A colleague of mine, an older, distinguished gentleman, has this habit of trying to predict and finish my sentences. For instance, when I start a conversation, he’ll interject these vocal micro-blips while I’m speaking, as if he was just about to say the exact same thing. Me: “We were on the verge of closing the Colosco deal, but the hurdle rate was..” Rob: “too-“ Me: “um – a little higher than the buyer…” Rob: “Fi-“ Me: “uh, than the buyer was... Read more
I took these shots from my car with the i-phone while driving between morning meetings. The fog was thick and sluggish, with no intention of burning off any time soon. (more…) Read more
I came across a research study the other day linking envy with sabotaging behavior at work. You wouldn’t think business researchers were so interested in such catty workplace predicaments, but apparently our inner lives have a lot to do with productivity. I can’t say I’ve been plagued much by envy at work, but I do remember years ago, as a hungry, up-and-coming professional, I’d be sitting in various airport terminals observing the other business men – how smartly they were dressed,... Read more
A few weeks ago my wife and I started up a small group thing at our house – you know, where a few couples from church get together for some bible study, finger foods, and conversation about faith. Wow – that just sounded scarily churchy-cliche and conventional. But really, it has been refreshing, as this group has become comfortable talking about the questions and doubts and acceptance of the mystery of God’s work in our lives. During our last meeting, towards the end of the evening... Read more
I can’t imagine where all of the slouches have gone. Almost everyone I know these days is obsessed with their personal productivity and performance. Whether it’s hitting a profit target, or getting more page views on a blog, or just making ends meet, I am surrounded by a cloud of witnesses – hyper-responsible and ambitious souls – driven by some looming pressure to deliver results and add value. You can practically hear the value-added theme music playing in the wake of their paths.... Read more
This just in: research shows that most pastors fail to support their congregation’s integratation of faith with work. Well. We probably didn’t need a research study to verify what we already knew, but it’s nice to have back-up. The study, commissioned by LeTourneau University’s Center for Faith and Work, found that while 93% of pastors agree they should help their members integrate faith with daily work, over two-thirds of them admit they fall short. According to Bill Peel, Executive Director... Read more
Prayer is one of those elusive spiritual concepts that everyone is still trying to figure out, I think. I make an effort to pray frequently, even at work, but am often left with the sense that I am not doing it right. I generally assume that others are doing a better job than me. I take comfort in the hope that I am not alone in this feeling. In fact, while observing many public prayers over the years, I have collected quite a range of prayer faux... Read more
So I was standing in line at Starbucks, doing my usual coffee routine, and I saw one of the baristas, Carla, in the background taking orders for the drive-through. She’s talking on one of those hands-free headphone things, so I can only hear her side of the conversation: “Is that you Barbara? How’s it going?” ………………… “Awesome!” …………………. “OK… Is that decaf? The usual?” ……………….. “Yeah, I know. That must have been great.” ………………….. “All right hon, that’s $4.50.″ The... Read more
I don’t consider myself to be much of a writer, since I barely have time to scratch out even a lousy blog post once in a while. But that doesn’t stop me from daydreaming about it during my commute home from work, when I imagine myself as a celebrated author and much sought-after thought-leader. I picture the many calls and emails I would get from agents and publishers, all clawing to get a piece of me because my work is in such great demand.... Read more
I was privy to a conversation involving a mentor and his coaching subject, a mid-level manager. They had been discussing the manager’s future – moving up the ladder, making the next career move, and the like. When asked about his plan of attack for pursuing the opportunities before him, the manager, an earnest and devout Christian, boldly replied, “I am leaving it up to the Lord. If I am meant to be promoted, then I’m sure God will step in and... Read more
Shrinking the Camel
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