Proverbs 2:12-15

 

 12 Wisdom will save you from evil people,
      from those whose words are twisted.
 13 These men turn from the right way
      to walk down dark paths.
 14 They take pleasure in doing wrong,
      and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
 15 Their actions are crooked,
      and their ways are wrong.

 

Today’s news headlines tell of a horrific scene at a luxury hotel in Mumbai, India, where 174 people were killed by terrorists. We’re reminded, once again, that there is evil in this world and that there are those who are willing to carry out such evil acts.

 

The terrorists who committed these cowardly murders are indeed twisted. They have walked down a dark path. They took pleasure is these coldhearted killings. Their ways are crooked and wrong. There is no question that they were lacking wisdom.

 

Before we judge the terrorists, however, let’s consider that we all are drawn to evil in some way or another. We’re all vulnerable of falling into the same trap—turning from the right way and walking down the dark path. Let’s remain on guard so we don’t end up on this road. Let’s seek wisdom from God that will save us.

 

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The Rewards of Work

A holiday weekend and a couple of sunny days made all the difference. Many times, I have been winterizing the yard and hanging outdoor Christmas lights in the snow. But this year, Michigan has been blessed by some very nice weather and I have taken advantage of it.

 

As I was hard at work, I was reminded that there’s nothing more rewarding than an honest day’s work. It just feels good to sit back at the end of the day and admire what has been accomplished. Last night, after the day’s work was done, I sat alone for awhile in front of a roaring fire in my backyard, burning a huge pile of sticks. It was about 6:00pm, dark, and getting cold. My feet were killing me. But, it was great to just relax and enjoy the fire and reflect on the day.

 

Leisure comes in many forms. For some, it means taking a nap on the couch while watching a football game. As much as I love my naps, sometimes it’s more rewarding to get outside and enjoy some vigorous activity. This was one of those weekends.

 

Monday, I’ll be back in the gym. Hopefully, the blisters on my feet will have be somewhat healed. But, for this weekend, I have a great sense of satisfaction for all that has been accomplished.

 

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Attitude of Thanksgiving

Today is thanksgiving. For many, it is a day to be grateful to God for those things that make our life rich. This attitude of thanksgiving is in keeping with that of Abraham Lincoln, who established the last day of November as a national holiday in 1863.

 

His address on October 3, 1863, establishing the holiday, came at a time when most would not have been thankful. The country had seen two and a half years of bloodshed, with tens of thousands of lost lives already in the Civil War. In the face of such conditions, his speech is truly remarkable.

The address begins, “The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of almighty God.”

The address finishes with this beautiful prose, “No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.”

To put this address in context, Lincoln had issued the final Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1963. Congress enacted the first military draft on March 3. Major battles and many more lost lives were to follow in 1963. 30,000 men die in the Battle of Chancellorsville May 1-4. The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in 51,000 men dead, wounded, or missing, July 1-3. 120 men, women, and children die in anti-draft riots in New York City, July 13-16. 300 ‘negro troops’ are killed in an assault at Fort Wagner. 182 men and boys are slaughtered by proslavery raiders at Lawrence, Kansas on August 21. 34,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing at Chickamauga.

 

On November 19, 1963, President Lincoln visited the battlefield at Gettysburg to mark the bloody field as the Soldiers Cemetery at Gettysburg. The first Thanksgiving Day holiday was held one week later.

 

Some people, like Lincoln, have an attitude of thanksgiving that transcends circumstances. These are the people who have what it takes. These are the people that I want on my team, working side by side with me. I have no place for the whiners, complainers, and others with negative attitudes. If Lincoln can have such a great attitude in such a dire time, so can I, in the midst of my circumstances, and so can you.

 

I have one other comment. It seems to be alright to lambaste our leaders today whenever they make any comment that is positive or uplifting, as if to say that they are clueless to the strife around them. More to the point, if President Bush began a speech with Lincoln’s words, he would be run out of the White House and called ignorant. Let’s not do this to our leaders. Let’s allow them to see the good around us, to inspire us, and to lead us out of dark times. Let’s also give our President-elect this opportunity, regardless of our political views.

 

Today is Thanksgiving. Will you have an attitude of thanksgiving tomorrow as well?

 

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Marketing Simplicity

Whenever I hear that an organization is achieving their goals in these tough economic times, I look for answers. What are they doing right? Many times, the answer is that they’re doing simple things very well. There’s no magic formula or complex scheme.

 

It amazes me that many non-profits can raise tons of cash in a down economy. Crain’s Detroit Business recently wrote that the University of Michigan and Michigan State University raised $4.3 billion in their most recent capital campaigns, exceeding their goals. That was billion with a “B” in case you missed it. I know what you’re thinking; a billion doesn’t go as far as it used to. There are plenty of other examples of such generosity.

 

According to John Fike, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Detroit Chapter, these successful non-profits have a simple formula. They “effectively communicate their case for support.” I take this to mean that they have a clear, simple, and emotional message and they get their message in front of the right people at the right time.

 

Fike also is quoted as saying that “if they can’t do that in 30 seconds, it’s likely they’ll lose the attention of the donor.” I couldn’t agree with him more. Our appeal must grab the attention and create an emotional bond immediately or our message is nothing but another squawking ad to be ignored.

 

These simple marketing rules are powerful but often ignored by businesses. They’re not complicated or confusing. But implementing them requires work.

 

I often run into business owners who know what to do; they just don’t feel like doing it. They need someone to hold them or their people accountable for results. If I’m describing you, call me. I can help.

 

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The Silent Treatment

We were all just sitting there quiet; nobody saying a word. There was about 50 others in the room, uncomfortably sitting still; waiting for someone—anyone—to speak up. Every few minutes or so an announcement would be made: “we are not leaving this room until someone steps forward to lead the group.” It was painful. Someone finally caved in and accepted the leadership role. Everyone else was relieved.

 

Too often, the leadership role is avoided. But why? What is it about being a leader that is so threatening?

 

To begin with, leaders must be committed at a higher level. They have to prepare ahead of time. They can’t just show up. They can’t blow it off. So there is a commitment of time and energy required.

 

Also, a leader must be able to accept the scrutiny of the group and the risk that comes with the job. All eyes are on the leader to make the right choices. Take the group in the wrong direction and bear the consequences. The spotlight and associated risk is more than some are comfortable with.

 

Some ponder the question of whether leaders are born or made. I believe that all of us have different gifts and that some gifts facilitate leadership, while others don’t necessarily.

 

I believe that leaders are those willing to accept the role; those who step forward. Some leaders are better than others, for sure. But, skills are refined by doing and leadership is no different.

 

The next time you feel compelled to throw darts at your leader, stop for a moment and ask yourself if you’d like to be in their shoes. We should give them our support and try to be helpful instead of seeking to be abstinent or destructive.

 

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Scenario Analysis

When plotting out your strategy for 2009, it may be helpful to create several alternative scenarios. For example, if you anticipate a 5% increase in sales revenue for 2009, you may also wish to envision a 5% decrease in sales revenue and a 10% increase in sales revenue. All of these scenarios may be reasonable, depending on what happens with the economic situation and local market conditions.

 

Each scenario will result in different demands on the business. The analysis of each scenario will provide valuable insight into what steps may need to be taken. This “pre-thinking” will help you to react much more quickly and make better decisions. You’ll actually be on the lookout for each scenario to play out early in 2009 and be ready to take necessary steps.

 

If you would like assistance with creating your strategy, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be glad to help.

 

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Proverbs 2:1-11

1 My child, listen to what I say,
      and treasure my commands.
 2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
      and concentrate on understanding.
 3 Cry out for insight,
      and ask for understanding.
 4 Search for them as you would for silver;
      seek them like hidden treasures.
 5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
      and you will gain knowledge of God.
 6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
      From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
 7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
      He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
 8 He guards the paths of the just
      and protects those who are faithful to him.

 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
      and you will find the right way to go.
 10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
      and knowledge will fill you with joy.
 11 Wise choices will watch over you.
      Understanding will keep you safe.

 

In this section, we are admonished to seek wisdom, understanding, and insight. Beginning with verses 5 and 9 the scripture tells us what will be the benefits of finding wisdom, as both verses begin with the word, “then.” This is the second part of an “if-then” statement. If you discover wisdom, then this is what will result.

 

The benefits are many. We will gain the knowledge of God. We will have a treasure of common sense. We will be protected by His shield. We will find the right way to go. We will be filled with joy. We will make wise choices. We will be safe.

 

I don’t know about you, but I want all of these things in my life and for my family!

 

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Beaver Stadium

Beaver Stadium

 

Happy Valley is quite a spectacle; nestled in the hills of State College, Pennsylvania. Famous for being the largest stadium in North America, for having the best student section in all of college football, and for being the toughest place for an opponent to play, the home of the Penn State Nittany Lions is the venue for one of today’s best matchups.

 

My team, the Spartans of Michigan State, is visiting this inhospitable environment. The big ten title is on the line. And Joe Paterno, PSU’s head football coach for the last 4 decades, may be retiring at the end of the season. This game may be his last home game.

 

I will be among the Spartan faithful, decked out in green and white. Game time temperature is expected to be right at the freezing mark but sunny skies are predicted, after a night of light snow. After a few cups of coffee and a grilled sticky bun, I’ll be ready for the trek to the stadium, along with my posse.

 

If the Spartans can upset Penn State and if Michigan can beat Ohio State, MSU will be traveling to Pasadena on New Year’s Day. However, if either does not occur, we will be featured in some other New Year’s Day bowl game. Either way, it has been a great season for the Spartans.

 

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Internal Communications

People like to be informed, especially if they’ve placed their trust in others. Unfortunately, this simple truth is often neglected by those in a leadership position. Many leaders fail to communicate with their people in a consistent and meaningful way, creating distrust and promoting defection amongst their ranks.

 

On the other hand, there are leaders who are great communicators. They rally their troops with inspiring messages and lots of detailed information about who they are, why it matters, where they are headed as an organization, and what it will take to get there. They openly share results and failures. They tell the truth. These are the leaders that everyone longs to follow.

 

So how does a leader improve in this area? To begin with, they must realize that communication is critical to their success. They must be willing to be transparent with their people. And they need a communication plan.

 

A well-crafted internal communication plan will help these leaders. This plan should answer the following questions. What needs to be communicated on a regular basis? Why? Who needs to receive these messages? How often? In what form or forum should they be delivered? Who is the best person to deliver the message?

 

In addition, some thought should be given to allowing for two-way communication. How will feedback be solicited? How will it be collected? Who will receive this feedback? How will a proper response be given to it? In the absence of dialogue, communications may be cold and harsh.

 

The more our people are informed, the more motivated and committed they are. So let’s make it happen. Let’s develop our internal communications plan and work toward making our companies healthy, profitable, and sustainable.

 

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Perception is Reality

Is perception reality? Of course, not. Or is it? Let’s think this through. Perceptions simply equate to one’s understanding of a situation, based on the information one has and their frame of reference. Because everyone has a slightly different frame of reference and often different pieces of information, perceptions are not equal from person to person. So, perception is clearly not reality. The reality of a given situation is not what it is perceived to be, it simply is what it is.

On the other hand, for the individual, their perception is indeed their reality. This is an important point. Each person’s perception of a situation becomes their reality, regardless of whether or not it is the truth. It is “true” to that person and they will act accordingly. Perceptions matter. They matter greatly. Smart business people and organizational leaders are very aware of this fact and strive to manage the perceptions of their stakeholders at all times.

When the auto execs showed up in Washington in their corporate jets to beg at the public trough, it was apparent to all that these men just don’t get it. They are living in some kind of parallel universe where the results of their actions don’t seem to matter. How could they be so far removed, so ignorant, so obnoxious, so pathetic? This was an insightful glimse into the ineptitude of their management abilities. That is my perception and my reality.

Now, I’m not saying that public corporations shouldn’t own private jets. Of course they need them to conduct business. The expense of owning and operating them is a mere blip in the budget of these industrial giants. I even think it’s pretty cool. However, the audacity to come begging for a handout in a luxury jet is truly outrageous. It’s even comical. Perception is reality. It’s a tough lesson to learn but one that these auto execs won’t forget anytime soon.

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