There is a Better Way to do Business

I’m excited to share this with you! Statistically, this can be proven 100% of the time to be true……..Most people are average.

My oldest son Caleb was getting bullied on the school bus. So, I bring out my inner papa bear… to show him how to put that bully in his place… where to kick, punch, bite, poke, grab… whatever it took. You gotta get mean. You gotta get dirty…!

Caleb is just staring at me wide-eyed and I thought he was just mesmerized by my inspirational speech… so I stopped, created a dramatic pause...

And Caleb said, “No, I’m going to make him my friend.” Just like that!

It turns out, the best way to defeat an enemy is to make him your friend! That is exactly what Caleb did. Caleb acted out of the convictions of his character and personality. So, that conviction should make a difference in how we treat one another and connect with people, right?

John Maxwell says in his book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, "The ability to connect with others begins with understanding the value of people."

I’m not talking about a trophy for everyone kind of a thing. So, what are we talking about? How could you apply this principle in business?

Think, you need the willing participation and sometimes the extraordinary effort of your employees for your business or department to succeed, right? What if you engaged employees in a way that takes their job description (the one you gave them when you hired them) and you say, "Let's make a plan to meet these responsibilities in a way that plays to your strengths and personality."? (Like I should have done with Caleb to help him solve the bully problem). Are you letting them off easy? Are you letting them do whatever they want to do?

You may say, but Chris... you don't know my people. They don't even pay attention unless I yell, scream and ramp up the drama!

Look, this approach is not for the faint of heart. It's not about holding hands and singing Kumbaya. You will have to fire people sometimes.

Listen, most people are average… and remember, the average person has been uniquely and intentionally created by God for the very purpose of doing important and meaningful work… and doing it well. That’s what I believe.

My business is a reflection of me... my personality and character. For those of you who think like me, there is a better way to do business and I pray you pursue it. Peace