware and miss something that is very important that they shouldn't have missed. To be the best we can be we need to hear all sides of a message and all sides of what is going on, even if we don't like it.
King David tells us that we need not fear bad news because we have the Lord to trust in, regardless of the situation. If we decide to bring God to work with us then we can also trust in Him over the news that we will receive from our boss, co-workers, partners, customers or subordinates. Our faith can allow us to be prepared and accepting of any news if we allow ourselves to remember and fall back on God's promise. There may be bad news out there right now that you need to hear, but because you have been guarded and not trusting that all will work itself out, you are avoiding it or others are keeping it from you. Start today in asking, "Is there anything else I should know and don't feel like it needs to be kept from me....I truly do want to hear it all". And then, when the bad news comes in, don't shoot the messenger, but instead thank that person for having the courage and the openness to bring it to you.
Reference: Psalm 112:7 (New Living Testament)
Monday, March 14, 2011
day 612: Forgetting and Forgiving
"...forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
We are seldom rewarded at work for forgetting something. It's usually the opposite in that we receive accolades for remembering and being able to pull out a fact or a detail from our memories when no one else can. There is a new book out on how to improve our memory, it's called "Moonwalking with Einstein". I plan to read it as once every ten years or so there will be memory strengthening book that comes out that becomes the one that the business community adopts and starts passing around, etc. Increasing memory skills is a good thing except in one place and that place being the memories that we harbor and can't let go of that block us from being able to forgive well. Forgiving is a big part of being whole in our life with Christ and also an important marker for others who are watching us to see what kind of life this being a believer thing is supposed to be all about. It is hard for others to see God in us if we are not forgiving for to be unforgiving in our nature is to snub our noses at what Jesus did for us and what God gave us in sacrificing His Son for our sins. But to forgive we must first forget.
A fellow teacher in the Sunday School class I teach said that he knows someone who says, "I forgive but I will never forget". That is not true forgiveness. True forgiveness is letting go of the past and moving towards the future. Much of what Paul writes about in Ephesians Chapter 4 is about this and the importance of being future focused and letting the past go. Today, on your job, there is something that needs to be forgotten for good. It's been hung onto for too long and it's time to settle it and move on. From there, there is a person who needs to be forgiven and they need to see that you can do it. Find that person and that topic and see if today, you can't put them both to bed once and for all and move on into a new day and time of better spirit and attitude. It will be worth it!
Reference: Ephesians 4:32 (New Living Testament)
We are seldom rewarded at work for forgetting something. It's usually the opposite in that we receive accolades for remembering and being able to pull out a fact or a detail from our memories when no one else can. There is a new book out on how to improve our memory, it's called "Moonwalking with Einstein". I plan to read it as once every ten years or so there will be memory strengthening book that comes out that becomes the one that the business community adopts and starts passing around, etc. Increasing memory skills is a good thing except in one place and that place being the memories that we harbor and can't let go of that block us from being able to forgive well. Forgiving is a big part of being whole in our life with Christ and also an important marker for others who are watching us to see what kind of life this being a believer thing is supposed to be all about. It is hard for others to see God in us if we are not forgiving for to be unforgiving in our nature is to snub our noses at what Jesus did for us and what God gave us in sacrificing His Son for our sins. But to forgive we must first forget.
A fellow teacher in the Sunday School class I teach said that he knows someone who says, "I forgive but I will never forget". That is not true forgiveness. True forgiveness is letting go of the past and moving towards the future. Much of what Paul writes about in Ephesians Chapter 4 is about this and the importance of being future focused and letting the past go. Today, on your job, there is something that needs to be forgotten for good. It's been hung onto for too long and it's time to settle it and move on. From there, there is a person who needs to be forgiven and they need to see that you can do it. Find that person and that topic and see if today, you can't put them both to bed once and for all and move on into a new day and time of better spirit and attitude. It will be worth it!
Reference: Ephesians 4:32 (New Living Testament)
day 611: The Power Of Working Together
"...We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy as you stand firm in your faith."
The preference of working together or working alone is one of those questions that we get on a personality assessments. It's a great piece of information that can make a big difference in one's ability to assimilate successfully into a company culture or not. A person who feels more comfortable being an individual contributor likely will either feel like a fish out of water, or not succeed in a company where the value is placed on teamwork and collaboration. Not that we all can't change and grow but this is something important to know about a company and ourselves. I believe there are many benefits to being able to work with others and being in a place that cares about people working together. Of course, there are times when we have to work alone (I am writing this by myself for example) but we can find other fulfillment when we share an achievement with others. Teams multiply efforts and can multiply results.
As those who are trying to bring glory to God in how we work, it can be lonely if we don't bond and work together with others. Even if we are the lone voice in our workplace we can still find camaraderie with others who work elsewhere but share our same beliefs. Our churches are full of others like us, if we will just reach out and start the conversation. Today, think about what Paul tells us are the benefits of standing together in our faith. The joy that can come from this type of working together can be awesome.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:24 (New Living Testament)
The preference of working together or working alone is one of those questions that we get on a personality assessments. It's a great piece of information that can make a big difference in one's ability to assimilate successfully into a company culture or not. A person who feels more comfortable being an individual contributor likely will either feel like a fish out of water, or not succeed in a company where the value is placed on teamwork and collaboration. Not that we all can't change and grow but this is something important to know about a company and ourselves. I believe there are many benefits to being able to work with others and being in a place that cares about people working together. Of course, there are times when we have to work alone (I am writing this by myself for example) but we can find other fulfillment when we share an achievement with others. Teams multiply efforts and can multiply results.
As those who are trying to bring glory to God in how we work, it can be lonely if we don't bond and work together with others. Even if we are the lone voice in our workplace we can still find camaraderie with others who work elsewhere but share our same beliefs. Our churches are full of others like us, if we will just reach out and start the conversation. Today, think about what Paul tells us are the benefits of standing together in our faith. The joy that can come from this type of working together can be awesome.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:24 (New Living Testament)
Friday, March 11, 2011
day 610: The Meaning of Yes and No
"You may be asking why I changed my plan. Hadn't I made up my mind yet? Or am I like people of the world who say yes when they really mean no?"
It can sound like a harsh question, but it is effective; "What part of no don't you understand?" While none of us like to be told no, the best leaders know how to say no as well as they do yes. In fact, for these leaders, the word no is an absolute and others around them can count on them to be focused on getting rid of the extraneous and keeping alive only the important and critical. The single-minded approach to those things that matter and rejecting the rest is a real skill. I think highly of leaders who are comfortable with the word no. What I have also recognized is that these leaders carry with them a level of respect and experience that those who are being said no to don't whine or cry, because they know that there was thought and fairness that comes with the answer. I worked with a CEO who was like that and how I wish every CEO had the same trait.
We are so much better off truly saying no versus allowing others to think that we meant yes, or that we come back later after precious time and effort has been put into a project and change our minds to no. Let us understand that the word no can carry with it a level of caring, respect and deliberate thought that others would far prefer. It is better to be leveled with and just have no said. When we earn that credibility with those that we work with, it gives us even greater opportunity and impact to hold up an example that they would like to follow and know more about. This is all part of us bringing God to work with us and being the role model that He wants us to be.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:17 (New Living Testament)
It can sound like a harsh question, but it is effective; "What part of no don't you understand?" While none of us like to be told no, the best leaders know how to say no as well as they do yes. In fact, for these leaders, the word no is an absolute and others around them can count on them to be focused on getting rid of the extraneous and keeping alive only the important and critical. The single-minded approach to those things that matter and rejecting the rest is a real skill. I think highly of leaders who are comfortable with the word no. What I have also recognized is that these leaders carry with them a level of respect and experience that those who are being said no to don't whine or cry, because they know that there was thought and fairness that comes with the answer. I worked with a CEO who was like that and how I wish every CEO had the same trait.
We are so much better off truly saying no versus allowing others to think that we meant yes, or that we come back later after precious time and effort has been put into a project and change our minds to no. Let us understand that the word no can carry with it a level of caring, respect and deliberate thought that others would far prefer. It is better to be leveled with and just have no said. When we earn that credibility with those that we work with, it gives us even greater opportunity and impact to hold up an example that they would like to follow and know more about. This is all part of us bringing God to work with us and being the role model that He wants us to be.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:17 (New Living Testament)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
day 609: Don't Dis' Courage
"I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
The company or business leader who takes the big risk and then succeeds will experience others recognizing their courage to step forward and take the chance when others wouldn't. We applaud courage and we give praise to those who demonstrate it and follow through. Yet in business there are usually a group of naysayers who will be the first to "dis' courage" or be discouraging. We know who they are and if we thought about it for a moment, we could come up with a list of the people we can count on to consistently be looking for the hole in the doughnut or point out all the risks to an extreme. I have often wondered why these people do what they do and I believe it is their own lack of courage that holds them back from supporting or jumping on the bandwagon. They would rather take their own chance to stay safe, secure and controlled by the fear of failing. The problem is that these people are not only securing themselves, but also holding back others who want to strive and reach for more.
God does not want us to be those who discourage others. We are to be encouraging and we are to be courageous and strong. Being discouraged is mentioned together with being afraid and if we are either then we are turning our backs on what God has promised us. Others are looking to us and we have the opportunity today, right now in this time, to be ones who can be courageous because we believe, know and trust that God is with us wherever we go. To be any less is to say that our God is not what He says He is! Today is a day for courage and strength that comes from Him!
Reference: Joshua 1:9 (New Living Testament)
The company or business leader who takes the big risk and then succeeds will experience others recognizing their courage to step forward and take the chance when others wouldn't. We applaud courage and we give praise to those who demonstrate it and follow through. Yet in business there are usually a group of naysayers who will be the first to "dis' courage" or be discouraging. We know who they are and if we thought about it for a moment, we could come up with a list of the people we can count on to consistently be looking for the hole in the doughnut or point out all the risks to an extreme. I have often wondered why these people do what they do and I believe it is their own lack of courage that holds them back from supporting or jumping on the bandwagon. They would rather take their own chance to stay safe, secure and controlled by the fear of failing. The problem is that these people are not only securing themselves, but also holding back others who want to strive and reach for more.
God does not want us to be those who discourage others. We are to be encouraging and we are to be courageous and strong. Being discouraged is mentioned together with being afraid and if we are either then we are turning our backs on what God has promised us. Others are looking to us and we have the opportunity today, right now in this time, to be ones who can be courageous because we believe, know and trust that God is with us wherever we go. To be any less is to say that our God is not what He says He is! Today is a day for courage and strength that comes from Him!
Reference: Joshua 1:9 (New Living Testament)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
day 608: Closed Door Meetings
"But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!"
When the door closes at work it usually means that something is about to be talked about that someone is not supposed to hear. Of course, confidentiality is important, but many times in our work, the door closes to say things that we want to say because we don't want to say them in front of others because it would be uncomfortable or disconcerting. it's just easier to cut ourselves off from others for a few minutes or hours. How refreshing it would be if all could be planned, talked about, debated, and agreed upon with the door really always being open. But, it doesn't work that way. We close the doors and small groups of people make big and important decisions that can affect everyone. However, if we lived and worked consistently like this we would never receive the benefit of knowledge and growth that we can obtain from others. This past weekend my Pastor used the metaphor of a giant tree and how what is below the surface, in the root system, that we never see is what feeds, grows, and stabilizes the tree.
When we metaphorically operate with the doors closed, we are not opening ourselves up below the surface and we are limiting ourselves. When we feel like closing the door, retreating, or staying insulated, then we are surely not growing. Jesus told us this about our relationship with Him. He is the vine. We are the branches. When we are connected to him we grow and all things become possible. When we don't, then we cut ourselves off from Him and we will whither. Today, you are going to have times when you want to "close the door". Let's today not close the door but instead be open to allowing ourselves to expand, grow and develop in full light and with full disclosure.
Reference: John 15:17 (New Living Testament)
When the door closes at work it usually means that something is about to be talked about that someone is not supposed to hear. Of course, confidentiality is important, but many times in our work, the door closes to say things that we want to say because we don't want to say them in front of others because it would be uncomfortable or disconcerting. it's just easier to cut ourselves off from others for a few minutes or hours. How refreshing it would be if all could be planned, talked about, debated, and agreed upon with the door really always being open. But, it doesn't work that way. We close the doors and small groups of people make big and important decisions that can affect everyone. However, if we lived and worked consistently like this we would never receive the benefit of knowledge and growth that we can obtain from others. This past weekend my Pastor used the metaphor of a giant tree and how what is below the surface, in the root system, that we never see is what feeds, grows, and stabilizes the tree.
When we metaphorically operate with the doors closed, we are not opening ourselves up below the surface and we are limiting ourselves. When we feel like closing the door, retreating, or staying insulated, then we are surely not growing. Jesus told us this about our relationship with Him. He is the vine. We are the branches. When we are connected to him we grow and all things become possible. When we don't, then we cut ourselves off from Him and we will whither. Today, you are going to have times when you want to "close the door". Let's today not close the door but instead be open to allowing ourselves to expand, grow and develop in full light and with full disclosure.
Reference: John 15:17 (New Living Testament)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
day 607: Staying Grounded
"This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as he is above his fellow citizens"
We all have to have something that keeps us grounded. We live in an age where business leaders can become rock stars. With a few successes we see leaders on the front page of magazines, newspapers and featured on TV shows. We are all human and it is hard to stay grounded when the acclaim and accolades come our way. This can happen even when we are just getting recognized by our boss or peers. We have to work to ensure that we don't let it go to our head and begin to think that we are above the rest of the people in the office. I have noticed over the years that the most humble of leaders will usually have a poster or sign in their offices reminding them they are like everyone else or reinforcing teamwork, etc. This visual statement of humility is not just for others, it is a marker for them to never forget who they are really are or where they came from. We are to be humble in our successes and not let ourselves think that we are above others or taken too seriously, especially by ourselves. We are given a great example of how to stay grounded in the book of Deuteronomy when we read the guidelines for a king in Chapter 17. Kings are told to keep the laws in front of themselves and with them on the throne to stay grounded.
As believers, to stay grounded, we can keep God's laws and God's Word with us at all times. And for this to work, we are told that "regular reading" is required. When it begins to feel like you might be taking it all too seriously or that you have allowed your actions and words to not be in touch with those who helped you get to where you are, then you are overdue to get back into God's Word. Preventive reading never hurts either. Let today be a great step forward in staying grounded.
Reference: Deuteronomy 17:20 (New Living Testament)
We all have to have something that keeps us grounded. We live in an age where business leaders can become rock stars. With a few successes we see leaders on the front page of magazines, newspapers and featured on TV shows. We are all human and it is hard to stay grounded when the acclaim and accolades come our way. This can happen even when we are just getting recognized by our boss or peers. We have to work to ensure that we don't let it go to our head and begin to think that we are above the rest of the people in the office. I have noticed over the years that the most humble of leaders will usually have a poster or sign in their offices reminding them they are like everyone else or reinforcing teamwork, etc. This visual statement of humility is not just for others, it is a marker for them to never forget who they are really are or where they came from. We are to be humble in our successes and not let ourselves think that we are above others or taken too seriously, especially by ourselves. We are given a great example of how to stay grounded in the book of Deuteronomy when we read the guidelines for a king in Chapter 17. Kings are told to keep the laws in front of themselves and with them on the throne to stay grounded.
As believers, to stay grounded, we can keep God's laws and God's Word with us at all times. And for this to work, we are told that "regular reading" is required. When it begins to feel like you might be taking it all too seriously or that you have allowed your actions and words to not be in touch with those who helped you get to where you are, then you are overdue to get back into God's Word. Preventive reading never hurts either. Let today be a great step forward in staying grounded.
Reference: Deuteronomy 17:20 (New Living Testament)
Monday, March 7, 2011
day 606: Give Or Take
"Give freely without begrudging it, and the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do."
We are likely to hear these kinds of statements throughout the business year: "We've got to take back market share", "We've taken in XXX millions in profit this year.", "We've taken control of their business." The operative word is "taken" or "take". Business is built around taking in more and more until ultimately we have "taken over". So, it would not be that unusual for a day to be filled with activities that are about also taking. We can only hope that this taking is from the competition and not from each other, but that would be naive to think. Yes, we also take from one another all day long. We take people's time and talents. We also take their ideas and put them to work. Not all taking is bad, but it is important that we balance this with giving. Giving is a word that is less used in the office unless we are are trying to make a point like, "Let me give you some advice", which we hope that they will take.
Imagine that we were to split our time today just evenly between taking and giving and how much better our workplaces would be? The real question is how much giving will we do today? Do we have certain activities and times where we can shift the emphasis and see if others around us can see us trying to give to them, versus taking from them? At the end of today count what percentage of your day was about giving. God tells us to give and give begrudgingly and if we do we will be blessed. That in itself is a gift worth taking.
Reference: Deuteronomy 15:10
We are likely to hear these kinds of statements throughout the business year: "We've got to take back market share", "We've taken in XXX millions in profit this year.", "We've taken control of their business." The operative word is "taken" or "take". Business is built around taking in more and more until ultimately we have "taken over". So, it would not be that unusual for a day to be filled with activities that are about also taking. We can only hope that this taking is from the competition and not from each other, but that would be naive to think. Yes, we also take from one another all day long. We take people's time and talents. We also take their ideas and put them to work. Not all taking is bad, but it is important that we balance this with giving. Giving is a word that is less used in the office unless we are are trying to make a point like, "Let me give you some advice", which we hope that they will take.
Imagine that we were to split our time today just evenly between taking and giving and how much better our workplaces would be? The real question is how much giving will we do today? Do we have certain activities and times where we can shift the emphasis and see if others around us can see us trying to give to them, versus taking from them? At the end of today count what percentage of your day was about giving. God tells us to give and give begrudgingly and if we do we will be blessed. That in itself is a gift worth taking.
Reference: Deuteronomy 15:10
Friday, March 4, 2011
day 605: Business Books
A colleague and friend just published a new business book. I received my signed copy earlier this week and as such, I have started reading the book. (As a published author myself, I feel like I have to read these books to honor the hard work and commitment that I know goes into this type of effort). How much can we really learn and garner from a business book? In reality, there isn't that much that is "new" but what is old and proven can always be repackaged, updated and brought to life again for good purpose. So, of course something new can be learned from a business book. I am amazed that in the few book stores left that the self-improvement section of the store is about one and half size bigger than the business book section. That tells me that we all care about our self-improvement and that we can always learn in this area. For that we have the best book of all time which as you know from Purposed worKING is just as great for our businesses and also great for our self-improvement. We are told, "Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance." As we go about our business today and as we read that next business book let's not forget or miss that we have the opportunity in front of us to dive deep into the best business book of all.
Reference: Proverbs 1:5 (New Living Testament)
Reference: Proverbs 1:5 (New Living Testament)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
day 604: Put On A Happy Face
This last week I was in a number of Board level meetings. Some were great. Some, not so great. The ratio is par for the course. But, in this week I recognized a real difference. In one of the meetings I was in the mood was markedly better and, as a consequence, the meeting more fun and more productive. As I thought about this later, I reflected on the content of the meeting in comparison to the others. It was actually a tougher level of discussion and the content more serious than the other meetings, but still it was just better and more fun. What made the difference was the attitude of one person in the room (and it wasn’t me as I am not that good). One member of the meeting bounces into the meeting with a look that is nothing short of happy. And that smiling attitude and cheery disposition permeated the room and picked up the mood of all the rest of us. Even as we struggled through some real challenges and grappled with differing opinions, the mood did not change, nor did this one person’s look. Throughout the entire meeting a smile could be found and even with a little humor sprinkled throughout the conversation. There was not joking, just a lighter touch. I sure wish I could be more like this person. As far as I know it’s not a faith that drives this, but still it is real. Imagine the power and influence if there was a faith behind it when someone else were to say, “you are always so up and happy, why is that?”. We can all have a happy face if our hearts are right. Solomon tells us how to do so, “ A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” If there was ever anyone in the room to have a happy face, it should be us. With what we have in our hearts, why would we ever let anything but a happy face radiate out to others?
Reference: Proverbs 15:13 (New Living Testament)
Reference: Proverbs 15:13 (New Living Testament)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
day 603: Dominoes
As companies hire and fire it’s like a game of dominoes. One domino falls and then all the others start moving until many changes have been made. That is if the company’s succession plan is a good one. What can also happen is someone begins to fail, or quits, and then there isn’t any one who can pick up the dominoes that fall behind them. This is when we all have to chip in, roll up our sleeves and pick up the extra slack. It’s one of the harder times in a company. It’s also one of the harder times for people who have to take on the extra work but may not feel like they are getting any extra reward that is due to them. We have all been there at one time or another. As I look at how companies today think about staffing and resourcing their organizations, we should all probably get used to this happening more and more. While we may be on the backside of the Great Recession, there remains a pressure for productivity and efficiency. Not filling open jobs, or at least delaying the fill, is a way to realize that gain and also test the elasticity of the organization. This is why we all need to be sure that we are surrounded by others who are willing to help us when we need the support. And, even more so, we need to be the type of person that others can depend on when they need us. These can be frightening and anxious times or these can be hopeful and prepared times. We read in Ecclesiastes, which it should be; “If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Let us be a domino that when pushed is there for others and will not fall alone because we are always ready to reach out in support of those who work around us.
Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:10 (New Living Testament)
Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:10 (New Living Testament)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
day 602: The Joseph Company
If you read Purposed worKING regularly, you have seen me quote and reference David Wilkerson. Well, he recently wrote something that is so good and so applicable that it warrants being the topic of today's post. Enjoy, "The Joseph Company" by David Wilkerson:
THE JOSEPH COMPANY
Joseph had a vision that his life would be used mightily by God. But that
vision seemed like a pipe dream after his jealous brothers sold him into
slavery. The following years of Joseph’s life were filled with hardship and
injustice. Then, when Joseph seemed to get back on his feet, he was falsely
accused of attempted rape and sent to prison.
Yet, all this time, God was watching over Joseph’s life. And finally, after
years of turmoil, Joseph ended up serving in Pharaoh’s house. Pharaoh
eventually appointed Joseph ruler over all of Egypt.
Beloved, that’s how God works; he was preparing a man to save a remnant.
Indeed, in every generation, the Lord raises up a Joseph Company. He takes
these devoted servants through years of trouble and trials, to prove and
strengthen their faith.
What does this mean? Scripture says it’s what Joseph endured: “He sent a
man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: whose feet they hurt
with fetters: he was laid in iron: until the time that his word came: the word
of the Lord tried him” (Psalm 105:17–19).
The Lord also has a Joseph Company today. These are godly men and women he has
touched and called. They don’t seek fame or fortune. All they want is to live
and die fulfilling the calling God has placed on them. And the Lord promised
their lives would count for his kingdom.
Joseph told his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity
in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not
you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and
lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt” (Genesis
45:7–8).
Joseph could look back over his years of suffering and testify, “God sent me
on this journey. He had a purpose in taking me through all these hardships. I
see now that everything I’ve endured has led up to this moment. Brothers, the
Lord has been preparing me to minister to you. He orchestrated all of these
things, to bring you under his preserving grace as he did with me.”
What an incredible revelation for Joseph. Yet, what is the lesson here for
God’s people today? It is this: Our Lord has preserved us in the past and he
will preserve us in the days ahead. And, most important of all, he has an
eternal purpose behind it all. He preserved you because he has a purpose for
you. He has laid out a divine work ahead of you. And only a tried, tested,
proven believer can accomplish it.
THE JOSEPH COMPANY
Joseph had a vision that his life would be used mightily by God. But that
vision seemed like a pipe dream after his jealous brothers sold him into
slavery. The following years of Joseph’s life were filled with hardship and
injustice. Then, when Joseph seemed to get back on his feet, he was falsely
accused of attempted rape and sent to prison.
Yet, all this time, God was watching over Joseph’s life. And finally, after
years of turmoil, Joseph ended up serving in Pharaoh’s house. Pharaoh
eventually appointed Joseph ruler over all of Egypt.
Beloved, that’s how God works; he was preparing a man to save a remnant.
Indeed, in every generation, the Lord raises up a Joseph Company. He takes
these devoted servants through years of trouble and trials, to prove and
strengthen their faith.
What does this mean? Scripture says it’s what Joseph endured: “He sent a
man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: whose feet they hurt
with fetters: he was laid in iron: until the time that his word came: the word
of the Lord tried him” (Psalm 105:17–19).
The Lord also has a Joseph Company today. These are godly men and women he has
touched and called. They don’t seek fame or fortune. All they want is to live
and die fulfilling the calling God has placed on them. And the Lord promised
their lives would count for his kingdom.
Joseph told his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity
in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not
you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and
lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt” (Genesis
45:7–8).
Joseph could look back over his years of suffering and testify, “God sent me
on this journey. He had a purpose in taking me through all these hardships. I
see now that everything I’ve endured has led up to this moment. Brothers, the
Lord has been preparing me to minister to you. He orchestrated all of these
things, to bring you under his preserving grace as he did with me.”
What an incredible revelation for Joseph. Yet, what is the lesson here for
God’s people today? It is this: Our Lord has preserved us in the past and he
will preserve us in the days ahead. And, most important of all, he has an
eternal purpose behind it all. He preserved you because he has a purpose for
you. He has laid out a divine work ahead of you. And only a tried, tested,
proven believer can accomplish it.
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