day 1395: Finding the Strength

While I am on a pilgrimage walk on the Camino de Santiago (St. James Way) in Spain, I have asked some of the most committed and courageous faith-driven business leaders I know to guest contribute to Purposed worKING.  Enjoy! - Rusty

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“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  

In today’s world of constant change and innovation, there are so many exciting opportunities, but with them comes an almost never ending push to do more.  Will it be worth it?  All the time, effort, resources and sacrifices.   Some days there is no question that where our organizations are going is worth it all, but there are those days when we think “Why are we working so hard.”  I know, I know, it’s about the journey.  The drive for efficiency in today’s workplace requires us to do more with less resources and hopefully leverage technology solutions.  But the people left standing will be asked to pick up the balance of work.

Where will we find the time?  Desires vs Needs?  What will define success in our careers?  I assume these are questions most people ask themselves.  What I’ve have found is that God will provide the answers.  The Lord has taught me that relationships are the key to success.  I know that may sound a bit simple, but I assure you it is very powerful.  He has shown me that if something really needs to get done, to rely on Him. For me, this year is about, “Be still and know that I am God” and to “Honor the Sabbath”.  How much we rely on God for our strength, direction and patience will be a direct correlation as to how much he will reveal to us.  I encourage you all to spend time seeking the Lord’s direction in your life.  I guarantee you it’s worth it.

Reference: Isaiah 40:31 

Joe Gonzalez 

day 276: Mentoring...Who Me?

While I am on vacation, I have asked friends, and encouragers of Purposed worKING to contribute. Today's post comes from Cecelia and Joe Gonzalez, who asked not to be attributed, but I am doing so anyway as my thank you to them!


When we look at leadership in our organizations we often think of the CEO. But the reality is…successful organizations need leadership throughout. As our companies struggle in this economy, we often look for the magic bullet. What will be that one key strategy that will turn our business around? There are many things that need to change. And one of the most important things to change is that we ALL take on the responsibility of leadership. From the top of the organization we need a clear vision, but we must all examine how we can do things more effectively.

We have heard it said many times that it’s the “small things that get ya.” So instead of looking big let’s look small. Let us look at every aspect of what we do each and every day, and how we can make it better. Imagine a company of 1000 people making an incremental improvement on a consistent basis. Improving the way in which we value our resources --- money, customers, and most of all our own people. As we look at the wisdom in our organizations most of the time it comes from experience. So who will be the mentor to share what incremental changes need to take place? The people who have done it. Where will the most effective organizations in the future be coming from – we believe it will be from those companies that mentor best.

Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges said in their book, Lead Like Jesus, “Jesus understood from years of personal experience the challenges of daily life and work. Although Jesus was God, He was not ashamed to do a man’s work.” Ashamed, too proud, too busy … whatever our reason, we must overcome it.

As we look at the incredible mentor, Jesus Christ, he chose 12 ordinary men to save the world. So who will we chose to change or organizations and our lives? We must pray and listen to who God is putting in front of us. Not just at work but everywhere and all the time. This is not a 40/50 hour a week responsibility. The ultimate mentor said in John 13:12-15 after he finished washing his disciples feet, "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Let’s have our mentors be like Jesus and pray we are servant leaders ourselves.

Reference: John 13:12-15