Sinking into Salvation

One of the more unusual forms of “work” in our world is that of an evangelist. Ephesians 4:11–13 states, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (ESV)

The book of Acts specifically describes Phillip as an “evangelist.” (Acts 21:8) Later in the New Testament, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy to do the work of an evangelist. (2 Timothy 4:5) Those three verses are the only three uses of the word evangelist in the Bible.

This past week, I spoke to a passionate evangelist. James Robison. His life story is miraculous in and of itself, being born of a rape victim. He grew up poor in a mostly unstable environment, with a troubled mother. But God had His sovereign hand upon James and called him not only to faith, but to this spiritual work of an evangelist.

You can read about his miraculous life story in Robison’s new book, Living Amazed: How Divine Encounters Can Change Your Life. He also has a television ministry along with other resources. The number of people James has influenced toward faith in Jesus the Messiah is remarkable.

But there is another evangelist whose work is worth noting today. He died on April 15th, 1912. And he was unofficially “buried” at sea, along with thousands of others in the sinking of the Titanic. His name was John Harper.

Harper had visited Chicago and led revival services at the Moody Church not long before the Titanic sailing. He had returned to Britain, but received an invitation to return to the States and continue his ministry, which he chose to do. Harper had originally been booked on the Lusitania, but delayed the trip so that he and his six-year-old daughter could sail aboard the Titanic.

On that fateful night, we have a remarkable story of John Harper. In the icy waters, as the giant ship was sinking, it’s reported that Harper, knowing he could not survive long in the icy water, took off his life jacket and threw it to another person with the words, “You need this more than I do!” Moments later, Harper disappeared beneath the water.

Four years later, a young Scotsman by the name of Aguilla Webb stood up in a meeting in Hamilton, Canada, and gave the following testimony:

“I am a survivor of the Titanic. When I was drifting alone on a spar that awful night, the tide brought Mr. John Harper of Glasgow, also on a piece of wreck, near me. ‘Man,’ he said, ‘Are you saved?’ ‘No,’ I said, ‘I am not.’ He replied, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ The waves bore him away; but, strange to say brought him back a little later, and he said, ‘Are you saved now?’ ‘No,’ I said, ‘I cannot honestly say that I am.’ He said again, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,’ and shortly after he went down; and there, alone in the night, and with two miles of water under me, I believed. I am John Harper’s last convert.”

While the Scriptures give us only three mentions of evangelist as a spiritual gifting, it is clear all followers of Jesus are called to the “work” of sharing the Good News. In light of yesterday’s celebration of the risen Christ, may we find a renewed zeal for that work, as we all sail to Heaven’s shore.

That’s The Way WE Work. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand can be heard weekdays from 4-6 PM Central. To listen outside the Chicago area, tune to www.1160hope.com for live streaming or podcasts, or download the AM1160 app.

Retail Failings, Part Deux

Just a few weeks ago this blog focused on the troubled retail industry, specifically department stores. I was tuned into this by recent stories about what could be the complete devolution of Sears and Penney’s, closing a good number of stores this year.

One CEO and bestselling author, Grant Cardone, posted an article titled “Retail as You Know It is DEAD.” His only hope was to drive increased customer service in these stores. My feeling is that advice, while good, is likely too little, too late.

Retail has much broader problems. I return to this subject after reading the Washington Post story this week, “The Troubles at the American Mall are Coming to a Boil.” For those who want to cheer for the success of well known brands in this country, it is actually rather depressing. And it’s definitely eye-opening. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/04/05/the-troubles-at-the-american-mall-are-coming-to-a-boil/?utm_term=.70f2fc7f8951

The end of this past week brought the latest employment numbers. The weakest sector? Retail. The National Retail Federation claims that retail employment accounts for as many as one in four jobs in our current labor market. About 30,000 of those jobs went away in March. But don’t blame Trump.

In a single word, the force behind the shifting economic model of purchasing is Amazon! In an NBC News story on the March employment numbers, the case is laid out. “We’re seeing a transition toward e-commerce,” said Nicole Smith, chief economist at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “Amazon has really caused a change in the way many people shop.”

So who is paying the price? The Washington Post puts it in perspective. Payless ShoeSource, now in bankruptcy, plans to immediately close almost 10% of their 4,400 stores. The Limited also has gone the bankruptcy route, saying goodbye to all 250 stores. Staples may be putting up a company “For Sale” sign. HHGregg has just announced its intention to close its remaining 220 stores.

Classy retailers are not exempt. In Manhattan, one of the premiere foot-traffic draws is the Ralph Lauren Polo store. Farewell to that, too. Urban Outfitters is struggling, along with Banana Republic and Abercrombie & Fitch—the latter two hiring new management in hopes of a fix.

As for Amazon? The Internet retail giant indicates it will hire 100,000 US workers over 18 months. For a really stark comparison, research from Slice Intelligence notes Amazon captured an amazing 38 percent of all online dollars spent during the holiday season. Best Buy, which was the NEXT closest retailer, was at 3.9 percent.

Another factor is millennial buying patterns. Many of them reject the mass market products found in mall stores. Retail stores gaining momentum include boutique types like Bonobos, Warby Parker, Shinola, and Marine Layer, according to the Post.

Seismic shifts can happen to any industry. Elon Musk intends to sell 500,000 new cars in 2018—none of which consume gas. Telephone booths are almost non-existent. So are more recent VCRs. Even DVDs are facing extinction as people latch on to more digital media. And then there’s those pesky robots.

WARNING! Times change. Nothing stays the same. Markets dive. The “sure things”—aren't.

For the faith-driven, God-seeking soul, we have these words: do not fear. “Fear not” and similar phrases show up in the Bible 200 times! How can this be assured? Because we have The Rock of Salvation.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6, NLT)

It’s a timeless message. He is our rich store. Especially in the most troubled of times.

So with that Rock, let’s roll.

That’s The Way WE Work. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand can be heard weekdays from 4-6 PM Central. To listen outside the Chicago area, tune to www.1160hope.com for live streaming or podcasts, or download the AM1160 app.

Timing is … Everything

One of the best parts of my job is the privilege of sharing my faith. On my talk show. This fits well with the mission of our radio station. Several of my coworkers and I can readily discuss the Christian faith off air as well.

Not everyone who works for our corporate organization has the same belief system as I do. Discretion must be used when having spiritual conversations with individuals who are not interested in this. Boundaries must be set and appreciated.

At the same time, respect is necessary for all views. A difficult example of this happened to me several years back. 

Our Christian-formatted radio station retained a company to help refine our programming and promotions. The lead person on this team was a fellow believer. But one of his main associates was not. In discussing how we might best promote the station, this other team member and I engaged in a discussion about the uniqueness of our format. The Christian programmed station has a defined rallying point. Listeners tune in to have their faith encouraged and advanced. Jesus is their rallying point. Promotions that don’t respect that can become crass and turn our audience off.

Let me give an extreme example. We know where to find our listeners each week. Most of them attend church. Most churches have communion. Maybe we could get our station logo imprinted on communion wafers! This, of course, is so totally out of bounds that no clear thinking soul would ever suggest it. But you can see the point. Know the boundaries.

On a ride to the airport with this unbelieving corporate consultant, I was explaining to him that this spiritual love affair with Jesus is core to our listeners. My comments included some background of the faith. As we were approaching the airport, this gentleman looked at me and firmly said, “STOP! I don’t want to hear any more.”

I had hit a nerve. So I paused and then responded that we were only having conversation about what our listeners believed and why we must approach them differently. Mere words, of sorts. But not to him. The conversation ended there.

What reminded me of this story was a column written by Sarah Baird, a National Recruiter at Oxford Digital. It’s titled, “Separation of God and…Business?” Sarah claims that a topic she sees most often on Linked In is to keep your personal life off this web connecting service. She goes on to share her beliefs as a follower of Jesus and why this is an integral part of who she is. No doubt that is true.

Sarah even quotes a Bible passage about the “Great Commission” and how this message of Jesus was to send followers as missionaries throughout the world. Including the workplace. Her passion is to be respected. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/separation-god-business-sarah-baird-lion-

BUT…stories abound of individuals complaining of zealots trying to “force religion down their throat.” Instead of a winsome appeal, the intended audience is turned off. And the word could go out in the company to stay away from this “Christian.”

I understand that. Regardless of your belief or unbelief, I am willing and interested to hear your story. Even better, let’s discuss the fine points of our beliefs! If you’re willing. But not all are ready for these conversations.

To be clear, the Bible does tell people of faith, “Preach the Good News. Be ready at all times, and tell people what they need to do. Tell them when they are wrong. Encourage them with great patience and careful teaching,” (2 Timothy 4:2, NCV)

But be gracious in your approach. As any good storyteller knows, “Timing is everything.”

That’s The Way WE Work. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand can be heard weekdays from 4-6 PM Central. To listen outside the Chicago area, tune to www.1160hope.com for live streaming or podcasts, or download the AM1160 app.

That Neon Yellow … No

A friend of mine mentioned to me recently that he was updating his resume. While he sensed no immediate concern about his job, several items about his work life had changed. And he felt it would be good to be prepared.

Actually it makes sense. If it’s been five years or so since you had a resume tuneup, you might be surprised at the changes. Hopefully, your work skills have increased and improved. You may have had promotions. Responsibilities may have expanded and you have some specific results to champion. Moreover, the “referrals” you listed—both personal and professional—might need updating. Some may no longer be the right fit. Their contact information may have changed. You get the picture.

Most of us who have screened a fair amount of resumes in our lives can usually find the home runs fairly quickly. Certain things stand out. And it isn’t bright neon yellow paper.

Many resumes lead with “Objective.” Often, a generic description is given such as, “I’m looking for a creative, progressive company where I can utilize my skills in a team setting to help achieve maximum performance for the organization.” That, of course, means nothing. You’re really looking for a job. And if you are tops in a given field, you’ll be recruited or you’ll connect with a headhunter who’ll help you land your next great job!

The vast majority of job applicants are best served by dishing up reality. And nothing says it better than prior results. So, very close to the top of your resume, those should show up.

For fun, let’s imagine I get a resume that starts with the objective, “I like to win. I like results. I prefer a company that wants to win and hires results-driven people. Your company, (named XYZ), seems like a good fit. Let’s talk about why.”

First off, all organizations like winning. And prefer to hire winners. They also want people who are results focused. That is the point of giving you a job. And thirdly, they want someone who senses that they would do well in their culture. So you offer up front to explain why you are that person.

Next, “A sampling of success from my previous assignments.” Listed bullet points are most effective. Just make sure they are truthful. And impressive.

Finally, I’d recommend going over a good list of resume no-no’s. You’ll find these in the article “Scrub These Words and Phrases from Your Resume Right Now” that appeared in Glassdoor and Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/3068095/hit-the-ground-running/scrub-these-17-words-and-phrases-from-your-resume-right-now?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fast-company-daily-newsletter&position=5&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=02132017

That list includes basics such as not mentioning times you were “unemployed” (which should be obvious), checking for misspelled words, and using words such as “hardworking.” Generally, companies are not interested in lazy hires. One employment professional claims words like “synergy” and “wheelhouse” are completely overused. Add to that list “ninja” and “rockstar.”

The last no-no on this list was to avoid the term “results-oriented.” And I admit that is weak descriptor. BUT…results really are important and, as mentioned earlier, results-driven sends a stronger message.

But the best advice comes when you pursue another job—and get it! If that happens, focus on the real work that must be done. True champions stay on point and avoid drifting, lest they succumb to diversions. Jesus of Nazareth told His followers, “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62, TLB) Most business leaders feel the same way.

So happy resume updating. And save the screaming neon yellow paper to promote your garage sale.

That’s The Way WE Work. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand can be heard weekdays from 4-6 PM Central. To listen outside the Chicago area, tune to www.1160hope.com for live streaming or podcasts, or download the AM1160 app.

Retail Failings

In the 1960s they were considered the “Big Three.” In sales volume and in physical size, Macy’s, Hudson’s, and Marshall Field ruled the department store kingdom. One Hudson’s location had 25 stories and 16 of them sold goods. At its retailing peak, close to 12,000 people worked for Hudson’s. And 100,000 people per day shopped there.

We had a version of Hudson’s in Minnesota named Dayton’s that was part of a merger. Later they took on the Marshall Field name. Then they became the parent company of Target.

Today, Dayton’s is gone. Hudson’s is gone. Marshall Field stores are gone. In Pittsburgh in the 1990s, there were Kaufmann’s and Horne’s (later Lazurus) department stores. All gone.

Macy’s hangs on, but it has its share of problems. I once worked for Montgomery Ward. It said farewell in 2001. JC Penney had a mild recovery last year but is struggling. Sears is on life support, dropping 2000 stores between 2011 and today.

The list is way too long to mention all the department stores we’ve lost or are losing. But if you’re interested, Wikipedia has the lists for your state. To me, it’s sad. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_defunct_department_stores_of_the_United_States#Illinois

What is the future of retail? Grant Cardone is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and CEO. He’s a popular speaker on selling. And he’s gloomy on what lies ahead for the retail world.

In his recent article, “Retail as You Know It is DEAD,” Cardone lists his four reasons why brick-and-mortar stores are in deep trouble. Interestingly, he doesn’t blame location. Or outdated mall shopping. Or Amazon. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/retail-you-know-dead-grant-cardone

Instead, he focuses on customer treatment. His overview perspective goes like this: “For a retailer to be successful in 2017—and all those who work in retail—you need to commit to service. You must exceed your customer’s expectations and deliver outstanding customer service.”

See if you can agree with Grant Cardone's four turnaround principles:

1. Retailers Don’t Know How to Greet. Grant likes the idea of putting greeters at the doors who can actually direct you to what you need. 
2. Retailers Believe Customers are “Just Looking.” Cardone wants employees to engage a customer. Find out why they came in. Turn their attention to specials or items not on your website.
3. Retailers Allow Customers to Wait. Make your sales process fast and easy. Long lines and delays are killers.
4. Retailers Ignore Second Sales. One sale should trigger another. Be sure to offer suggestions.

Okay. It’s a good pitch—from a guy who makes his living promoting how to sell. Can we reduce retail’s massive woes to just that? I doubt it. But all of his points are on the money, so to speak. I walked through a local Penney’s store last week and no one greeted me the whole way. I even stopped and looked around. No sales person ever approached me.

Deep, personal care of others is a center point of the Christian faith. The Bible encourages us this way, “Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.” (1 Peter 4:10, CEV)

People of faith need to apply this in all of their business thinking. Any enterprise would do well to step back and determine how to make the customer’s experience more pleasant and easier. Serving well is so basic. Better address it while you can.

The business graveyard is full of careless victims.

That’s The Way WE Work. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand can be heard weekdays from 4-6 PM Central. To listen outside the Chicago area, tune to www.1160hope.com for live streaming or podcasts, or download the AM1160 app.

When the Boss is Your Friend

How well do you know your boss? How tight are you with him or her? Tight enough to write a profile  for this person on a dating web site?

I hope alarm bells went off on that last question. The situation, however, was real as spelled out in the Fast Company article, “Why Becoming Friends with Your Boss Might Be a Terrible Idea.” And it’s one of several “uncomfortable” requests made by bosses to employees with whom they were developing a close relationship. https://www.fastcompany.com/3068645/workplace-evolution/why-becoming-friends-with-your-boss-might-be-a-terrible-idea?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fast-company-daily-newsletter&position=6&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=03032017

Several of the stories cited shared the pressure felt when the boss would make a request that exceeded sensible boundaries. Another found that the boss confided inappropriate information about an extra-marital relationship he had. The more basic concern was the pressure from a manger to go “have drinks” after work with the team after a long week. A bad idea if the team wants to go home or has other commitments.

Consistent in the theme of submission was concern over losing the job or promotion. Treatment for resistance to these requests would vary, of course. But it opens up the wider discussion of benefits and dangers of these friendships.

On the benefits side, friendships with team members and management makes a for a positive work environment. Monique Valcour, a professor of management at EDHEC Business School in France, wrote in the Harvard Business Review, “If you are closely connected to someone at a higher level in the organization, they may be able to promote you, spread your reputation, [or] provide you with access to information that is useful.” All potentially on the plus side.

Other significant and complex issues can and do arise. In one of my previous assignments, the head of the organization found our mutual interest in politics and social issues made for good discussion over lunch. Another valued my input on marketing and business related issues. However, those immediately above me on the flow chart would sometimes feel stepped-over, and be curious as to the discussions we had.

A second case involved the head of the company where I worked, who would involve me in discussions outside of our mission. I found those talks stimulating. But one had to be very careful not to repeat this kind of information to coworkers in a less than guarded moment.

A third example came from a boss who became a friend and was a significant influence in my life. When we decided to part company, it became quite uncomfortable. It took a few years to rebuild the friendship.

If you find yourself in a situation where the boss is leading into a discussion topic that is displeasing to you, the suggestion is to just say “no.” Explain that you don’t want to talk about the topic. Repeated rejections on this front should send the message.

The boss who extends friendship to you is generally a good thing. But remember what the Bible says about genuine friendship: A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:7, TLB) A good friend will not create barriers to friendship or use their position to threaten.

One sure red flag: if the boss starts asking you for money.

That’s The Way WE Work. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand can be heard weekdays from 4-6 PM Central. To listen outside the Chicago area, tune to www.1160hope.com for live streaming or podcasts, or download the AM1160 app.

Tough Questions

Job interviews are generally stressful occasions. Like a first date, you may only get the proverbial one chance to make a good first impression. Of course, dating is different because both parties are likely to feel the same tension.

I’ve conducted several job interviews over the years. A primary objective of mine has been to help the candidate feel at ease. Humor is my most effective tool for this. The more relaxed the atmosphere, the better the mind can be at thinking of good responses.

This does not exclude the need to ask difficult and thought provoking questions, however. Certain questions have generated some ridicule over the years for being somewhat unreasonably awkward. Two that come to mind are: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and, “What is your greatest weakness?”

Truth is, most people can’t think out five years with a realistic approach. If the candidate is honest, perhaps he or she will say, “In five years, I hope to be working at my real preferred job making twice as much money as this one pays.” But who would say that?

And as for the second question, a person may share a “weakness,” but only to a limited degree. Again, imagine the reply, “Anger is my biggest weakness. In fact, just last night I hit my spouse with a frying pan!” End of interview.

The online edition of Fast Company recently offered up Lydia Dishman’s article on “3 of the Toughest Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.” https://www.fastcompany.com/3068468/hit-the-ground-running/3-of-the-toughest-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer-them

In quick form, they included:

1. For the position of production technician at Procter & Gamble, the interviewer asked: If a coworker had an annoying habit, and it hindered your quality of work, how would you resolve it? 
2. For a data analyst position at Uber, an interviewer asked: Write an equation to optimize the marketing spend between Facebook and Twitter campaigns. 
3. For a data analyst position at Bloomberg, an interviewer posed this question: How do you explain a vending machine to someone who hasn’t seen or used one before?

I linked to the article for Lydia’s recommended answers. What I liked about each question was how it applied directly to a work situation. No whimsical wonderings or fake scenarios that lead nowhere.

Question #1 could be used in any common work environment. Question #2 seemed job specific. Question #3 seemed out of place. This question would test the mind of someone seeking a job requiring strong verbal or written communication skills.

Getting a candidate to provide an accurate perception of him or herself is tricky. One of my favorites to ask is, “If I contacted three of your previous coworkers, how would they describe you?” For some reason, people share more when it seems like a third party is answering.

I think it’s wise for the candidate to have a little fun by asking a serious question during the interview like, “Why did the last person leave this job?”

Jesus of Nazareth was the master in responding to tough questions. Frequently, He would answer with a question. Occasionally, if His opponents refused to answer His question, He wouldn’t answer theirs! (Read Mark 11:27-33) Some of our politicians must have learned from Him!

For a wise job applicant, I wouldn’t recommend refusing to answer … without a good explanation. Lest your first interview become an exit interview.

That’s The Way WE Work. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand can be heard weekdays from 4-6 PM Central. To listen outside the Chicago area, tune to www.1160hope.com for live streaming or podcasts, or download the AM1160 app.