CAUGHT UP IN MINUTES – OR MOMENTS?

By Jim Lange

Time. Do you have enough of it? If you are like the rest of the world, you will answer that question by saying “No!” However, you would be wrong. We all have enough time. In fact, each of us has the same amount of time each day: 24 hours. Nobody has more, and no one has less.

The problem with most of us is that we have become addicted to filling our time with things that do not matter. We fill it with tasks at work. We fill our time on social media like Facebook and Twitter. We fill it by transporting our children to numerous events and after-school activities. We fill it watching TV. We find ourselves constantly in motion, squandering precious minutes and hours.

We have allowed very little margin in our lives, so we frantically rush around trying to squeeze everything into our schedule. Sadly for many of us, at the end of the day we have missed out on what really matters: relationships.

I have three questions for you to ponder: 1) How do you spend your time? 2) How is that working for you? 3) When you are on your deathbed, will you be happy with the way you have spent your time?

I heard this subject discussed recently and it got me thinking about my life and how busy I seem to be. I do not think God desires me to be this busy. I do believe He wants me resting along the way and taking time to enjoy the journey, but sometimes it seems so hard.

However, I have determined to jump off this “hamster wheel” by frequently asking myself what is truly important. I have had a tendency to do things simply because I have always done them that way. I have been very task-oriented which, on one hand, has been helpful in some areas of my life. However, it has hurt some of my relationships, as I have erred in emphasizing tasks at the expense of people I genuinely care about.

As a result, I have begun a process of evaluating all that I do and asking myself how important each opportunity really is. Would you be willing to do the same?

For many of us, such a process of self-evaluation can be unsettling, perhaps even frightening. But the bottom line is this reality: If we continue doing things as we always have, we will continue to get the same results we have always gotten. And this includes the way we use our time.

Our days are all numbered. Just as we cannot add a single minute to a 24-hour day, we cannot add even one day to the span of our lives. Time is the most precious commodity we have. So would you join me in trying to make the most of the days you have left – by looking to create meaningful moments rather than maximizing your minutes? If we are focused on maximizing each minute, this will lead to us trying to create microwave relationships. Trust me, this does not work well, especially long-term. We can be efficient with things we do, but we must learn to become very inefficient in our relationships. This is where moments are created, and they cannot always fit a convenient schedule.

In the Old Testament book of Psalms we find this wise advice: “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

© 2012 by Jim Lange. Jim is a chapter president with Truth@Work (www.christianroundtablegroups.com), a ministry to people in the workplace. He writes a regular online blog, www.5feet20.com, and is the author of a book, Bleedership: Biblical First-Aid for Leaders. He and his family live near Toledo, Ohio, U.S.A.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever thought, “I do not have enough time?” How often do you feel this way?

2. Jim Lange asks three questions. What are your answers to the first two: How do you spend your time? And, how is that working for you?

3. He uses the analogy of the hamster wheel, the image of little mammals running frantically on the metal wheel and going nowhere. Others make the comparison of being stuck on an unending treadmill. Do you ever have the sense that your life is like that? If so, have you tried to remedy that – and what has been the result?

4. What, in your mind, is the difference between “meaningful moments” and “maximizing minutes”?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:

Psalm 89:47; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,11, 8:5-6, 9:11-12; Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5

CREATED MEMORIES THAT ENDURE

By Rick Boxx

Last year I was coordinating a conference for business and professional people, and one of our speakers was Peter Herschend, co-founder of Silver Dollar City, a recreational theme park located in Branson, Missouri, U.S.A. As we were arranging the microphone that Peter would be using for his presentation, a man from our audience walked up to the podium and handed him a small gift.

Having a listener from the audience approach with a gift was highly unusual, especially before the presentation. So with surprise and a bit of hesitation, Peter opened the box. It was a photo album containing colorful pictures of characters and employees at Silver Dollar City.

The giver explained this album represented the memories his family had accumulated over numerous years of attending Peter’s entertainment center. The photos were a token of the family’s appreciation for the many happy moments they had enjoyed and would always have as treasured memories.

As it turned out, the gesture fit perfectly with Peter’s talk on his company’s mission, “Creating Memories Worth Repeating.” Ironically, the kindness of the guest at our conference produced a lasting memory for our speaker.

Should this not be a primary goal for all of our businesses, no matter what product or service we provide – to create memories worth repeating? The job we do may not result in entertaining photographs. But our work should still be of such quality that it forms positive mental images, ones that linger through the passage of time.

For example, a patron at a coffee shop might hold memories of pleasant aromas and flavors of the local brew, along with friendly service and interesting conversation. Customers at a retail store may remember the courteous and attentive response of salespersons that were eager to guide them to exactly what they were looking for. A client might hold lasting appreciation for the efforts of a financial planner to address practical matters that did not necessarily generate additional income for the advisor.

Admittedly, an entertaining experience – such as a visit a theme park like Silver Dollar City or attendance at a sporting event – might lend itself more easily to enduring memories, but a grocery store where the cashiers routinely greet customers with smiles and pleasant greetings can be meaningful as well. Whatever our product or service might be, it would be wise to create an environment that, after the customers, clients and suppliers have worked with us, they leave with the conclusion, “I’m glad I did business with them.”

In the Old Testament of the Bible, Proverbs 10:7 teaches, “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” Good experiences leave lasting memories; bad experiences are either intentionally forgotten or leave negative, even bitter feelings that ensure the customers will not be returning to do business with us.

Will the memories you create for your customers today become a blessing – or will they perish?

Copyright 2012, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from “Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx,” a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center or to sign up for Rick’s daily Integrity Moments, visit www.integrityresource.org. His book, How to Prosper in Business Without Sacrificing Integrity, gives a biblical approach for doing business with integrity.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. What is the most vivid, positive memory you have of a place you have enjoyed visiting, or a business you patronized that left you feeling very pleased and satisfied?

2. Do you think the intent of the motto, “Creating Memories Worth Repeating,” makes sense for your company or organization? Why or why not?

3. How can a memory become a blessing, as the verse cited from Proverbs suggests?

4. If you were to rate your workplace on the “memory creation scale,” what score would you think it deserves? If that rating is low, what steps could be initiated that could result in creating more memorable experiences – ones worth repeating?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages:

Proverbs 11:16-17, 13:9; Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 4:17, 11:24-25; Philippians 4:8

STEVE JOBS, RULES OF SUCCESS, AND THE BIBLE

By Robert J. Tamasy

When Steve Jobs died in 2011, he left a legacy of achievements that dramatically changed our way of life. As co-founder of Apple, Inc., he was a central figure in the personal computer revolution. Apple’s Macintosh, introduced in the early 1980s, transformed how we thought about and used computers. Jobs also co-founded Pixar Animation Studios, which blazed new trails for computerized film animation. Before his death, Apple’s iPads, iPhones and iPods helped open unimagined communication and entertainment horizons. Jobs’ life and work touched virtually every business and professional person.

Jobs was one-of-a-kind as a visionary, pioneer and innovator, but we can all benefit from principles that guided his success. Recently Entrepreneur.com published an article describing Jobs’ “seven rules of success.” Although Jobs was not known to be an adherent of Christianity, each of his rules of success aligns with biblical principles established thousands of years ago. Let’s look at them:

1. Do what you love. Jobs stated, “People with passion can change the world for the better.” The idea of having passion and purpose in our everyday pursuits is summarized in Colossians 3: 23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward….”

2. Put a dent in the universe. Jobs once asked the CEO of a major beverage company, “Do you want to spend your life selling sugar water or do you want to change the world?” He advocated a strong, compelling vision. Proverbs 29:18 offers a similar idea: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

3. Make connections. Jobs’ thought was to become rich in varied experiences and connect ideas from different fields. This idea of connections is supported in Romans 8:28, which states, “And we know that God works all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

4. Say no to 1,000 things. Keeping a well-defined focus was important for Apple, as Jobs steered away from promising products that could have undermined his company’s expertise and success. In the Bible’s Old Testament, Proverbs 4:27 states, “Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”

5. Create insanely different experiences. In developing Apple’s retail stores, Jobs wanted customers to have a profound, enriching experience. Jesus espoused a similar, “others first” attitude when he taught, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).

6. Master the message. Even the best ideas, if not communicated effectively, are of little value, Jobs realized. For a similar reason, the apostle Paul wrote, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders…. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to respond to each person” (Colossians 4:5-6).

7. Sell dreams, not products. Jobs understood the importance of appealing to people’s desires, hopes and ambitions. Jesus offered similar motivation to his followers: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. As you think of products and innovations that started with Apple Computers, and then were utilized by other technology companies, what has been the impact of entrepreneur, visionary and pioneer Steve Jobs on your life – directly or indirectly?

2. What other individuals, in business or other life pursuits, have had similar impacts on everyday life and work, in your opinion?

3. Unique individuals like Steve Jobs come along rarely, perhaps once in a lifetime. But which of his “rules of success” do you think could be helpful in your own professional endeavors?

4. There is a saying: “All truth is God’s truth.” In other words, whether people acknowledge the source or not, truths and universal principles for life exist because God created them to be so. Do you agree? Why or why not?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:

Proverbs 1:7,20-33, 11:30, 13:20, 14:23, 16:26; Ecclesiastes 9:10; John 18:37-38; Romans 12:11

WALKING THE WIRE IN THE WORKPLACE

By Dr. Rick Warren

Have you ever heard of Jean-Francois Gravelet? He lived from 1824 to 1897, and used the professional pseudonym, Blondin, gaining world acclaim as a tightrope walker and acrobat from London, England. Blondin crossed Niagara Falls in upstate New York, U.S.A. a number of times on a wire 1,100 feet long, suspended 160 feet above the raging waters. He performed his death-defying tightrope feats with different theatrical variations: Blindfolded; in a sack; pushing a wheelbarrow; on stilts; even while carrying a man on his back.

We might not be walking a high wire across a raging waterfall, but in the 21st century workplace, it seems like that at times. There is the balance between ethics and profit; embarking into the unknown with an unproven product or service; juggling work and family priorities; economic uncertainties.

When I read about Blondin, I think of a man who also attempted a death-defying feat. His name was Peter. You might recall the biblical account where Peter and the other disciples of Jesus were in a small boat in the midst of a raging storm. Suddenly they saw Jesus walking across the water. Impulsively, Peter asked, “Lord, if it is you…tell me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus’ response was simple: “Come.”

“… when Peter saw the high waves he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted” (Matthew 14:30). I suspect we all would have done the same. Have you ever embarked on a project or made a decision, thinking at the time it was the right thing to do, only to have circumstances immediately bring your judgment into question?

I want to remind you Simon Peter did many notable things during the course of his lifetime, but this episode of walking upon the water ranked as one of his greatest: no high wire, no rocks hidden underneath. Surrounded by obvious dangers, faced with utter impossibility, Peter found inner strength in his Lord’s command: “‘Come.’” For a few moments, Peter shared with his Master in the suspension of natural laws.

Then the whole project blew up at four in the morning. One moment, his eyes fixed on Jesus, Peter was walking above the storm; the next he was “in over his head.” Soaked to the skin, Peter was rescued by Jesus. He learned an important truth: A saint is not someone that never fails; a saint is someone that is trusting in God and gets up and goes on again every time he or she falls.

“Lord, save me!” Peter’s words were simple, without time to elaborate on details, without time to observe ceremonial laws. But in reality, this is the quickest, easiest, and most desperate way to reach the heart of God.

What did Peter do wrong? He was blamed: Not for daring, but for doubting. Not for failure, but faltering. Not for lack of courage, but lack of confidence.

You may not be a Blondin or Peter, but you probably find yourself in today’s fearsome workplace, in the midst of the night, and the storm is “contrary.” Do not measure the waves, do not gauge the wind; do not give in to the danger, and most of all…do not throw in the towel and sink under the circumstances.

The Bible offers this advice: “Keep your eyes on Jesus, our Leader and Instructor…if you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary…” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

© 2012, Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved. Adapted from a column by Dr. Rick Warren, author of numerous books, including the highly acclaimed, The Purpose-Drive Life, which has been translated into many languages worldwide. It affirms the importance of a carefully considered, clearly expressed purpose to guide everyday life. It has been named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th Century.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever heard of the tightrope walker and acrobat Blondin? What do you think it takes for someone like him, or the famed “Flying Wallendas” family from Germany, to even begin to attempt such feats of danger and daring?

2. What are some of the “tightropes” you are presently encountering in your workplace? How are you dealing with them?

3. What do you think of the account of Jesus’ disciple Peter and his decision to step out on the water? Does it strike you as purely an impulsive act, one of faith, or a combination of both? Explain your answer.

4. Dr. Warren states, “A saint is not someone that never fails; a saint is someone that is trusting in God and gets up and goes on again every time he or she falls.” How do you respond to that statement?

NOTE: If you have a Bible, consider these other passages that relate to this topic:

Joshua 1:5-9; Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 26:3, 41:10; Jeremiah 29:11, 33:3; Hebrews 11:1, 13:5

HOW TO HAVE A JOB YOU LOVE

By Robert J. Tamasy

Some of us are fortunate to have jobs we truly enjoy. But according to studies, the vast majority of men and women in the business and professional world dislike, even hate their jobs; at best, they tolerate what they have to do every day to earn a living. Are you among them?

Would you like to be able to say with sincerity, “I love my job!”? What do you think it would be like to begin each day with eager anticipation, looking forward to the opportunities and challenges you will encounter at your workplace – rather than with dread and anxiety? “Well, I would have to change jobs!” many people would agree. Perhaps, but recently I heard an intriguing story that seemed to indicate a new place to work might not necessarily be required for finding a job you love.

At a cancer support group meeting I attended (my wife is a cancer survivor), a woman was telling about an inspiring person she had met while going for her treatments – a valet parking attendant. “This woman was amazing,” she said. “She truly loved her job – and she loved each of us, patients at the hospital where she worked, as we would arrive each day for our appointments. She never failed to have a big smile and an uplifting word of encouragement for each of us.”

“She made the greatest impression on me,” the speaker at the meeting observed. “She would be out there every day, even in scorching heat and freezing cold, focused on greeting each patient and helping to make their day a little bit brighter.”

Being an administrator for a non-profit organization, the woman telling this story thought to herself, “This is the kind of person we need to hire as our new receptionist.” In fact, she offered the job to the parking attendant. The woman, with her customary smile, politely declined. She explained she could never leave her job – not because it paid well, but in a real sense it had become her “dream job.” She looked forward to each day and the opportunity to offer a kind word, give someone a needed smile, or shine a light of hope to someone desperately needing it. In a word, she saw her job as ministry.

What if we each took that same attitude, viewing our work as ministry – an opportunity to serve and be of help to others – rather than simply a source of a paycheck or a way to fill time between weekends? But how can we do this, especially if circumstances are far from ideal? Consider this advice from the Bible:

Focus on the positive. Undoubtedly, aspects of the parking attendant’s work are not perfect, things she might change if she could. But instead, she concentrates on others. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Remember whom you ultimately serve. In our jobs we must envision doing our part in something much bigger than ourselves. Centuries ago, someone observed a brick mason and asked if he ever grew tired of his work. “No,” he replied, “because I’m building a cathedral.” “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything…. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving ” (Colossians 3:22-24).

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. No question, every job has aspects of it that are less than ideal. Yet some people seem to truly love their jobs, regardless of negative circumstances. Do you know someone like that? What is it about that person that enables them to look to each workday with eagerness and anticipation?

2. What is the predominant attitude you have toward your own work? Whether you regard it very positively – or negatively – what is it about the job that you think makes you feel that way?

3. In your mind, what does it mean to view a job as “ministry”? Do you think it would change your approach to your own job if you viewed it in this way?

4. Do you think either of the Bible passages would be helpful for adopting a more positive, motivating attitude toward your work? Explain your answer.

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:

Proverbs 12:11, 13:9, 22:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Luke 6:27-31; Acts 20:35; James 2:14-17

THE MASTER-SERVANT PRINCIPLE

by Randal Walti

It might surprise you that despite all the applause we heard for the “bottom-up” leadership approaches practiced by several highly successful companies in the 1980s, the traditional corporate management strategy of companies in the United States and much of the world remains the same.

Numerous management and leadership gurus have presented a devastating critique of the “top-down,” hierarchical management systems that have dominated corporations since the 1950s, yet not much has changed. It seems clear that past practices of manipulating processes to achieve cost or profit targets, dictated by policies of “top-down” command and control of information, must be replaced by “bottom-up” empowerment.

Why does it take us so long to realize that people are more important than numbers? That if we treat our employees and customers the way we like to be treated, morale greatly improves, production soars, and business usually takes off? That the greatest asset, with the most direct and accurate information about what our company or customers need, are those workers closest to the action?

Does it surprise you to know that the word “leadership” is mentioned only six times in the entire Bible, while “servant” is mentioned 46 times in the Old Testament book of Genesis alone?

The word “servant” in the Old Testament and the word “minister” in the New Testament (which is how CEOs, owners and management that follow Jesus Christ should think of themselves) are very similar to the idea of an “under-rower.” In centuries past, to avoid death from the heat, ceilings of boats were made of metal grates where the slaves from the top and middle rows were rowing. Unable to leave their position, the “under-rowers” would receive the bulk of the sewage on their heads.

That is not a very appealing picture, but the image reflects the humility and selflessness of a true servant. Those serving the most high God, similar to what Jesus said, realize they do not go to their company to be served – but to serve, no matter what undesirable things come their way. Ironically, this quality makes for a leader that employees trust and will follow anywhere.

Here are just a sampling of thoughts the Bible offers about servanthood – and leadership:

Service precedes greatness. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).

Leadership demands putting others first. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:24).

Humility is a primary leadership quality. “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12).
“Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud” (Proverbs 16:19).

The best leaders recognize different gifts and abilities – their own and others. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently” (Romans 12:6-8).

Adapted with permission from an article by Randal Walti, a business consultant who resides in Melbourne, Florida, U.S.A. He is the author of the e-mail newsletter, “Business Life Today.” His web site is www.buslifetoday.com.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. What is the prevailing style of leadership and management at your workplace – top-down, or bottom-up? How do you see that being demonstrated on a day-to-day basis?

2. Mr. Walti suggests that the best leaders should see themselves as servants. Do you agree? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think that many leaders have the attitude that their employees (their “followers”) exist to serve them, rather than vice versa?

4. How do you think leaders can genuinely exhibit humility toward those that are responsible to them? Do you think that serving others in a humble manner could undermine a person’s leadership effectiveness? Explain your answer.

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject of servant leadership, consider the following passages:

Proverbs 12:9, 15:33, 18:12; Matthew 5:16, Mark 10:45; John 10:11-18; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Peter 5:5-6

ADVICE FOR THE ARROGANT

By Rick Boxx

A study cited in the prestigious business periodical, Wall Street Journal, found people holding positions of authority, such as managers, tend to dismiss others’ advice when making decisions. The extensive research also showed, though not very surprising, that these leaders’ final judgments were frequently less accurate than they would have been if they had considered the advice available to them.

The reason for their reluctance to accept counsel, according to the authors of the workplace study, was overconfidence in their own judgment, a trait often known as arrogance. “No one is as smart as I am,” they believe. In other instances, some business and professional people in leadership roles are reluctant to ask others for counsel or help, fearing they might be regarded as “weak” or inadequate to fulfill their appointed responsibilities. They feel they must be in control. Have you ever met people like this?

Interestingly, this study also discovered that women were more likely to take advice than men. It seems that men, as they climb the corporate ladder and become more powerful, grow in arrogance and self-assurance. Confidence is good – we all need it to pursue our goals and responsibilities effectively. However, overconfidence often results in disastrous self-reliance, even recklessness.

Perhaps many women intuitively know what men are more inclined to forget: That a wise person still listens to advice. However, we do not require strong intuition to understand the need to consult others for advice and wisdom on key decisions. The Bible affirms this repeatedly. Here are some examples:

The peril of plunging ahead. “I have made up my mind. Do not confuse me with the facts!” Sometimes we take this approach to decision-making, determined to do what we want, the way we want to do it, even though employees, coworkers and peers might advise us to do otherwise. Proverbs 12:15 describes this scenario: “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”

The problem of acting in isolation. Pride is a problem we all struggle with, in one way or another. Often it is pride that insists we have no need for the support or assistance of others. Unfortunately, this can result in failure, even disaster. This is why Ecclesiastes 4:10-11 makes this observation: “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?”

The prize of trusting in others. When we consult others for advice, they might not always tell us what we want to hear. But different perspectives, as well as hearing alternatives solutions to the problems we must address, could bring about far better results. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure” (Proverbs 11:14). “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

The power of working in shared mission. There is strength in numbers, the adage reminds us, and there truly is great value in working with others, sharing talents and experiences for a common goal. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Copyright 2012, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from “Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx,” a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center or to sign up for Rick’s daily Integrity Moments, visit www.integrityresource.org. His book, How to Prosper in Business Without Sacrificing Integrity, gives a biblical approach for doing business with integrity.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: Jim Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. Do you agree that reluctance or refusal to seek out advice from others on important decisions is a result of a person’s arrogance? Why or why not?

2. When you are confronting a challenging problem or needing to make a critical decision, how readily will you go to others for counsel and their perspectives? Explain your answer.

3. Have you ever worked for arrogant leaders like those described in the research study? How does it make you feel to watch them making decisions without soliciting the input of others that could provide worthwhile insight? Can you recall a situation when this kind of leader imposed a decision that proved to have very adverse consequences?

4. In what ways could you strive to become more open to receiving counsel from others? If it is true that women are more receptive to advice than men, why do you think that is the case?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages:

Proverbs 19:20,27, 20:18, 24:5-6, 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9,12; 2 Timothy 2:2-7; James 1:5-7

COULD YOU USE A ‘MULLIGAN’ – A DO-OVER?

By Robert J. Tamasy

Although I am not a golfer, there is one aspect of the game that I find appealing: something they call a “mulligan.” During a friendly game of golf, sometimes competitors will be permitted to redo one shot, to “take a mulligan.” It might be following a particularly bad shot, or it could be permission given by fellow players to try again at a critical point in the person’s round of golf. In any event, the mulligan – a “do-over” – can be a welcome opportunity to correct an errant shot.

It would be nice if, from time to time, life offered us a mulligan, wouldn’t it? An opportunity to re-evaluate a specific decision or action and conclude, “I didn’t like how that turned out. Could I do it over?”

As another calendar year concludes, you may wish someone would offer you a mulligan for something you did: a troublesome financial decision, a damaged relationship, a poor career choice, an ill-conceived business plan or strategy, or a squandered opportunity. “Can I have a do-over?” you might like to ask.

Unfortunately, at least until someone succeeds at inventing a time machine, we cannot go back. Life does not offer do-overs or invite us to “take a mulligan.” We must face and live with the consequences of wrong decisions and actions, along with reaping the benefits of things we have done well. Nevertheless, as one year ends and another prepares to begin, we often cannot help conducting a “year in review,” evaluating both the good and not-so-good of the past 12 months.

So we make use of hindsight, which enables us to see clearly into the past. Hindsight is good if we allow ourselves to learn from the past so we make better choices in the future. However, if we find ourselves dwelling in the past – mourning mistakes we cannot undo – hindsight can immobilize us. So as we celebrate our triumphs in the past year and attempt to shrug off our failures, here are some principles taken from letters written by the apostle Paul in the Bible that might be helpful:

Do not become distracted. Today people delight in multi-tasking, but as the adage says, if you become a jack of all trades, too often you become the master of none. Determine what you do best; concentrate on that. “Endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer’” (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

Focus on an overriding purpose. Why are you here? What do you think is your purpose? Those questions will enable you to focus. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me’” (Philippians 3:12).

Always look forward, not backward. A runner constantly looking backward will not run a straight course. In the same way, if we keep looking at what lies in the past instead of what we will encounter in the future, we are likely to drift from our objective. At the very least, our forward pace will be slowed. “…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13).

Keep a desired end in sight. Failure need not be the end; it can instruct us on what to change or do better, assisting in our quest for future success. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blog, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: James Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. If you could “take a mulligan,” change one thing from the past year, what would it be – and why?

2. What is your usual practice as you watch one year come to a close and another begins? Do you make resolutions, set goals, review the past year, or develop plans for desired changes? How have you found any of these to be helpful?

3. Have you ever been guilty of dwelling on the past for too long? If so, what effect did that have on your ability to advance into the future with new plans and objectives?

4. The Bible states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). What, if anything, does that mean to you personally – and professionally?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:

Psalm 40:3; Proverbs 3:9-10; Isaiah 43:18-19; Ezekiel 18:30-31; Matthew 9:16-17

LIGHT FOR THE OFTEN-DARKENED WORKPLACE

By Robert J. Tamasy

At this time of year your workplace probably has some festive lights on display. Sparkling lights are a common symbol during the holiday season: Colorful lights on Christmas trees; white lights adorning homes, retail stores and businesses; candles displayed in windows and atop tables. For some people a highlight of the season is a “festival of lights.”

For some, these lights are merely a pleasant tradition. At a time of year when nights are longer and darker in the Northern Hemisphere, the lights serve to brighten otherwise cold and gloomy days. For followers of Jesus Christ, the lights relate to elements of the story of the first Christmas, especially “the star in the east” that the wise men known as the Magi followed so they could worship the Christ child (Matthew 2:1-12).

For all who profess to believe in Jesus, light represents more than the Nativity star. Matthew 4:16 in the New Testament repeats the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah 9:2: “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” These passages refer to Jesus as “the light.” And during his three-year earthly ministry, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

But what is the significance of this “light” as we pursue our careers every day in the 21st century workplace? Here are some principles from the Bible:

Christ’s light promises life. Many people choose vocations in the business and professional world to satisfy their material needs and desires, and find a measure of fulfillment in the process. But too often they get caught up in “the rat race,” a relentless treadmill that takes them at a frenetic pace to nowhere. Instead of “making a living,” they must focus on merely surviving. Jesus promised to give his followers purpose and meaning, as well as to meet their daily needs. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4). “Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).

Christ’s light offers freedom from darkness. Today’s workplace seems increasingly dark. Lingering economic woes have dimmed our hopes. Deadlines and demands challenge our convictions and values. Leaders we once admired have revealed the dark sides of their character. Jesus promised to give light to lead us through the deepening shadows. “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it…. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world” (John 1:5,9).

Christ’s light provides direction. “What should I do?” “Where should I go?” “How can I get through this?” These and many other questions consume us. We all need direction and guidance. Jesus assures his followers that when they look to him, he will show the way and provide the wisdom they need. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

In celebrating Christmas, are you resolved to “walk in the light, as he is in the light” (1 John 1:7)?

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: James Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. When you see the lights displayed during the holiday season, what thoughts come to your mind?

2. For you, what is the significance or meaning of Jesus Christ’s declaration that he is “the light of the world”?

3. What has been your primary experience at work – are you “living” as you expected you would, or are you finding yourself merely “surviving,” hanging on through the stresses and struggles of every day? Explain your answer.

4. Have you discovered that a relationship with Jesus has brought light for finding much-needed guidance and direction in your career, or in making critical decisions? If so, in what ways?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:

Psalm 36:9, 119:130; Isaiah 58:6-10; Micah 7:8-9; Matthew 5:16; Luke 11:33-36; John 3:19-21

ADVICE: AVOID ENTERING INTO A PARTNERSHIP

By Ken Korkow

I have been very fortunate in having had successful business partnerships with three good friends – Shan Burke, Don Smith and Ron Young. However, statistically only one out of every 35 partnerships is successful; all the rest fail. So based on this dismal record, it would be wise to avoid entering into partnerships. The question is, why do partnerships fail so often? I think there is a simple reason: Because the right questions were not addressed at the beginning, before legal documents are signed and handshakes are exchanged.

Here are some basic principles – and some words of caution – to consider before taking the risk of entering into a partnership:

Do not be “unequally yoked.” To start, the Bible offers this stern warning: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbeliever. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) Just as you would not “yoke” a horse and an ox together, followers of Jesus Christ should not “yoke” (be tied together) with those that are not-yet-Christians. Even both parties professing to be Christians does not ensure an equal match. A Shetland pony and a Clydesdale are both horses, but are of different size and temperament – even sharing some similarities, they would be “unequal.”

What about correction? Even if you were “equally yoked” with someone, what would happen if God were to discipline your partner? In other words, what would be your response if the person undergoes necessary correction in his or her life, for whatever reason?

What is the purpose of the partnership? Each party must write down their expectations or goals for the partnership. These do not have to be identical, but must be compatible. For instance: What happens when there is a profit? What happens if there is a loss? Can those goals be accomplished without entering into a formal, legally binding partnership?

Who has final authority? When crucial decisions must be made, who has the ultimate authority? Would you be willing to surrender all of your authority to that person?

What is the personality profile of each partner? You might be good friends, enjoy working together and share common values, but if your personalities and work styles are very different, conflict might be inevitable.

Do you agree on biblical principles? If there is a disagreement in the partnership – whether short-term operations or long-term goals and objectives, what would be the mechanism for resolution? Would you both be willing to use the Bible and its principles for business to resolve conflicts?

Spell out ALL the details in writing. There is a saying, “A short pencil is better than a long memory.” Make it so clear that if necessary, both of the executors of your estates could easily wrap up the details. Cover what would happen in the event of divorce, disability, disinterest, death, debt, or dishonesty.

ALWAYS have a buy-sell agreement. This should be an agreement either party can initiate, at anytime, without dispute. If the partnership does not work out, ending it should not cause unnecessary problems.

Involve your spouse in the process. Being a controlling, workaholic risk-taker, I often would not involve my wife in business decisions. I had the experience, I reasoned, and an MBA. Liz was only a schoolteacher. But I made many foolish mistakes until I learned that in every phase of life I was in partnership – with God as “managing partner,” and with my wife as “equal partner.” And I accepted that she should “veto power” over my business decisions. At first I feared I would never do another good business deal again, because by the time Liz figured it out, all the good deals would be gone. But slowly I learned God had equipped her with ‘intuitive radar’ I do not have; as a result, we have avoided MANY bad deals and have enjoyed a life that works for us.

Ken Korkow lives in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A., where he serves as an area director for CBMC. This is adapted from the “Fax of Life” column that he writes each week. Used with permission.

CBMC INTERNATIONAL: James Firnstahl, President
1065 N. 115th Street, Suite 210 ▪ Omaha, Nebraska 68154 ▪ U.S.A.
TEL.: (402) 431-0002 ▪ FAX: (402) 431-1749 ▪ E-MAIL: info@cbmcint.org
Please direct any requests or change of address to: www.cbmcint.org

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. Are you now, or have you ever been, in a partnership? If so, what has that experience been like for you?

2. What do you think of the biblical warning against becoming “unequally yoked”? Do you agree with that principle, or does it seem unnecessarily restrictive? Explain your answer.

3. Which of the other principles regarding partnerships seems most useful or practical, from your perspective? Would any of these cause you to take additional precautions before entering into a partnership? Why or why not?

4. Think about Mr. Korkow’s recommendation to involve your spouse in major business decisions. How realistic is this, in your opinion, especially if your partner does not have experience or expertise in the kind of work that you do? What could be the benefits of doing as he suggests?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review some other passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:

Proverbs 12:15, 15:22, 19:20, 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Colossians 3:17,23-24