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.

Work-Life Balance

Once again this past week streets in front of car dealers were lined with auto mechanics who want to cut themselves a better deal. They received an offer from the group representing area auto dealerships early last week which the mechanics union rejected. So the pickets remained in place. Uncompensated work time remained an issue yet to be brokered.

Strikes of any kind ring familiar with an upcoming American holiday.

 
Labor Day falls on Monday, September 4th. From the first event held in 1882, it was the desire of the Central Labor Union to get a holiday for workers. Parades would be held for the public to turn out in appreciation of the work of trade and labor organizations.

Workplace abuse has certainly been documented in our history and in other countries as well. Last week I shared a Chicago Tribune piece that claimed nearly one in five workers face incidents that include sexual harassment and bullying. The labor union issues are generally not about such stuff. They tend to focus more on wages and general working conditions.

I also made mention of a Japanese phenomenon known as karoshi. This is when the work demands become so intense that they claim the life of a worker. Many lawsuits have resulted.

Much has been written in recent years about the work-life balance. This problem is not a labor union negotiable. This is a personal choice issue. One that must be solved individually.

As you might expect, there is even a website on this: www.worklifebalance.com. There are courses you can take to figure out how to get there. The site “experts” narrow their solution to focus on two key concepts: achievement and enjoyment. As they note, “Enjoyment does not just mean 'ha-ha' happiness. It means pride, satisfaction, happiness, celebration, love, a sense of well being…all the Joys of Living.” Sounds beautiful.

Since my last blog, two stories emerged worth noting. One is about farmers in France. This group of people is experiencing an “epidemic” of suicides. Some claim the work is too often isolating, financially precarious, and physically demanding. Narrowed down, it seems like the financial piece is the biggest threat with failing health concerns right behind.

A second story involved a federal public health employee in California. Her day starts at 2:15 AM in Stockton, California. Later she begins her commute to San Francisco, which involves two trains and a bus that leaves at 4 AM. After work, her three hour commute returns her home close to 8 PM. She goes through this routine for $81,000 a year. And she’s 62 years old!

I’m not an expert in work-life balance but I can tell you now, I wouldn’t do what this woman is doing. I wouldn’t do it for $250,000 a year! That life is crazy!

In the course of my life, I have met many in the business world who lead these kinds of crazy lives. Virtually all are in the pursuit of status and money. Some of them actually believe they must keep this pace because of their value to the corporation.

Elliot Hubbard once wrote, “The graveyards are full of people the world could not do without.”

I’ve also known several of these types who’ve walked away from this out-of-balance life to regain their sanity. Their families. Their souls. Their happiness.

Work-life balance should lead us to contentment. As the Apostle Paul discovered, “I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little.” (Philippians 4:12, CEV)

Maybe there’s something to be said for the old adage, “Get a life!”

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.

Surprise! Work is Hard!

Is the American worker becoming soft? Has work become more difficult in more recent times? Would you describe your job as “tough” or “very demanding?”

Last week, the Chicago Tribune gave us insight into the modern worker with story titled, “One-fifth of Americans Find Workplace Hostile or Threatening.” The headline was the more sensational aspect of a report by the Rand Corp., Harvard Medical School, and UCLA.

It is disturbing to read that nearly one in five workers face incidents that include sexual harassment and bullying. Misery on the job can also occur because of rude or unpleasant customers. Almost 55% of respondents felt they had to deal with “unpleasant and potentially dangerous” conditions.

The lead author on the study claimed surprise at the physical demands that many jobs entailed. Included here was work that was described as “intense or repetitive physical labor.” Others were frustrated by a seeming lack of advancement opportunity. Or having to work outside the office to meet the demands of their job.

Less-educated people faced tougher working conditions. It was better for college educated men. As reported, “Nearly 68% of men without college degrees spend at least a fourth of their time moving heavy loads.”

It took to the end of this article to find the silver lining and learn that American workers have a lot of autonomy. Nearly 60% have supportive bosses. Well over 50% claim they have good friends at work.

Here’s the thing. Americans as a rule are NOT overworking. At least not dying from it. Contrast this with the Japanese who actually use the term”karoshi”: death by overwork!

In 2001, a report revealed a typical Japanese office worker can leave home at 7AM and return after 11PM, including two hours of commute time. Annually, hundreds of civil lawsuits have been filed by relatives who believe their loved one has died of karoshi. Some estimates claimed as many as 10,000 karoshi deaths a year.

Or consider this. In Britain, junior doctors frequently work more than 100 hours a week according to British Medical Association estimates. That works out to an average of 16 hours and 40 minutes a day for six days out of seven.

When is work TOO hard or TOO demanding? That is difficult to measure. Working your own farm takes incredible time and physical effort. Maybe it’s gotten somewhat easier, but an uncle of mine owned a farm in Minnesota for years. He was up before dawn most days to care for his crops and animals and put in very long days. Like most farmers, he enjoyed this work! Go figure.

A healthy view of work should come from a solid theology—a study of God. We are made in His image. We are gifted by God for work. God worked six days and rested. (Genesis 1:26-2:25)

From this we can also derive some lessons on what it means to work in God’s image. I recommend an excellent article from the Theology of Work Project, titled God Creates and Equips People to Work. One important aspect of working in God’s image is to work in relationship with others. As the author correctly states, “Many people form their closest relationships when some kind of work—whether paid or not—provides a common purpose and goal.”

The Bible encourages us to work hard. But working smart tells us not to burn out or lose the joy of our work. And…value relationships in your work!

For this Monday, here’s some work wisdom from Oscar Wilde: “The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.” Amen.

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.

Article on karoshi: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2001/mar/13/workandcareers.japan

Article on God Creates and Equips People to Work:

https://www.theologyofwork.org/old-testament/genesis-1-11-and-work/god-creates-and-equips-people-to-work-genesis-126-225

Always Stay Humble and Kind

I’m not really sure why I signed up for LinkedIn. It’s been a while and I continue to get requests to connect. Some people I know. Many I don’t. But we have mutual connections. Once in a while I get personal messages sent via LinkedIn, so that’s useful.

One unexpected benefit is the frequent list of articles people post that show up in a weekly LinkedIn email. Some are written by people with superb credentials on a given topic. Others raise my curiosity.

This one caught my eye. "The Hierarchy of Nonverbals and Conversing." I was expecting this from a communications-meister seasoned with years of experience. Nope. This was posted by a business world novice named Brenden Moran. A mere youth whose success identity for the piece is set at “searching for an opportunity.” Nine of his articles are available. I predict we’ll see more.

For example, Brenden must have just graduated from college as a communications major. In describing where he hopes to grow next, he writes, “My current interests are in coaching, leadership, training, and changing company culture for the better...I want to walk in on a board meeting and hear people talking about revenue, branding, and policies and stop them all to say, ‘You got this all wrong. Our focus needs to be on the people first.’”

Smart Alec, eh? Maybe. But I think this guy has a lot on the ball. His article on the “nonverbals and conversing” expresses his frustration in failing to get decent response from coworkers when he asks them questions. He thinks it’s because he’s low man on the corporate totem pole. Which he is.

Brenden blames a “hierarchical system that is designed to privilege people in high positions with good communication and disadvantage people in low positions with poor communication.” He challenges his readers to remember that their body language, tone of speech, etc. deliver a message well beyond their words.

He offers solutions! “Simply take the time to engage with other people in a meaningful way. Give them your attention and your respect. Forget the hierarchy of the organization…Your customers and your peers will greatly appreciate the compliment you pay them when you relay through your entire body that they mean something to you.”

Somebody should grab this guy! And the sharp, on-the-lookout, corporate talent scout will! I’ve seen this movie before.

Two people for whom I have previously worked were the talent seeking types. One, in particular, would watch the way restaurant servers or hotel front desk people treated him. He saw sales talent waiting to be groomed! And he was usually spot on.

I confess. Both of these men sought me out for jobs earlier in my life. They heard or saw something they liked and believed in me. I’m in their debt because my life advanced well beyond the basics due to them.

The lesson here for management and business owners is simply to be on the lookout for talent. Grab it and develop it. You’ll advance your game in potentially big ways.

If you’re an employee, start taking notes on how your company can improve. Offer suggestions. Solutions. Make the effort to stand out.

Young talent is worth mentoring. The legendary Apostle Paul did exactly this with his protege, Timothy. He even challenged him by saying, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” (1  Timothy 4:12, NASB)

I’m cheering for Brenden Moran. Hope he hits it big. Then has the smarts to be looking for a protege.

And as country singer Tim McGraw tells it, “Always stay humble and kind.”

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.

Brenden’s article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hierarchy-nonverbals-conversing-brenden-moran?trk=mp-reader-card