Owner: management by God URL:http://managementbyGod.com Join Date: Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:30:23 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: A look at management and leadership concepts through a Biblical worldview. Site statistics:Click here
certified leaders 2007-11-10 07:46:13 I recently passed one of the most important certifications that I could ever get! Along the lines of the FREE management training mentioned in my last post, I was certified by my son as a great dad! He was playing, but then started doing something that he should not be doing (I forget what exactly it was, but I remember getting on his case about it). After "reminding" him of his poor choices with my stern, disciplinarian voice. He stopped and looked at me and said, "I love you daddy!" Wow! There I was trying to be the "mean" guy and bring correction to him, and rather than fighting the correction, he stopped to tell me how he really felt about me.As we look at the next qualification for the executive-leader, we come to, "with all dignity keeping his children submissive." The first thing that I want to get out of the way is the idea about the word "submissive" being a dirty word these days. Everyone wants to be so independent, that they simply reject the idea of being submissive. Often
proven results 2007-11-10 07:45:45 Imagine that you have just inherited the majority stock position in a major company. The company is struggling and has been for years. Based on your observations, there is a strong culture of apathy and selfishness, as well as a lack of direction and values. Now it is your responsibility to turn it around. Realizing that the task is too big for you to accomplish on your own, you set out to hire "the best and the brightest" people that you can to help you change the culture of the company that has been bringing it down for so long. Which way do you go when trying to find the right people? The top shining stars from the best business schools in the country? How about proven executives that have shown a knack for returning high profits? Some mix of the two?Some might look at your situation and say that it is innovation that you need, and tell you that securing some up-an-coming executives that are just waiting to knock one out of the park would be the way to go. Others might tell you Read more:results
personal branding 2007-11-10 07:45:08 Why is the iPhone such a hot item these days? Whether you are rushing out to get one or not, you must admit that it has got some crazy, cool functionality. It probably IS more of what we've always wanted in a handheld, portable, phone device than ever before, but we've never held anyone else to the standard of actually delivering it. One thing about the iPhone that really interests me is the whole buzz behind it before it ever became available. In fact I even remember there being an incredible buzz about "some new thing" that Apple was going to be unveiling at some consumer electronics show, but no one would say what it was. Yes, Apple's PR folks do seem to be good at what they do, but I think that there is something deeper going on over there that is feeding their success. Apple has a reputation now for delivering crazy-cool stuff. They have become masters at brand management.As we discuss the final qualification for the executive-leader, which is about being "though of well by out
manager-leader qualifications 2007-11-10 07:43:49 There is one person (or group of people) in any organization that determines that organization's level of success more than anyone else. You may argue that it is the front-line. And while I agree that the front line is indispensable as the group that carries out the mission, I still feel like there is a more important group. Some may say that the executive-leaders are the most important, because without them, there would be no organization or vision. Again, while I recognize the importance of this group in setting the direction and creating the "spirit" of the organization, I again still feel like there is a much more important group.The group that I feel is probably the most important group in determining the success of an organization is the manager
s. Ironically, many people even question the validity of the role of the manager, and even go as far as to state that a manager is not even a leader. However, it is the person in the role of the manager-leader that is responsible for taki
know your worth 2007-11-10 07:38:00 Tightrope walking is the art of walking across a rope or wire usually suspended over great heights. This act requires incredible balance and focus, because with one slightly wrong move the walk could be over. Depending on the safety precautions taken, tightrope walking could be a very dangerous sport. However, while the dangers of this activity could be enough to scare some people into not even wanting to attempt it, the reward for succeeding in it must be great. Karl Wallenda (founder of the great Flying Wallendas) once said, "Being on the tightrope is living; everything else is waiting."As we look at the first qualification for the manager-leader, which is to be dignified, I cannot help but to think of the fine balance that must be struck. First of all being dignified simply refers to the fact that one has dignity. But what exactly is dignity? Dignity can be defined as the "nobility or elevation of character; worthiness." So with dignity, there is this sense that one should consider
such a lonely word 2007-11-10 07:37:30 One thing that disgusts me these days is how comfortable people have become with lying. Not telling the truth has become so common place and accepted, that you don't know who to believe about anything anymore. People hide their thoughts, their feelings, and their perceptions. Now I'm not saying that everyone is bad, because there is nobody that tells the truth at all anymore. But what I am saying is that the idea of not being truthful is becoming more and more acceptable.However, as is usually the case, the leader must be different than the norm. As we look at the second qualification for the manager-leader, we come across the requirement to not be double-tongued. This term that we translate into "double-tongued" is the Greek word dilogos. This verb describes the activity of saying one thing to one person, and then saying something different to another person. Today we call that, "talking out of both sides of your mouth." Or, quite simply, it is the act of being dishonest. So there i
control or be controlled 2007-11-10 07:36:57 Much is said about drinking and drugs, and it is not my intent to diminish any value that they have when used appropriately. However, often it is the misuse of these things that tends to bring problems. Personally, I am not against alcohol, but only rarely enjoy a drink (a few times a year). I used to be a big drinker when I was in the Marine Corps and in college. Not only do I have first-hand understanding about the principles that I am about to discuss here, but I have also seen the effects that it has on others.While we look at the third qualification for the manager-leader we discover this issue of not being "addicted to much wine". Often in a statement like this the focus falls on the "what" or the idea that it is "wine" that one should beware of. I actually think that the root issue is at the beginning of the statement, not at the end. I believe that the real issue is in the idea of being "addicted". It is the "to what" that helps us to look at specific problems that this addicti
The Power of Schmooze Award 2007-11-09 07:44:20 I have just been bestowed what I consider to be a great honor! I have been selected to receive the Power of Schmooze Award
! This honor is only given by others who have received it, and passed on to other deserving recipients. The Power of Schmooze award was created by Mike at Ordinary Folk and Danielle at Pink Reviews to help "recognize those people that were [are] exceptionally adept at creating relationships with other bloggers by making an effort to be part of a conversation, as opposed to monologue"The rules:If, and only if, you get The Power of Schmooze Award, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think, or have schmoozed you into submission. Link to this post and Mike so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.Optional:Proudly display the "The Power of Schmooze Award' with a link to the post that you wrote.This honor was passed on to me by Shalene Kearney of Proverbs31WomanWannaBe. She is a great blogger herself, someone who's heart for God I
Inspirational Blogger Award 2007-11-09 07:42:26 I am pleased to announce that management by God has just been recognized with another great honor! We have just been selected to receive the InspirationalBloggerAward
from Writer's Reviews Blogger Awards. Written by Christy Zutautas, Writers Reviews is a professional writers web site that gives reviews on movies, products, and web sites!The inspirational blogger award is, "For those bloggers who inspire others through their words and actions. With a positive attitude, and an uplifting spirit these bloggers make the blogosphere a better place, and encourage others to do the same. This award is for bloggers who rise up to set an example but continue to reach out and support others."
I was selected for this honor by Theresa H. Hall of Sleeping Kitten - Dancing Dog. About management by God, Theresa says, "Every word you wrote in this post (r-e-s-p-e-c-t) is the absolute truth and presented herein so perfectly that everyone has a model to work with and a set of guidelines they can apply.
"You Lift Me Up" Award! 2007-11-15 04:55:06 It is always cool getting recognized by fellow bloggers, but Casey from Casey's Critical Thinking just passed on an award to me that really means a lot. Casey recognized me with the "You Lift Me Up" Award
. The funny thing is that it is not my intent to "lift people up" through my blog. I like to challenge people with the Word of God, and help people to become the every bit of the leaders in the workplace that God intends them to be. The cool thing is that this only shows how powerful the Word of God can be in encouraging people and lifting them up! Thank you Casey for this great honor! And as I know many others would say, I can only say that it is not me that is deserving, but the Christ in me that deserves all of the recognition!So, let me recognize some other people that lift me up, and encourage me...
A Joyful Life - Julie is a friend from my church, and even outside of her blog, she is such an encouragement to my wife and I. Therefore, I cannot complete a list of those
greed and desire 2007-11-16 10:55:58 It is a question that the average Christian has been asking since the "American Dream" was first dreamed. American consumerism tells us that we need more, and that if we don't want more, then there must be something wrong with us. Even the church is split on this issue of "how much money is enough". On one side, you have the poverty-minded groups that think that money is evil, and that financial poverty is the way to Godliness. Then you have the "Health-and-Wealth" gospel folks that believe that if you are not filthy rich, then you must have some sort of sin in your life that is holding back God's blessing.I don't believe that either of these is the truth, and both sides could use a little lesson in proper exegesis and hermeneutics of the scriptures. As we look at the fourth qualification for the manager-leader, we come across a requirement to be "not greedy for dishonest gain." While much can be said about money itself, the point that I will make is that "money" is not evil, but th
capture the spirit 2007-11-28 10:50:50 I have worked in and around Call Centers for a good number of years, and one thing that never ceases to amaze me is the negativity that seems to prevail. Part of it could be that the Call Center agents only really take calls from the customers who are having problems. Think about it, when is the last time that you called your credit card company just to thank them for being there when you need them? Instead the only time that you are going to make the effort to get in touch with them is when you are upset about something. And this is the Call Center agent's job... to talk to unhappy customers all day long. So I can understand that it would take a lot to keep positive when it seems like everyone you talk to has a problem. But I think that there is a deeper issue, something that we can all relate to, going on here.How about this perspective... Have you ever worked with someone who just hated their job? Every day they come into work miserable, and they complain ab Read more:capture
, spirit
The Power of "Nice" 2007-11-26 08:54:01 When I set out to do what I am doing with this site, I never expected to be called "nice". I try to share the Word of God, and deliver it in a way that causes everyone who reads it to be a better leader and/or a stronger Christian example in the workplace. I know that sometimes the messages that I deliver hit some people in that spot that makes them say "ouch", but it is typically taken with the agape heart that they were shared in.So when Isaiah from Joie de Vivre: A Wretched Man's Quest to Follow In Jesus Christ's Footsteps tagged me with the Nice Matters Award. Isaiah selects me, "for being one of the nicest people on the blogosphere. He is one of the bloggers I most respect." The award is given out to “…those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world.”For this honor, I thank Isaiah. In addition to him, there are a few other people that
prepare to be tested 2007-12-05 08:44:31 I remember getting my first position as a manager. There was so much excitement, and so much pride in the fact that your hard work has finally paid off. And I know that many people can identify with these feelings as well, but I also felt a bit anxious about the great level of uncertainty about what my future held for me. Remember that feeling? Your first role in some sort of leadership, and rather than standing strong on what got you there, you suddenly fear what might be in your now so uncertain future. As we explore the next qualification for the manager-leader we come to, "be tested
first". I think that this is an interesting qualification. One can read this and assume that before becoming a manager-leader that they must be tested, and pass the test. I believe that this much is true, and if it were that simple then I would just say to you that you can expect to have to earn your position in leadership and leave it at that. I don't believe that it is that simple. I believe that the
proof positive 2007-12-17 08:52:08 Managers are leaders with something left to prove. Front-line employees look at managers as "the boss". And when a front-line employee gets promoted into a Supervisor/Manager position, it sometimes feels like they have reached "the top". But I prefer to look at supervisor/manager positions as "entry-level" into leadership. Granted, I also feel that everyone has and should develop certain leadership qualities, but the true manager is really just getting started in the process of leadership development.As we look at the next qualification for the manager-leader, we come to the requirement to "serve to prove themselves blameless." This is an interesting one that I will break down into three pieces. First, I will discuss what it means to "serve". Then I will touch on what our motivation is in serving, which is "to prove". And finally, we will discuss the goal of this proving, which is to show ourselves as "blameless". I think that this qualification has obvious implications in the church,
what are you passionate about? 2008-02-15 08:59:22 One of the most important things in a workplace is passion. Imagine a workplace where nobody has a passion for what they are doing. I think of people that sound like Eeyore (from Winnie the Pooh) when they answer the phone while saying something like, "hello, I'm happy to help you...". On the other hand, imagine what that same greeting sounds like from someone who is passionate about what they are doing! Their voice will be full of energy and excitement! I also think about great athletes like Jerry Rice. Now here is a man who had a passion for excellence in what he did, and it showed up in the things that he did to keep himself in prime shape while becoming arguably the best wide-receiver to ever play football. Passion... success in anything relies on it.Passion manifests itsel
Thinking Blogger Award 2008-02-15 08:35:33 Well, management by God has been tagged as a recipient of the Thinking BloggerAward
. I thank Jerry from As The Crackerhead Crumbles for selecting me for this great honor. My biggest goal with management by God has been to challenge people to take a serious look at the Scriptures and think about how they can be applied in the workplace. There is way too much guidance there for us to not learn and apply the lessons that wait there for us. So it is nice to know that I seem to be hitting the mark! Thanks Jerry!
The participation rules are simple:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger A
lift Him up 2008-02-05 08:06:10 This is a tough one. Political correctness has made it difficult to even say the name of Jesus in the workplace. We are often required to shut down certain aspects of our lives while at work resulting in a deafening quiet regarding spiritual matters. This has always bothered me. A dear friend and co-worker several years ago set it straight when he told me that he was a Christian first, and oh by the way, he also worked for our company. This shift in perspective forced me to stop identifying myself primarily by the work that I do or who my employer is, but by my true identify first and foremost.However, this is not the heart of what I want to talk about today. Yes it is important for us to identify ourselves as Christians first, and then sprinkle that with a little bit of what it is that we
making a stepford wife 2008-01-17 04:42:52 I love the classic (and remake) movie The Stepford Wives. I think that every man has thought about what it would be like to have that "perfect" wife. You know, the one that anticipates and meets your every need. I think that even most women can even relate that it would be cool to have a husband that caters to their every desire. I think that this movie makes an incredible statement about our human nature and the natural desire to want something without having to invest the effort that it takes to "earn" the kind of treatment that would come from the "perfect" spouse.As I look at the next requirement for the manager-leader, I cannot help but to think about this perspective. The qualification here is that "wives are faithful in all things". As we explore this topic, it would be too easy to Read more:making
mighty man of valor 2008-01-17 04:39:33 No one likes selfish people, but our natural human tendency is to be selfish (at some level). We tend to think of how things affect ourselves before we ever consider how it affects other people. In the English language, there is no literal distinction between the singular and plural versions of the word "you". Therefore, often when people are talking, and they say the word "you", our natural inclination is to think of the singular "you" as opposed to the plural referring to whatever community we may be a part of. This selfishness has nasty implications in the workplace. When there is a group of people who are all out for themselves, then the organization is less likely to achieve its goals. And as creatures of habit, we tend to slip into the same behaviors as the people around us
mbG Interviewed by Ron Hurst 2008-01-17 04:37:41 Awards are great, but one of the greatest honors that I think that I could have received is to be interviewed by another leader. Manager, Leader, Coach Ron Hurst
from Developing Leaders and Material Leadership has recently interviewed me for a new series of podcasts that he is putting together on the topic of purpose. I am quite honored and humbled by his desire to interview me and share some of the management by God story. The large focus of the interview was on "purpose". He wanted to know about how mbG has either helped me to realize or refine the my purpose. I believe, as Ron does, that purpose is one of the most important aspects of being a leader. It is out of purpose that one finds direction. Without purpose, we are simply wandering from random points to ran
Book Review: Maxwell Leadership Bible 2008-01-17 04:34:38 I likely won't do this very often, but I got something for my birthday late last year that I just cannot get enough of. It is the MaxwellLeadership
Bible. And knowing that my readers are here because of their interest in becoming a better leader in any aspect of life (but especially the workplace), I thought that it would be valuable to offer some insight into this incredible resource.The Bible itself is in the New King James Version. This is not my absolute favorite of the translations, but is certainly a reliable resource. The best part of the Bible though is not which translation that it uses, but the commentary that John Maxwell has provided. If you are familiar with any of his other works like The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership or The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, t
Lessons from Odd Jobs 2008-03-23 18:10:00 Shortly after getting married I took a huge leap of faith and left a job that was making me miserable. During my time of trying to find a better workplace environment where I knew I could thrive, I hit a spot where I had to find something quick in order to get some cash flow moving. My wife's income just wasn't enough to get us through, and we didn't have much in reserves to hold us over until I found that one, right job that I was looking for. So I landed a gig as the Manager of "Yo-Yo Loco", a kiosk at an open-air outlet mall. During my short time there, I learned a few important lessons...
Overcome your pride - As a talented young man looking for a job that would allow me to use my Go-given skills, I had to suck it up and take a job pushing yo-yos and kites in order Read more:Lessons
risk management 2008-04-09 08:32:46 Risk Management has been defined as, "the process of measuring, or assessing risk and developing strategies to manage it." When you go into any new project or other type of initiative, you must weigh out your risks. Missing this means that your project could run into obstacles that you are not prepared to handle, and this could slow you down or even stop you completely. Therefore, being an effective leader includes the need to measure and assess risk in everything that you do, and to develop the strategies that may be needed to overcome them should they arise.As I continue looking at leadership lessons from Biblical leaders, I come across an interesting event in the record of Gideon. Shortly after he was called by the Angel of the Lord to, "go... and save Israel from the hand of Midia
the secret of your success 2008-07-11 12:56:35 Recently I have been in some conversations around what it takes to be successful in the workplace, and it always seems that people have different ideas as to what it takes. Some will say that it is important to manage your image, others may say that it is simply hard work that helps you rise to the top. However, I have seen (and experienced) how people may excel in these (and other) areas, but sti
subscribing to management by God 2008-07-11 12:55:47 Why Should I Subscribe to management by God?Two words... free and convenient! Subscribing to management by God will allow you to automatically get updates on the latest articles posted here. These updates do not cost you a thing! They are absolutely free, not only from cost, but also from spam and other junk that you don't want to get.It will also save you time. Keeping up with the lat
overcoming the odds 2008-07-08 09:09:09 Believe. If I could sum up what I am about to share with you in one word, that would be it. Believe.Recently, I had the pleasure of acting as the Teacher Coordinator with my church's Vacation Bible School, a week-long program for kids aged 4-12. While I was in charge of teaching them some very valuable lessons, I learned several myself as well. One of the most important ones is the message that I
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