I saw a cartoon by Fletcher in the fall 2008 issue of Leadership magazine. Picture two men shaking hands, there’s a sign behind them reading “Today’s sermon: Dealing with failure”. The caption of the cartoon: “We love when you preach from your own experience.”
There is much truth in that cartoon, don’t you think? Leaders are only good when they learn from their mistakes and use them to help others avoid failures. “The difference between a skilled Christian and a true leader is how interested they are in the success of other people. It’s about equipping others instead of being the superstar yourself” says Neil Cole, pastor and director of Church Multiplication Associates (CMA).
Leaders who are transformational are those who talk about their past mistakes. They realize without having gone through those trials they wouldn’t be who they are now. Godly leaders know God uses all things for good to carry out His purposes.
This question is do you let God use your failures? Or do you run from them or try to hide your flaws?
Get real. No one wants to follow a pretender. Be yourself, warts and all. Watch how God uses it all.
© YourBibleWitnessAtWork.com was created by Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com, to encourage, equip and empower your faith in the workplace.
Be first in your area to start a gratitude list or a Thanksgiving Tree. It’s easy.
Start by posting a simple question? “What are you thankful for in the workplace?”
Where do I post the question, you ask? If you’re like me, you work in a cubicle. It’s perfect for this exercise.
I wrote the question on pieces of paper and used push pins to stick them on the outside of cubicle.
Then place some index cards, pen and push pens or tape near by, so those who walk by can contribute to your wall.
It’s a great way to get people smiling. It’s also a good conversation starter. Not to mention, it helps us focus on what’s more imporant rather than worrying about everything left to do at work.
Paul exhorts us to think on the eternal things rather than the temporary. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Interesting article on emotional intelligence. Read it first.
“Today’s successful leaders, in just about any field, will be skilled in the use of EI as a leadership tool, and be most adept at using the natural competences they have. “ Do you use emotional intelligence? Those who do are worth more than their weight in gold according to the article.
If we’re not naturally good at it, can we learn it? “One of the questions we must ask is, of course, whether or not EI can be learned and practiced in a way that at least provides the support given by those who are lucky enough to have it naturally.”
But is emotional intelligence just another fancy term for compassion? You decide.
Looking for ways to improve your business? Partner with God and let loose His power in prayer.
While reviewing an organization chart, pray for each person and their team. Drill down in the organization as far as you can. Unleash God’s power through prayer on behalf of your company, your co-workers and the entire organization.
Pray for wisdom, discernment, knowledge and godly business decisions. Pray for things you know about specifically. If Sally has a problem being on-time to work, start with “God, help Sally manage her time more efficiently.”
Ask God to help your company bring Him glory and carry out His purposes. Pray everyone manage their work as though they were working for God instead of men.
Try it!
Reading an interesting leadership brief on the topic of adversity, the writer provides leaders with ideas for preparing for adversity.
“It’s fairly easy to remember the rules of great leadership when things are going smoothly—the economy is plugging along, the company is meeting its goals, there are no large and threatening change initiatives underway or looming ahead. It easier to remember to listen well and share information, provide employees positive feedback, encourage participation, serve the internal and external customer, and always think in terms of quality and safety.
But what happens when you confront a bump in the road? This is the real test of the leadership lessons you have learned. Can you stay the course and continue to do the right things, even when you are getting pressure from above to meet goals, or the budget is suddenly tightened, or you may be facing layoffs?”
This brief gives practical suggestions for leaders to consider before adversity strikes. Read the whole brief to work through the exercise yourself.
In reading an article called “Building Trust in the Workplace – A Valuable Topic For Leadership Training” the author explained trust is an essential leadership training ingredient that binds any human relationship into an effective, working partnership.
He even sited research suggests that trusting relationships are predictable, caring, and faithful. When a manager’s behavior is consistent over a period of time and another person can reasonably predict that behavior, trust is possible.
After giving several reasons why trust is so important, he even lays out an easy self test to check how trusting you are. Take it yourself:
Test your Trust
Answer the following five statements on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is not true and 5 is completely true.
- My actions each day demonstrate that I trust my employees.
- My employees can trust me with sensitive or private information.
- I would never betray a trust with an employee.
- I keep confidences and would never share confidential information inappropriately.
- I am able to trust my employees.
Tally your scores from the five items. A total score of 20 to 25 would indicate that you and your employees probably share an atmosphere of trust. A score of 15-19 would indicate that trust is present, but not in abundance. A score of 14 or less probably means that some additional leadership training efforts in building trust would be appropriate.
Make sure to read the whole article at:
What does your work ethic say about God? I was recently honored with Circle of Excellence award at my company. This came as a complete surprise to me. There is no one thing I can think of that really stands out making me deserving of such honor.
The Christian life can be like that. It’s not that God calls each of us to do big and great things. He might. Then again, He may simply want you to live out your faith consistently. Rising each morning with praise on our lips for God and seeking His will in all we do faithfully.
Is your work excellent? If not, ask God to help you represent Him through your work. Be willing to change where needed. For example, if God convicts you of being late to work, change your behavior to arrive on time. The rewards are priceless.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
© Elizabeth Marks, Author of ThinkOnIt4Business devotions, longs for Christians in the workplace to live out their faith so God gets the glory.
During a lunch hour I was helping a co-worker setup a free website for a non-work related organization he ran. During the installation process it asks for an email address. He entered his work email address. I stopped him to be sure he understood what he was doing. He said he has all his personal stuff coming to his work email address.
I was a little taken back by this. I asked him if he ever thought about it as stealing. He said no. I then asked him how he would feel if he found his neighbor was using his wireless internet access for free without his knowledge. To which he replied, “I’d feel violated”. Then I asked him “how is using your work email for non-work related business any different than the example about the neighbor?” After some thought, he replied, “It’s not different.”
This actually spurred a more lengthy conversation of right and wrong. We talked about sometimes it might be okay to use company system for non-work, like when the boss tells me to post any “out of office” appointments on the calendar. But what about receiving personal emails regarding a side business? To me, it’s pretty clear and if I were to do it I would be violating my conscience.
In the end, I know God’s truth will convict people’s hearts. In the meantime, I will continue to do what the Lord leads me to do – speak the truth in love. Believers this is an example of witnessing in the workplace. Stand for truth. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Exodus 20:15 says “You shall not steal.” Do not be ashamed to speak the truth. Just be sure to speak gently, not judgmentally.
© Elizabeth Marks has 20 years business experience in sales, marketing, operations, Six Sigma project management, and business planning areas. She enjoys sharing her knowledge to benefit others’ development and growth. For more articles, business resources and other advice, visit http://www.ThinkOnIt4Business.com today.
Have you heard CBS News story on the survey of 36,000 Americans regarding religion? If not, watch this video below.
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4204240n
Here are some statistics from the survey.
92% of Americans believe in God or a universal spirit. What does this say about us? Are we wishy-washy in what we believe?
58% of Americans pray every day but most differ on their view of God. Only half the people pray. This seems to speak of self-sufficiency doesn’t it? Maybe they thought is God’s too busy to deal with my problems. Maybe they think I can handle this myself. The next statistic might reveal more.
60% believe in a personal God, while 25% believe God is an impersonal force. Obviously, the American people don’t know the real God, for if they did, they would know how personal He is and how far He goes to make it possible for us to be saved.
Michael Lindsay says “it shows religion in America is like a spiritual salad bar. Americans can pick and choose their faith.” Have you ever heard your pastor talk about taking God at His word. If we decide what to accept and not to accept, don’t we put our intellect in place of God. Don’t we think we know what’s best for us? Oh how wrong we are!
This is appalling to me. I hope it stirs the Holy Spirit in you. People are seeking the truth but being corrupted with lies. There is only one truth and that is God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the word of God containing the truth.
The story continued to site 89% of Evangelicals and 62% of Catholics believe the Bible to be the word of God. 86% of Muslims believe the Koran is God’s word. While only 37% of Jews and Hindus and 18% of Buddists believe their text comes straight from God. This statistic was shocking to me, only 37% of Jews believed their text came from God! The Jews were there when God with Moses, parted the red sea, delivering them from Egypt. The Jews saw the walls of Jericho fall simply by obedience to God’s will. Yet, only 37% believe the Bible is God’s Word.
One last statistic was regarding heaven and hell. 74% of Americans believed in heaven (and there are many ways to get there) but only 59% believe in hell. The sad fact is heaven and hell both exist. If we don’t decide which place we want to eventually go to, we will be very disappointed in the end.
God is merciful. He will take the worst sinner, under one condition. The sinner must agree with God he/she needs a savior and trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross as punishment for his/her sins. That’s it. God’s gracious gift of salvation comes one way and one way only, folks. The sooner we accept it, the faster we turn things around in American.
Lord Jesus you are the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by you. Holy Spirit reign down on American. Open our eyes and hearts to receive your truth. Raise up believers to witness your truth before our fellow countrymen. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray Amen.
© Elizabeth Marks has 20 years business experience in sales, marketing, operations, Six Sigma project management, and business planning areas. She enjoys sharing her knowledge to benefit others’ development and growth. For more articles, business resources and other advice, visit http://www.ThinkOnIt4Business.com today.
What has God done for you? Have you ever shared this with anyone at work before? If not, why?
Being a witness means we share what we saw, heard and experienced. Think about all God has done for us already. He created the world. He became human and died in our place to pay for our sins. Not only did He save us from the punishment of our sin, but He adopted us into His family. He also gave us His Spirit to guide us in all truth. He even provides the power we need to live a godly life. On top of all that God is with us always. He’s there for us whenever we call on Him. So there’s bound to be many other examples of God’s grace to share with others.
But we don’t just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. Nor do we practice a preplanned set us scriptures to used in our witness. No, it happens more conversationally. For example, I happen to have Bible verses written on sticky notes in my office. One time a co-worker asked about them and that turned out to be a divine appointment which opened the door for sharing how I came to know the Lord.
What about you? Have you share His love with anyone lately?
© Elizabeth Marks has 20 years business experience in sales, marketing, operations, Six Sigma project management, and business planning areas. She enjoys sharing her knowledge to benefit others’ development and growth. For more articles, business resources and other advice, visit http://www.ThinkOnIt4Business.com today.
ThinkOnIt Daily Devotions-
- Elizabeth’s Articles on Associated Content
- Christian Business Articles
- Meeting God in the Cubicle
- Convincing Faith
- God Didn t Make Us To Be Poor People
- Christian Moms Work at Home to Achieve Success
- Why Create Your Own Christian Website
- Why Create a Christian Web Site
- Why Christians Fail at Internet Marketing
- The Power of Christians at Work
- When Do We Give Up on a Dream
- Leadership for Project Managers
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