Catch a Falling Star

Harvey Weinstein. I’m guessing more Google searches have been done on that name than anyone else in recent memory. Harvey might live in infamy in the category of Hollywood exploitation of power.

A number of lessons can be learned here. One is how quickly your “friends” become your critics. The slowest to come around with concern were those who benefited from the many favors Mr. Weinstein could provide. Like money. Access. Jobs. You know, the basics of life.

Even the former First Lady had to fess up. Bill’s wife, the nearly-elected president Hillary Clinton, says she was “shocked and appalled” by the revelations! One might be concerned this response was a bit feigned in light of similar language missing from her mouth following public revelations about her husband.

If shock is to be expressed, we should be shocked that we’re shocked to read this has happened! Actually, the workplace is full of this stuff. Women, and to some degree men, are fully aware this “grab for the sexual goodies” goes on wherever money and power coincide. They are like two sides of the personal greed coin.

Another lesson is how willing we are to sacrifice our supposed values. Many women refused to give in to Mr. Weinstein. How many more in Hollywood and throughout the world feel obligated to serve their power masters out of fear or selfish ambition? A sacrifice at the altar of false gods.

And then there’s the companion “hush up” problem. What did you know? And when did you know it? Some of the earlier and obvious known acts by Harvey suddenly disappeared from the legal books. Probably hundreds—maybe thousands—of folks knew what was happening behind the curtain. But they refused to speak. Oz might take them down. Or refuse to build them up.

Temptation is a vicious thing. Personal battles with it plague us all. When it moves into the workplace, it can quickly kill careers.

Witness the recent resignation of a congressman from Pennsylvania. This one was more personal for me since we were friends from my days in Pittsburgh. A known and respected psychologist—and man of supposed faith—Tim rose from state political office to the U.S. Congress. He’s a family man.

Somewhere amidst his several terms as a congressman, Tim became enamored with a female psychologist. And she with him. The two of them conceived a child.

For as long as I’ve known him, Tim was a strong pro-life voice. It most certainly aligned with his faith tradition. But now, faced with the unwanted pregnancy, his value system faced a crisis. He encouraged his new relational partner to get an abortion. The news covered it as hypocrisy. There goes a defeat for “family values.”

Of course there are other ways we lose our moorings at the workplace. Maybe the boss asks for other favors. A business adjustment of numbers. Deceit on shipping information. Outright lying for where the boss might be at a given time.

Small things perhaps. But moral cavings nonetheless. Often done out of fear. Or that same selfish ambition.

The attraction for power and what it brings is not new. It started with a woman and man believing a lie that they could be like God. Just eat the forbidden fruit. The story in Genesis 3 offers this revelation in verse 7: “Then, it was as if their eyes were opened.”

We, of course, believe Harvey Weinstein to be a sick man. He is. And so am I. And so are you. We need healing. We need new life. We need a spiritual makeover. We need…Jesus.

The workplace is not a safe place. Power and money can corrupt so easily. May godly wisdom give us the strength to live by our convictions.

As for Harvey, he’s not beyond redemption. Perhaps God will step in and somehow catch this falling star.

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.

Critical Care

Some jobs in life are much more difficult than others. They may require boldness extraordinaire, like washing windows on skyscrapers or changing lightbulbs on thousand-foot radio towers. Perhaps great strength or endurance is needed, as you might see on construction sites or the logging industry. Remarkable brainpower is demanded in many different fields of work.

There is, however, another category of difficult jobs. It envelopes the various services provided when life is on the line, or has ended. I’m sure God must have a certain kind of gifting for people who do this work.

The Las Vegas rescue workers are a good example. The police and SWAT teams who rush to face life threatening danger are remarkably courageous. Add to those folks the great number of fire and rescue team members who helped save many lives at the scene while bullets were still in the air. And, of course, the hospital staff—some of whom worked while standing in a pool of blood to help desperate victims survive. Wow.

For those who did not survive, there is a another group who have difficult assignments. Morticians, grief counselors, pastors who conduct funerals, and anyone who makes valiant effort in helping bring sense to tragedy. It must take a unique sense of calling and commitment to this work.

This is particularly fresh to me in light of both the Las Vegas news coverage and something much closer to home. We attend a church of around 250. I just came off the church council. The new council president is a fine man. He and his beloved have been raising four great boys.

Earlier last week, the third of those boys was with a friend coming home from a golf tournament. A head-on car crash occurred. The two drivers survived with “non-life-threatening injuries.” The son of our council president…did not. He was 16.

The accident required what the rescue people term “extrication.” Simply defined, it means to free or release from entanglement. It is messy and time consuming. And it must be emotionally draining when these workers know life is truly on the line.

We tend to think these emergency connected workers must be able to somehow put their heroic efforts behind them. Truth is, many lose sleep and find themselves needing counseling from the frequent contact with grim situations. Especially when the rescue efforts involve children.

Then there’s the funeral directors. Who signs up for this kind of job? I reviewed an article on this topic for perspective. It’s titled, “What Personal Qualities Do You Have to Have to Become a Mortician?”

In brief, “Morticians must be effective communicators as well as excellent listeners to deal with people of diverse ages, ethnicities, and beliefs. While it's important to be sympathetic, morticians need to remain emotionally calm in the face of this emotional turmoil, so the family can rely on your emotional strength.” (article link below.)

Some of these critical care jobs require a truly compassionate person. But others require a more dispassionate person—someone “not influenced by strong emotion, and so able to be rational and impartial.”

There were times Jesus of Nazareth appeared to demonstrate both sides of this coin. He wept over his friend Lazarus and grieved deeply. The Bible often says Jesus showed “compassion.” In other cases, he showed restraint and did not act in ways others thought he should. He appeared…dispassionate.

In your world, whatever your job, you might well find situations requiring you to engage with compassion, or to step back and be rational and impartial.

It’s critical we discern how to care properly.

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.

For more information on this topic:

http://work.chron.com/personal-qualities-become-mortician-10000.html

Faith, the Flag, & the Workplace

A friend of mine and former player for the New York Jets sent me a powerful video a few days ago. It’s from Brandon Tatum, a police officer from Tucson, Arizona. As an African American, he has made a powerful case for whether NFL players are making a smart decision with protests around the national anthem. (Video link below.)

As Tatum wisely states, there is a role for social activism. But the flag or the national anthem is neither the cause nor the cure for the ills that affect our land. Both the problem and solution are found in the hearts of people working together on constructive solutions.

The protest sensation all started, of course, with a single player—former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. I say former because he’s having a hard time finding another QB job after choosing to kneel rather than stand for the national anthem. Most everyone knows what has happened since.

Jim Brown, the Hall of Fame running back and legend of the game, said it this way: “Colin has to make up his mind whether he’s truly an activist or he’s a football player.” And why is that? Brown added, “If you’re trying to be both—football is commercial. You have owners. You have fans. And you want to honor that, if you’re making that kind of money.”

Jim goes on to comment about his love of country. He knows there are problems. He’s determined to work those out. As he says, “in an intelligent manner.”

The divided spirit within our country is impacting the workplace in other ways as well. Last month, the New York Times ran a feature story titled, "When Colleagues Won’t Stop Talking Politics." These conversations have raised the frustration level for many.

According to the Times report, “More than a quarter of workers surveyed by the American Psychological Association earlier this year reported that workplace political chatter was having some negative impact on them, from increased stress to decreased productivity.” Another survey found a third of American workers have decided to avoid any political conversations to avoid arguments or discomfort.

The recommendation to those who are frustrated by this is to get people to change the subject. Suggestions like “I get enough of that in the news. Can we talk about something else?” That might help. If people don’t get the hint, discuss it with Human Resources.

So there’s another factor in this workplace discomfort. Injecting your “religious beliefs” into discussions on the job. Religion talk is also a concern in the NFL. A recent news item about another quarterback—Carson Wentz—related his desire to openly share his faith but avoid being “preachy.”

In 2015, we learned of the African American female Marine who was convicted at a court-martial in a real stretch of faith sharing. Lance Corporal Monica Sterling refused to remove a Bible verse on her computer! Her military leaders concluded this verse of Scripture “could easily be seen as contrary to good order and discipline.” Oh my.

Now I must tell you that I find the “politics and faith in the office” discussion a bit humorous. You see, in my workplace political talk and advocacy for faith IS our work. We choose to engage in these vital topics that most impact our lives.

The Bible does offer some good instruction in handling discussions of both faith and politics with those who don’t share your point of view. “Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity. When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.” (Colossians 4:5-6, NCV)

Keeping our emotions in check while sharing our deeply held values may allow for conversations that otherwise might prove difficult. And, of course, learning to listen and value others' input regardless of viewpoint will also help greatly.

These are tough days in American life. Let’s not make the workplace a war zone.

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.

For more information on this topic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEcYDa7r4-I

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/01/jobs/when-colleagues-wont-stop-talking-politics.html?emc=edit_th_20170903&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=68618012

The Early Bird Wakes the Firm

It was Ben Franklin who advised us, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” I’m not sure my paper delivery person has bought into that yet, but I wish he would. We seem to get our paper much later than when I recall delivering the Chicago Tribune for several months as a teenager.

Perhaps it’s because he’s not a “morning person.” Too bad. Since he’s delivering a MORNING newspaper. But I digress.

Those who live in Chicago and other major metro areas often have to adjust their lifestyle to earlier start times. Some studies have shown that only about ten percent of the global population are the morning types. Twenty percent are the night owls. I guess the rest fit in the middle.

But get this. The late nighters are shown to be more prone to depression. More likely to smoke and drink. Their academic abilities tend to fall short of the early risers. In 2013, the British Psychological Society released a study that night owls are more likely to have a cluster of personality traits known as the “Dark Triad” – narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The morning folk tended to be more moral!

In February of 2016, Business Insider reported that your genes may have something to say about this. The study cited included nearly 90,000 people who had their genomes sequenced by a consumer genetics company, 23andMe. Researchers were able to identify “15 versions of genes that are linked to reports of being an early or a late riser.”

The same study showed that “people who self-identified as night owls (while not a truly objective measure) were almost twice as likely to suffer from insomnia and about two-thirds as likely to have been diagnosed with sleep apnea." Obviously, not a pretty picture.

What turned my attention to this subject was a recent FastCompany.com article titled, “This is Why Being a Morning Person Will Make You Better at Your Job.” Four “science-backed” reasons are offered up as to why people do their best work in the morning. https://www.fastcompany.com/40458535/this-is-why-being-a-morning-person-will-make-you-better-at-your-job?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fast%20Company%20Daily&position=8&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=08312017

Read the article for complete insights. But here are the four basic reasons you do better earlier.

1. You have more energy.
2. You have fewer decisions to make.
3. You can stop fighting distractions.
4. You can take advantage of the calm.

I think that last one is of particular significance. Josh Davis, who has written a book on the benefits of early risers, states “Noise makes it harder to do the deep cognitive work most knowledge workers need to do. In the morning you’re free to work from anywhere, and you can find a quiet, beautiful spot. A quiet workspace helps you be more productive because it’s like working with tailwinds.”

For many years in my radio life, I have been a morning show guy. Several of my jobs had me on the air by 6 a.m. My previous assignment required me to rise by 2:45 a.m. and be on site by 4:30 a.m.! When people asked how I could manage that, I would ask them how they felt when they got up later. They would reply "groggy." "Out of sorts." And I retorted, “Well, that’s how I feel. Only it’s 2:45!”

Your circadian rhythm may not be excited about you changing your wake up time, but there is a payoff. Early rising enables me to get some serious request time in with the Almighty. I’m not alone. As David wrote in the Psalms, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3, NIV) This alone can be a powerful productivity tool!

Seeing these benefits to rising early, I hope today’s blog serves as a “wake-up call.”

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.

For more information on this topic:

https://digest.bps.org.uk/2013/07/18/creatures-of-the-night-people-who-favour-the-evening-score-higher-on-dark-triad-personality-traits/

http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/2014/09/really-thing-morning-person/

Fundamentals of a Godly Enterprise

Recently, I had the privilege of giving a workplace chapel presentation at Crossway Books in Wheaton, IL. It had added meaning to me as I have several personal relationships at that company. I was recommended by one of those friends.

When these opportunities occur, it’s my natural instinct to ask God what I might say to represent Him well. Minutes after I accepted the request, thoughts flowed naturally to a short list of of what I called, "Fundamentals of a Godly Enterprise." I’ll be sharing these today.

The context for my words was a verse in the Bible that is often quoted: Ephesians 2:10. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (ESV) My question for us to consider was simply, how does a person of faith live out good works—in the workplace? How can we set our minds and hearts on performing “God-honoring acts of obedience”—as theologian R.C. Sproul refers to them?

From this, there were actually two messages I wanted to communicate. The first was to relate how my first work in Christian radio in 1986 was simply another job. The same held true in two later employment roles in Christian radio. A breakthrough in my soul came while working in another type of job. I yielded heart and soul to go wherever God would lead me, including “the ministry”— something I had resisted in my life.

Shortly thereafter, I was contacted by a friend who worked for a Christian radio station in Pittsburgh. He asked me to consider joining his team, which I eventually did. I work for that same company today—but in Chicago. And once I was back in my Christian radio role, I embraced a new mindset of ministry.

My point to the audience was, no doubt, quite clear. It’s easier than one thinks to be involved in a “service” oriented work, but not truly have the heart toward service. It’s even more serious an issue when this work is related to advancing the message of the Kingdom of God. That is an important assignment!

My second message was those seven fundamentals. I’ll give an overview of these today. You may see a series of blogs in the future with greater definition on each. These fundamentals apply to both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Fundamentals of a Godly Enterprise

1. A mission statement that transcends earthly gain. If our endeavors are only pointed at worldly achievements and have no lasting value, it seems we come to the end of our time feeling little true accomplishment. 
2. Leadership that clearly communicates values that mean something. My friend John Blumberg is a specialist at coaching companies on core values—those that are lived out beyond just words. 
3. A recognition that people are the functional priority of God. If there is no nurturing of healthy relationships, one can expect an unhealthy work environment.
4. An open transparency that allows for weakness—but not as an excuse for poor performance. All of us use poor judgment or make mistakes occasionally at work. A healthy workplace is forgiving. But corrective coaching must result in positive improvement. 
5. Frequent celebrations of success and the people who helped make it happen. I’ve seen it many times. A big push for a goal ultimately reached. But, rather than enjoy and celebrate, new pressure is immediately applied for what’s next. Hey…enjoy the moment and celebrate!
6. A generous employer who wisely supports his team, community, and stakeholders. This goes beyond compensation. It is a heart attitude. 
7. Establishing an enterprise. Not an institution. People have very different perspectives on what those two terms imply. Better be always thinking forward as an enterprise—using God’s great gift of creativity.

Applying a good heart to our work. Living by principles of a godly enterprise. Do this and you will see the fruit of good works…in the workplace.

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.

Today's Heroes

What heroic work will you be about today?

All of us have seen countless pictures from the falling of the Twin Towers and those amazingly courageous rescue workers who rushed to the scene. Several never came home. Many survivors owe their very lives to these people. Indeed, such sacrifice makes these rescue workers true heroes.

We are currently in a unique season where more heroic efforts are being publicized. During Hurricane Harvey we heard of a police officer who put his life on the line to try to help others. Hundreds of volunteers rushed to the hurricane damaged area to help, including the "Cajun Navy," that informal ad-hoc volunteer group composed of private boat owners who assisted in search and rescue efforts. There is even a website portraying “Heroes of Hurricane Harvey.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6873RCZk1Do)

While our nation turned a lot of attention to the impending damage anticipated from Hurricane Irma, we almost bypassed the tragic number of fires out west. There were 172 fires burning in several different states. More than 26,000 firefighters have been fighting those blazes across our western states. Since the beginning of this year, nine firefighters have died (two of them in training) in their efforts to protect us. Danger seems to find heroes.

The unexpected events in life find heroes as well. The massive earthquake in Mexico will likely yield some. Stories will emerge as well in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and perhaps Hurricane Jose. The news may report on dramatic rescues or some selfless act of sacrifice. It was Abraham Lincoln in his first inaugural address who recognized in the darkest times we could still see “The better angels of our nature.” 

There is, however, a broader perspective to be shared on what we might call “the work of heroes.” It is well summarized in another fine inspirational piece penned by Craig Lounsbrough, Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Professional Life Coach. His most recent post pays tribute to heroes, reflecting on the anniversary of our losses on 9/11.

I will borrow his words today for us to consider this broader perspective. Craig writes:

Might we take time to intimately reflect upon the heroes of 9/11 even though they would forgo the title and shy away from any such attention. And as we do, may we raise up the real heroes all around us who repeatedly step in the gap quietly and without pretense. The teacher who comes alongside a troubled student to grant hope to one who has none. The mother who forgoes the dream of her own career in order to abandon herself to the dreams of her children. The first responders who without hesitation walk into the very situations others run from. The businessman who sacrifices a job because sacrificing his ethics is simply too implausible. The victim of injustice who refuses to live as a victim or let injustice define them. The person who feeds the homeless, coaches the team, becomes a father to the fatherless, who stands by their faith even when the scathing criticism of a culture bent on immorality pummels them bloodied and bruised. The everyday man and woman who faces the looming specter of cancer, prays for their neighbors, wrestles with a handicap, fights an addiction, works a second job for a college-bound child, buries a father and cares for a mother.

I do not believe Craig Lounsbrough robs the greatest acts of courage in these words. Instead, he reminds us that heroic work should be painted with a broad brush.

For people of faith, maybe the simple sharing of the Good News may result in a soul headed for eternity. We are, after all, on divine assignment. As the apostle Paul notes, “We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you—be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, TLB)

On this anniversary of 9/11, let’s honor and celebrate the work of heroes. It truly is a beautiful thing.

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.

The Ramsey Collection

On this Labor Day, I would like to pass along one of the most rewarding work related experiences in my life. It was spending a week at the Dave Ramsey-led EntreLeadership program. I should reveal it came as a gift for me to attend this several years ago. The Ramsey organization puts on these week long training events both in Nashville and at very nice international conference areas. I got the Nashville experience—which has its own perks.

The week begins with a Sunday night reception and photo opportunity with Dave and his wife, Sharon. It is also a time to meet some of the team involved in this first class program. Of course, you meet other attendees as well.

Throughout the next several days, participants navigate through a workbook that tracks along with various presenters. Dave Ramsey is involved in most of those sessions. Spouses have their own track in which to participate.

The program is designed to help those who are in business, starting a new venture, or who are considering such a major move. It’s tailored to give you a clear path and practical instruction to advance in the fundamentals of good business. I met several people who have taken the course more than once.

There is ample information about this at the website www.entreleadership.com. Incidentally, the next Master Series course is coming up February 18-22, 2018, at the Nashville area location. There are, however, more abbreviated variations on the EntreLeadership menu if this sounds interesting.

Since Labor Day generally marks a time when we re-engage full bore with our business lives, it might also be a good time to advance your personal work skills with a good book. When attending the EntreLeadership Masters Series, you receive a box of books preferred by Dave Ramsey. You might recognize a few of them. But here is some recommended fall reading—just in case.

• The Monk and the Merchant: Twelve Keys to Successful Living, by Terry Felber. 

In writing this parable, Terry was hoping it would transform your life and your business. It had that kind of impact on Dave Ramsey, helping him to “rediscover the marketplace as a mission field” with merchants as ministers. Do you need this readjustment?

• The E Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It, by Michael E. Gerber.

Gerber made his mark as a small business consultant. One of his primary objectives is to show readers how to work ON your business and not simply IN your business. Understanding the technical aspects of products and services does not translate info being effective at running a business. Very insightful.

• Rhinoceros Success: The Secret to Charging Full Speed Toward Every Opportunity, by Scott Alexander. 

This one is just 97 pages. Scott wants people to move out of a “cow” mindset, watching life go by, afraid that risk and noise are not for them. Rhinos are hard-charging, snorting, and running full speed ahead. They trample obstacles that stand in their way. Obviously, this book is for those who need a tune up for action.

• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You, by John C. Maxwell.

Some people do not know that before John Maxwell developed his very popular international leadership development organization, he served several years as a pastor. He left the pastorate in 1995 to become a full time speaker and writer. The rest…is history. This is one of John’s very best books, which has sold over a million copies. Read it and learn!

There were several more titles in that box of Dave Ramsey gifts for those pursuing success in life and business by attending EntreLeadership. Perhaps these resources will give you a needed boost. As King Solomon advised, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme—so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!” (Proverbs 4:6-7, NET)

And here’s a gem of wisdom from Ramsey himself: “Pray like it all depends on God, but work like it all depends on you.”

May you be blessed on this Labor Day!

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.