According to author, Ron Carruci, US companies spend $37 billion per year on meetings, despite 71% of senior managers viewing them as unproductive. In a Harvard Business Review article, Mr. Carruci, highlights three recommendations. First, he recommends that the scope of the meeting be clearly defined and narrowly focused on items within your control. Second, he suggests a synchronized cadence. […]

The television program “60 Minutes” convened a group of 12 people in Grand Rapids Michigan during the last presidential campaign, with an even mix of people for and against Donald Trump. This group had very heated debates and disagreements. “60 Minutes” was surprised to learn that despite their differences the group not only maintained contact after the focus group, they […]

As I watched the end of the Super Bowl last month, I was pleasantly surprised with the postgame interviews of the Philadelphia Eagles. The coach and quarterback boldly gave praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for their amazing victory. When we lead with excellence in any vocation, our expression of faith will be more tolerated and more powerful. However, some […]

Phil Cohen was telling me that his father-in-law, Frank Turpin, was a great leader. Over Frank’s career, he worked his way up to vice-president of what later became Exxon. Frank died in 2004. A few years after he died, Phil called Frank’s son, Hank, and asked, “How was your dad so successful?” Hank replied, “He knew how to attract talented […]

In the 1980s, I had talented friends who hated working for large organizations. But, their pay was higher than they could get elsewhere, so they stayed. Today, small businesses have a more even playing field than 30 years ago. A study conducted by Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford economist, discovered that the pay premium for working at large organizations has dramatically […]

Everyone has dreams. It’s so rewarding when they come true, whether the dreams are mine or yours. Maybe your dream is to start a business or climb a mountain. It’s rare to meet someone willing to give up the insecurities, habits, and things holding them back from their dreams. So many people die with their dreams still inside. Wouldn’t it […]

Jeff was the new CEO of a chain of jewelry stores. As he reviewed the results of each branch with his executive team he became puzzled. The company’s best performing store had become the worst! When Jeff asked why, he was told, “Oh, that’s Tim’s store. He was our best operator until he found the Lord.” When Jeff met Tim […]

Jim is one employer I admire. Not only is Jim a hard worker, but he also cares deeply for each employee of his technology company. When one of their key employees tragically took his own life, Jim called in me and some counselors to pray and care for his employees. He also cares for each person’s professional and spiritual life. […]

Hunting was not my thing, but as a teenager some friends invited me to go deer hunting. Upon arrival they pointed me towards a tree and told me to climb the tree and wait for a deer. I tried to climb the tree with my rifle, but, out of frustration and laziness, I finally left my gun at the base […]

A friend of mine once told me that he believed that the biggest return on an activity usually comes from the last 5% of effort. Being diligent to the end produces a great reward. It’s like digging a well. You dig and dig until you want to give up, but if you diligently continue you eventually hit the spring of […]