There are two questions every man must answer…. How much is enough? and Where does my significance come from? Today, we’ll tackle the “how much is enough” question. Next week, we’ll talk about significance. For a couple or three generations, parents pounded the ‘success’ mantra into their kids (that would be us baby boomers). “You [...]
4 Tips on How to Receive a Compliment May14
I once played acoustic guitar for a Miss America contestant who sang in our high school assembly. No one knew I could play, so when the assembly was over, several people came up and complimented me, including Tommy Caldwell, the bass player for what later became the Marshall Tucker Band. “Hey man, that was great…I [...]
5 Principles of Paying Compliments to People May10
“Hey, that’s a nice new haircut you have.” “Your last blog post was ‘killer’! Keep it up!” “She is such a generous friend. She brought over dinner last week when I was sick….I don’t know how she knew I was down and out!” Everyone likes getting compliments. Most of the time, they feel really good, [...]
The Four Foundational Questions May7
Today’s post is courtesy of one of my closest friends and mentor, John Richie. John has a long successful career as a corporate executive. We’ve worked together twice. First when he served as COO of InterServ Services Corporation and later when he was CEO of Tax Partners LLC. I regularly quote John Richie and I [...]
Unsolicited Advice Is Always Received As Criticism May3
When I first read a version of this truth in Ross Campbell’s book How to Really Love Your Adult Child, I wasn’t sure. I thought “Heck, I’m not defensive…I’m a learner. If criticism can help me grow, bring it!” But when I shared this with my wife, she laughed. “You’re just as defensive as the next [...]
Can You Partner With Your Church? Apr30
Anyone can go to church, at least we can here in America. There’s no admission fee, no ticket required, no secret handshake (unless they haven’t let me in on it. Uh oh. I wouldn’t be so paranoid if it weren’t for all those people out to get me!). But when you move beyond just attending, [...]
Participation Without Involvement Breeds Cynicism Apr26
To watch this principle in action, go to any homeowners association meeting. Whether you like them or not….whether you agree with them or not…those people involved in leadership who put in all the time and really care about the neighborhood…they will rarely be cynical. It’s those who just show up for the meetings but do [...]
Remove the “D” Word From Your Marriage Apr24
If your marriage isn’t in trouble or hasn’t been, consider yourself incredibly blessed. Most couples go through some really bad stuff at some point. And the “bad stuff” has led to divorce more times than not, with Christians divorcing at the same rate as non-Christians. If you’ve already been through a divorce, you’ve experienced the [...]
How Are Your Listening Skills? Apr19
Several years ago, my company engaged a consultant to teach us all to be better listeners. He taught us three levels of listening….attending, content, and feeling. I understand there are even more, but these three helped me immensely. Here goes…. Attending – The most basic listening skill, attending has to do with our physical positioning. [...]
There Is No Heavier Burden Than a Great Opportunity Apr16
Years ago, someone bought a bunch of billboards on the interstate we often travel. With no reference to a company or a cause, they simply said… “There is no heavier burden than a great opportunity.” Obviously that struck me. What is my ‘heavy burden’? I don’t want to miss out on my great opportunity. What [...]
