Selfishness is a dirty word in Christendom. Well, at least publicly. It’s not that it isn’t the type of foul language that isn’t spoken in mixed company – quite the contrary: we use the term to criticize our opponents, our children, and maybe even ourselves from time to time. No, it is that type of particular profanity that is used regularly and often with the intent to shame others or to debase ourselves. We just cannot seem to stand it when someone acts in their own self-interest, especially when it requires them to not act in ours.

Which is, ironically, selfish.

Read More »

Coloring inside the lines has always been a huge frustration for me. Not that I wanted or even had the talent to recreate the bold lies within my Superman coloring book – I just grew extremely frustrated that “the lines” were the limit of where my creativity could go. What are these guidelines and who decided them? More importantly, why were each of the crayons the size of small submarines – large cylinders of heavy wax – and entirely too bulky to hold? Trying to color the “S” on Superman’s chest with these was exasperating! Even if coloring book rules were to be followed, how could I receive my gold star when the tools to use were not useful to me? Read More »

Competition is not something we do well as Christians.  It likely ranks in the Top 10 Worst Practices in the Body.  I take that back – we compete very strongly against our own, but hardly and rarely in the right way.  In terms of the market, or outside of denominations, though, we most often take our ball and go home, so to speak. Read More »

Wherever you stand on political issues, this year the hot topic of the glass ceiling cannot be avoided.  From Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin—the talk around the water cooler is about women in a prominent leadership role. Read More »

While sitting in my front lawn watching the sunset, I noticed something I haven’t often seen before. Every so often, in the failing light, I saw something flittering above the tree line. At first, I thought it was birds. Then, I realized it was bats.

These mysterious and often maligned creatures were just starting their day – or night. What would have been dinnertime for me was just right for their first meal of the day. As I studied them, I began to realize some very important principles. These were common facts of life to them, but they were startling examples of best practices in business to me. Read More »

If you were to judge the initial reaction of a random person to the word “advertisement,” chances are it would be negative: “Drink Coca-Cola,” “Eat McDonald’s,” “Drive a BMW.” It’s not a rare occasion that I find myself thinking, “My life is ruled by advertisers.” Whether you are watching television, listening to the radio, or perusing the Internet, advertisements can be frustrating and annoying. Read More »

As a communications major, several classes in Public Relations were required for graduation. Although some of my textbooks and classroom experiences were beneficial, nothing replaced being in the work world, and seeing Public Relations first hand.

The number of corporate executives who believe they are the sol face of their firm is shocking. While they clearly have a position of leadership that is respected and desirable, they are not the only PR agent for their corporation. Read More »

Over the past month, I have been on the road visiting clients and prospects.  Many organizations I have seen  have stuck out to me for common sense attributes that should penetrate any business or ministry if they wish to succeed. Read More »

Is the concept of profit something we are compelled to do as an organization?

This is an in-depth question, which I plan to write more on myself, but I first wanted to share with you another’s thoughts, which got me to thinking on this question.

Click here to read Driessen’s Social Responsibility of Profits.

Over the past week I have been spending time on the Big Island of Hawaii with my wife. We have done a snorkeling cruise, seen rock beaches, and attended a farmer’s market. Outside of each other, we haven’t known another soul on the entire island. We have been strangers in a strange land, so to speak. Read More »