Fight of the Two Wolves

The story of the two wolves is so often repeated it is hard to determine where it originated. Basically, it goes like this. A man is teaching his grandson about life and tells him that he has two wolves fighting inside of him, one is evil and expresses itself in anger, envy, greed, arrogance, bigotry, self-pity, lies, and depravity. The other wolf is good and expresses itself in joy, peace, hope, love, kindness, humility, benevolence, generosity, truth and compassion. The grandson looks at his grandfather and, after considering what he has been told, asks “which wolf will win?”

For more on this check out the short video below and be sure to subscribe to my podcast: Proverbs for Living a Fulfilling Life

Before You Respond . . .

The normal thing to do when attacked is to respond in kind, or run away. If someone yells at you, the natural inclination is to raise your own voice in response. If someone strikes you, the natural inclination is to strike them back. If someone sends you a critical email, the natural inclination is to send back an equally critical email. These are all natural reactions and in almost every case, these are the WRONG reactions. Responding in kind to these kinds of stimuli displays poor emotional intelligence and weak leadership skills.

For more on this check out the short video below:

 

Gossip

Gossip is the weapon of an assassin targeting relationships. Gossip is the elevation of ME ahead of WE. Gossip is the destroyer of that which God values most: relationships. Those who gossip deal in a narcotic that, in the short term, make themselves feel better, but in the long term destroys their own peace and joy.

Check out this short video for more on Gossip:

Think! before you criticize

One of the easiest and most practiced habits is to be critical.  It is easy to find fault with situations, organizations, and especially people. It is easy to spew forth our observations, pointing out each fault in detail. Easy, but usually non-productive and more often than not, counter-productive, damaging relationships and creating animosity.

For more on this check out the short video below:

Administrative Resolve

Administrative resolve is the willingness of leadership to make hard decisions and then stick with them when the going gets tough. Administrative Resolve is quite possibly the most important aspect of effective leadership. With Administrative Resolve a strategy is defined and pursued to its end. Without Administrative Resolve second guessing and lack of focus results in mediocrity and failure.

For more on this check out the short video below:

“I’m Doing my Best”

Sometimes you will hear people say “ I’m doing my best” or “I tried my hardest”. Perhaps you have said these words yourself. Think about the last time you said those words – now be honest, was the effort you put forth really your BEST?  What is sad, is that more often than not those who say these words believe what they are saying.  . . . Check out the short video below for more on this:

Personal Reflection

Benjamin Franklin said, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Proverbs 22:1 states, “Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.” Be aware of your personal reputation with the various areas of your life. Check out this short video for more on this:

 

 

When communicating by email

When communicating by email to anyone (work, family, friends, colleagues, etc.), ALWAYS re-read the email at least once before you sent it.  If it is particularly important or going to a supervisor or a large group, read it over several times, at least one of which is out loud. When you read your email out loud you will get a better sense of the tone of voice and more easily catch grammatical errors.  Check out the video below:

Righteousness: the New Business Ethic

Ethical practice seems to imply righteousness.  I know that isn’t the definition of ethical behavior but it is what most of us would understand when someone is said to be ethical.  When ethical practice actually does equate with righteousness, then things go well, the business prospers and God is honored.  But when your personal or business ethic deviates from righteousness, trouble is not far behind.  Check out  the video below: