Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Relationships’ Category

Five Realities of a New Job

Posted in Balance, Calling, Faith and Work, God, Job Search, Marriage, Relationships, Stress, tagged , , , , , on February 20, 2013 | 2 Comments »

How long has it been since you started a new job? Before you make that big move to the next thing you feel “called to”, let’s consider a few simple truths.

Image

I was reminded of this when a young professional friend who I co-lead a Leadership@Work Nehemiah Study with, started a new job on Tuesday. Josh Richardson moved from a global corporation serving Wal-Mart, to a super cool, high growth small company, also serving Wal-Mart. Talk about a 180. Here was his tweet yesterday: Day 1 at the new job was amazing – better than I could have ever imagined. Praise God for his sovereign timing, purpose, and design!

Josh’s experience reminded me of the sometimes bitter sweet experience of changing jobs. Here are a few simple ideas to consider:

  1. Commit to a six month increase in work life focus – before you say yes to the new gig that you are so excited about, make sure you deal with this reality. Your work life WILL need more focus and time. This is especially critical if you are married and/or have children.
  2. Finish strong where you are – in both execution and relationships.
  3. Enjoy powerful growth with God - because He makes things  ”brand new” (Isaiah 48:7) in a new job, fear and anxiety can be very real. It’s a perfect season to sit daily in His lap.
  4. Be hyper focused – focus with intensity to build new relationships, learn the business,  and find small opportunities to add value to the business.
  5. Enjoy the new adventure - it will be stressful, but it will also be an exciting adventure of personal, spiritual and relational growth!

Have fun,

David

Read Full Post »

Amazing Grace@Work

Posted in Adversity, Culture, Faith and Work, Grace, Relationships, tagged , , on February 10, 2013 | 2 Comments »

This past weekend, my wife and I Redboxed Flight, the Denzel Washington movie that earned him a best-actor Oscar nomination. It is a powerful movie full of painful, real life stuff worthy of it’s R rating.

I won’t expose any more of the plot here. Suffice to say that you have a man who is very well respected in his ability to do his job. In fact, he is hailed as a hero at work! But he is living with extraordinary difficult circumstances in his personal life. And guess what? His personal circumstances spill over into his work life. Of course they do! We don’t live compartmentalized lives.

As I sat in church, I couldn’t quit thinking about this movie we had watched the night before. The pain of his addiction. How many people come to work with secrets. With personal issues that are impacting their lives and work in monumental ways. How should we handle these issues? How do we help a co-worker who is suffering with an addiction or an illness? And at what point do their circumstances intersect accountability?

I don’t know the answers. But I know this. There are people all around us suffering at work. Maybe, just maybe, we can help.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.”

Maybe we can share some amazing grace at work.

Read Full Post »

Follow Through Changes the Game

Posted in Excellence, Faith, Faith and Work, Influence, Integrity, Relationships, Work, tagged , , , , , , , , on November 6, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

How often do you let emails or phone messages pile up before you communicate back? Have you ever had a business meeting with a customer, but never followed up with them? Or committed to do something but never followed through with it?

What if Tiger didn’t follow through with his shot? How about you at work?

These are issues we all face at one time or another.  So, what’s the big deal?  Read what our guest blogger, Michael Dodd, former University of Arkansas ASG president, WorkMatters Kairos alumni, and now a Walmart associate in the Merchandise Leadership Program, has to say on this subject…

The Sundown Rule was Sam Walton’s twist on that old adage “why put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” It is still an important part of the Walmart culture and is one reason Walmart is so well known for its customer service. The observation from the Sundown Rule means that Walmart strives to answer requests by sundown on the day they receive them, following through in a big way.

I have learned a few lessons in the workplace as a young associate, but none has stuck with me more so than the importance of following up and delivering what you say you’re going to do. Through many failures and successes, I’ve seen the power that following up has in defining my competence, trust, and in some cases, integrity. I’ve also seen how it can mean a lot to spiritual growth opportunities, as well.

But at what point do you put emails before quality time with others? At what point does it take too long to answer emails, and you just stop answering? Think about this…

  • While email communication is losing value, God desires us to be excellent in our work and in our communication and replying to requests or just shooting a quick “nice to meet you” is something that sets the tone for a relationship.
  • The ability to follow up can add more value to a career or relationship than nearly anything else, by simply being intentional to follow up and doing it in a timely manner.
  • Following up on prayer requests is something that God has been pointing me to do more and more – and revealing his ability to answer prayer can be a great testimony to his power!
  • Following up to set a relationship in motion that could be kingdom-oriented is exactly how you make work a calling.

“For he says, ‘in a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

The more we follow up, the more we are able to influence lives for the Lord. And when we’re too busy to follow up with everyone, we should seek the Lord’s counsel on how best to spend our time.

Mike Duke recently spoke to a UA class that I visited, and passed on this last piece of advice to those of us that were there: “Be trusted first; deliver what you say; when you make a promise, keep it.” As we look toward our Heavenly boss, let us strive to follow up: “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” John 17:4

Read Full Post »

Overcoming Hurt at Work

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Boss, Encouragement, Faith and Work, Prayer, Relationships, Work, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on October 30, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Have you been hurt at work?  Was it a co-worker a boss or a client? Have you had a hard time getting past it? How can you set that experience aside and move on with a positive attitude?

Have you been wronged at work?

If you’ve had an experience where someone has wronged you, you understand how it can affect you. It could’ve been a conversation that you overheard, an email that was inadvertently sent to you, a co-worker who took credit for work that you performed, or being blamed for something that you weren’t even responsible for.  When that happens, trust goes out the door, and you are left with a feeling of betrayal. If left unresolved, the problem just gets bigger in our minds and bitterness sets in.  You can kiss productivity and a positive attitude goodbye.

Hanging on to that experience only hurts you. The other person may not even realize that you are hurt. Decide right now to put this behind you.  Here are some suggestions…

  • Pray for the person who hurt you   –   It’s easy to love those who love you, but as Christians we are called to love and pray for our enemies as well. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matt 5:44.  
  • Have a reconciling spirit  –   As hard as it is, if you really want to get past this, you must have a heart for reconciliation versus retribution.
  • Don’t get even  –   “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19
  • Talk it out  –  “If your brother sins against you, go to him. Tell him what he did wrong. Keep it between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won him back.” Matt 18:15
  • For your own sake, forgive  –   Remember, you don’t forgive someone for his or her sake – you forgive them for your sake.  “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col 3:13

 

Read Full Post »

Changing Your Thoughts at Work

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Excellence, Faith, Faith and Work, Mind, Pride, Relationships, Thoughts, tagged , , , , , on September 19, 2012 | 3 Comments »

Have you ever had a misunderstanding with your boss, a co-worker, or a customer?  It could be a verbal exchange or something as simple as an email. You replay the scene in your head over and over getting more frustrated each time you think about it. Worse yet, as the day goes on you have a hard time focusing on the tasks at hand, your energy is zapped and you become less pleasant to be around.

Are you frustrated by an email you received?

I think many of us have experienced this from time to time.  We’re human, right? But when our thoughts are preoccupied and distracted over the course of the day, don’t we end up hurting ourselves even more?  So, how can you reign-in your out-of-control thoughts?

Strategies to control your thoughts:

  1. Don’t speculate. How many times do you make assumptions that you don’t even know are true? Paul says in Philippians 4:8  “…whatever is true…think about such things.”  Don’t read anything more in a situation then what you know is REAL. Don’t speculate, don’t assume, don’t read between the lines.
  2. Take control of your mind. Literally!  Is the situation stuck in your head, like a broken record?  Paul writes “Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.”  When you start thinking about the situation, say this scripture instead.  You’ll be amazed how powerful God’s Word can be to help you get your mind back on track.
  3. Do NOT get offended. People are imperfect and as long as we come in contact with other people, there will be misunderstandings. Our pride can rear its ugly head in many ways and getting easily offended is one example.  Be proactive.  Decide right now NOT to get offended when someone rubs you the wrong way.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true…think about such things. Phil 4:8

Read Full Post »

Try Sitting in a Circle

Posted in Bible, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Work, Leadership, Relationships, Small Groups, tagged , , , , , , , , on September 13, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

There are so many things that you can do to grow as a leader. To grow in your faith. Most of them are good. But what are the things that will have the most impact? A real, lasting impact?

I was reminded of an answer to that question this week as 62 leaders committed 60 minutes to sit in a circle. Well, actually they were sitting in a rectangle around large conference room tables. 62 men and women, in five different marketplace groups, from companies across northwest Arkansas invested 60 minutes to begin a journey. For 13 weeks, they will learn biblical leadership lessons from one of the great leaders of the Bible…Nehemiah!

I received an email from one of our WorkMatters Group leaders that met at 6:00a.m. yesterday! The anticipation these women expressed was powerful.

How encouraging to see all ten chairs around the table in the Harvest board room filled with women yearning to:

  • plug into a Bible study for the first time since college
  • meet other women in business
  • learn practical ways to have my faith be part of my life at work and not be separated from the rest of my activities
  • put God first even though I’m not a morning person and it won’t be easy as a single mom

Have you considered sitting in a circle with a small group of leaders that can create a lasting impact in your life and you in theirs?

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.  1Thessalonians 5:11

Read Full Post »

5 Things to Consider While Locked in a Stairwell

Posted in Adversity, Jesus, Marriage, Prayer, Relationships, Time, tagged , , , , , , on September 8, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Being locked in a stairwell was not on my list of things to do this morning. As I sat on those cold concrete steps, God taught me a few lessons I thought worthy of sharing with you.

  1. Be thankful you stopped at Starbucks first.
  2. Be thankful you didn’t leave your phone next to your keys.
  3. Be thankful your wife has a sense of humor.

Seriously,

  1. Slow down! I am always thinking, always moving forward. What am I missing?
  2. Why am I where I am right now? Beyond the obvious stupidity answer, the stairwell has reminded me that God allows things to happen in my life to get my attention.
  3. Quiet time! Ironically, the reason I am locked in a stairwell at work is because I came here to deliver a book to a business leader I met with yesterday. Title of the book? “Quiet Time”! We need to find a quiet place (like a concrete stairwell) to talk and listen to Jesus.
  4. Who are my 2? When I got locked in the stairwell, my first phone call was to my awesome wife. But who would my second call go to? Who is the brother (ladies … sister) who I have developed a relationship with, who I have invested time with, who I can share the real me with … that I would call to save me from my stupidity?
  5. Did I mention slow down?

“But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”   Matthew 6:33

Read Full Post »

10 Lessons Learned from Jeff Long

Posted in Adversity, Honesty, Influence, Integrity, Leadership, Relationships, Vision, Wisdom, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 12, 2012 | 6 Comments »

The last seven days have yielded one of the most powerful displays of leadership that I have ever witnessed. Even if you are not a sports fan, you have likely heard the recent saga of University of Arkansas Football Coach Bobby Petrino. While  there are undoubtedly critical lessons we need to learn from Coach Petrino’s story, the REAL leadership story is found in University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long.

This is a story of a leader who found himself in what most people described as a “no-win” situation. Jeff Long had an employee on his team who was an incredible performer. He had achieved almost superstar status from his “customers”. Revenue was at an all-time high largely due to this employee.  The national buzz was off the charts and the future looked even brighter than the past. This is a story that  we often see in the marketplace, isn’t it? As the leader, what do you do?  The only thing riding on the decision is the psyche of a state, a potential national championship and the near-term future of the University of Arkansas.

A good case could be made for forgiveness with discipline. Let’s keep the train on the tracks. Let’s do what most other leaders do. Let’s do what the “world” tells us to do. That is NOT what Jeff Long chose to do.

I have included the full press conference here. If you haven’t seen it, please take time to watch it. You will be amazed. If you have seen it, I encourage you to watch it again. But this time, watch it with your leadership eyes. Go to school on what you see here from a courageous leader.

Here’s a sampling of the leadership lessons I learned:

  1. Integrity - Doing the right thing, is never the wrong thing.
  2. Wisdom and Courage - have the wisdom to know what to do, and the courage to do it.
  3. Compassion - his heart is deeply connected to the mission. He hurt for everyone who lost in this situation (especially the players).
  4. Details - a great leader is willing to understand and execute.
  5. Decisiveness - his assuredness created a persuasive confidence in the masses.
  6. Vision - communicating the future state with confidence creates emotion and commitment.
  7. Choices - as leaders we face them everyday. Are we willing to do the right thing no matter what the outcome?
  8. Excuses – it was never about Jeff Long. You can only imagine the turmoil he went through. 
  9. Passion - do we really care about the mission and purpose of our work? 
  10. Influence - last…our work is a platform for influence. Jeff Long made the hard choice. The by-product is an impact in thousands of peoples lives that you can have honor and integrity.
Thanks Jeff…for giving us hope. For allowing your life at work to be a bright light for the rest of us.

Read Full Post »

Your Road Warrior Co-Workers

Posted in Adversity, Balance, Decisions, Integrity, Prayer, Relationships, Travel on March 19, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

My wife works at the airport here in Northwest Arkansas (XNA).  She said yesterday was probably one of the worst days she has ever had and she has worked there for almost four years.  It was a combination of things that made it difficult, but the hardest was having to tell people who had bought their tickets sometimes months ago that there were no more seats available.   Anyway, I spent a large chunk of the afternoon waiting around for her and my daughter to fly out for a quick spring break trip.  As I waited, it was interesting to observe the people, especially the business travelers looking not at all thrilled to be flying with all these families, kids, etc.  I know that  many of you can totally relate.

As I observed many of these people trying to get out of here yesterday, it made me think about the challenges that go with jobs requiring constant business travel.  I know this may be fun or exciting for some, especially at the beginning, but most report this wears off quickly and they would love to be able to stay home.  The constant travel hassles, hotel life and being away from friends and family really take their toll over time.  Often times we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations with constant temptation to let down our guard when traveling.  I have talked to several over the years that gave in to those temptations and ended up terribly regretting what it cost them.

Most of you probably know someone who headed out on the road yesterday or this morning.  Pray for these co-workers and for the situations they may encounter this week.  It would probably be a tremendous encouragement to them if you texted or emailed them a note letting them know that they are in your prayers today.  Most likely they never got a message like that and it may be just what they need to get through another business trip this week.

Read Full Post »

Have You Thought About Praying for Your Work?

Posted in Faith, Faith and Work, Prayer, Relationships, Work, Workplace Prayer on March 5, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Today our team started off the day/week doing something that I know most do not have the opportunity to do.  We begin each week with a staff meeting, but we kick off the staff meeting spending some time in prayer for our work.  It is a rich experience and one that we do not take for granted.  We should probably start more days off with prayer, but at least once a week we take the time to lift up our work in prayer.

When I was employed out in the marketplace more where most of you are, it certainly was not something that was routinely done.  I was fortunate enough however, to work with a couple of Christian bosses along the way that included me in some early morning, before work prayer times.   Every couple of weeks we would get to the office early, before most others arrived, we would close the door to his office or conference room and spend thirty minutes or so together praying for our work.  It was such a blessing and even though things did not always go our way, it just felt good to pray about them.  There is no doubt in my mind that God wired us in such a way that when pray, we are doing one of the things we were designed to do.  That is why it always feels like the right thing to do.

Maybe you could find a few like minded people at work and commit to starting the work week off in prayer.  If not, you can at least be more intentional about praying for your meetings, for the people God will allow to cross your path as well as other work matters.

Let me encourage those who are in positions of leadership to organize opportunities from time to time for your team to pray together.  It can be a tremendous opportunity for growth and blessings for all concerned.

Paul taught us in Ephesians 6:18 to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always praying.”

“All occasions” sounds to me like it could include those occasions when I am at work!

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 521 other followers