One of the foundational tools in Lean Manufacturing is the 5S system.  Each of the 5S’s represents a step towards the most efficient utilization of space. The first “S” is SORT. SORT requires the elimination of that which is not needed.  Only the essentials to perform the job duties are kept. Ephesians 4:22 says, “So get rid of your old […]

Each year, in March, we move our clocks forward an hour to provide for more afternoon sunlight during the summer. This has been labeled Daylight Savings Time. In the fall, we reverse the process consuming an hour of sunlight, yet we still label that day, Daylight Savings Time. Imagine if they changed the name in the fall to Daylight Consuming […]

Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar had a surprising challenge in his upcoming election. Six of his siblings publicly condemned him and sided with his opponent due to their disdain for his political beliefs. Just as families are being split apart by the extremely partisan nature of politics, so are many workplaces. When emotions boil, a lack of respect for other human […]

According to the History Channel, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints Day. This was a time to honor the saints and martyrs of the church. However, Celtic traditions believed that on October 31st the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. As Rome took over the Celts their traditions began to be […]

A CEO, I’ll call Julie, had an overwhelming season this past year. Daily, Julie was making tough decisions without anyone around her who could relate, empathize, and provide wise counsel. Julie asked me if I knew any female CEOs who might be able to help her. I proposed that she consider either joining a CEO roundtable group of like-minded leaders […]

In the show, Undercover Boss, a CEO goes undercover within their own business, working closely with frontline people to learn more about their business. During the show finale the CEO’s usually give some employees promotions, bonuses or help them with family issues. Rick Betenbough, founder of Betenbough Homes, contends that this happens because of what he called “close engagement.” When […]

“Houston, we have a problem!” Some business challenges seem impossible to get rid of.  That one problem that keeps coming back. It’s addressed, it’s fixed, and then it rears its ugly head again. But why does the problem reappear like a magic trick? We address the symptoms and not the true problem.  Defining the problem helps address the REAL issue […]

Steve’s first job after college was in truck manufacturing. For almost two years Steve had worked with a repairman who did not make crude jokes but, was a part of the laughing crowd showing approval for those who did. One day this repairman told Steve he was a Christian. Shocked, Steve quizzed him on salvation. Satisfied he knew the basics […]

The founder of Betenbough Homes, Rick Betenbough, was surprised when his CFO pronounced that he was leaving the company to start a new business. When Rick asked what kind of business, he was stunned to learn it was going to be a competing home building business! Rick wrestled with this news until he remembered that his own provision comes from […]

Rick Betenbough, founder of Betenbough Homes, recently told some business leaders that God fired Moses. Rick pointed out that according to Deuteronomy 34, Moses was still in good health even at 120 years old. But because Moses dishonored God, he was removed from his position of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and replaced by Joshua. In Deuteronomy 32 […]