Mike Erwin, CEO of Character and Leadership Center, tackled the issue of decision-making in a Harvard Business Review article. Although most decisions are routine, it’s critical that we choose which decisions come with serious risks or consequences. Those decisions need to be given clear thought. Mr. Erwin emphasizes six reasons why we sometimes make bad decisions. The first is decision […]

Customer expectations are ever changing in today’s culture. Constant access to instant and new information, ideas and methods creates a challenge for businesses who gallantly strive to meet customer needs. The adage, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” does not apply to business. Business leaders must understand what “broken” means to the customer. Broken goes beyond mechanics and extends […]

As I’ve aged over the years, sometimes I lean towards being more cautious than courageous. In those moments, it’s encouraging to examine the story of Caleb. At 40 years old, Caleb displayed great courage and desired to overtake the Promised Land—but he didn’t get that opportunity, due to the Israelite’s disobedience and fear. Yet, at 85 years old, Caleb had […]

Two people can have the same experience, but completely different viewpoints. Some will see a challenge as a dangerous pursuit and flee. Others see the challenge as an adventure and charge ahead. When Caleb and eleven other Israelites spied on the Promised Land, they all experienced the same thing, but Caleb saw a possible adventure. Caleb believed God could deliver […]

In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve men, including Caleb, into the Promised Land for a reconnaissance mission. When they returned, they told the Israelites the people they saw in the Promised Land were powerful and had fortified cities. What Caleb heard was an exhilarating challenge. He jumped in and proclaimed in Numbers 13:30, “We should go up and take possession […]

Mariano Rivera, a former New York Yankee pitcher, and the first person unanimously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, had to be thrilled the day of his induction. Unfortunately, the Daily Beast released a hit piece on him hours before his ceremony. Their editorial complained because of Rivera’s evangelical Christianity and his support of Israel. It also complained of […]

For many people the last thing they want to celebrate is their labor. A Gallup poll revealed that 67% of people surveyed are disengaged with their work.  Labor Day celebrations are more likely to commemorate the day off than for their work. God created Adam specifically with a purpose to work as a rancher. In Genesis 1 we read, “Then […]

Ron has been coaching some executives through a significant merger. One of the core values of the acquiring company is to “Love and Serve Others.” Ron was asked to coach some of the executives from the acquired organization. When Ron was discussing the culture and values of the company with one of the top people from the acquired business, this […]

Over dinner, a young couple shared with Kathy and I about being raised in a religious cult. The leadership of this cult had control over all aspects of their lives.  The congregation was not allowed to view TV or movies. Their schooling, marriages and jobs were managed or monitored as well. This couple’s God-given talents were stifled. There are also […]

Recently, a foundation Executive Director mentioned to me that he’s excited that more people are having best practice discussions and are touring creative, faithforward businesses. Tony Holt, our St. Louis City Director, led a tour of business leaders into Cambridge Engineering for that purpose last year. It was valuable for these leaders to learn Cambridge’s approaches for modeling a biblical […]