Are you careful to protect your business from those who might cause contention? Paul wrote, "...keep your eye on those who cause dissensions..." (Romans 16:17, NASB). Contentious people can infect any business and destroy morale. When employees gossip, spread...

When training staff, do you leave the door open for follow-up questions? Jesus was teaching, and "the disciples began questioning Him about this again" (Mark 10:10, NASB). When training staff, effective managers allow ample time for questions. Be prepared for the...

When your business is on a roll, do you let pride take you down the wrong road? In Israel, when a certain king "became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly" (2 Chronicles 26:16, NASB). Sometimes when we are successful and everything seems to be...

Are you diligent in keeping staff from stumbling? Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that you may be kept from stumbling" (John 16:1 NASB). A key to business leadership is to share our experience and mistakes with staff to help them grow and avoid...

When upset with an employee, do you resolve the issue quickly or let it simmer? The Apostle Paul wrote, "...do not let the sun go down on your anger" (Eph. 4:26 NASB). When an employee angers us and is not confronted promptly, two things happen. First, the problem...

Do you desire to delight your customers and gain more business? The Apostle Paul taught, "With good will, render service, as to the Lord, and not to men" (Eph. 6:7 NASB). When customers receive just what they expect, they will be satisfied. Go further, and strive...

Are you ever tempted to gossip about your boss? Moses taught, "You shall not curse...a ruler of your people" (Ex. 22:28 NASB). Gossip is revealing or repeating information about your boss that is designed to make you feel better; at the same time, however, that...

When you have an issue with a staff member, do you allow him or her to speak? A king said, "You are permitted to speak for yourself" (Acts 26:1 NASB). Often, especially when irritated or busy, we may make snap judgments regarding a situation. Unfortunately, we...

Do you continue business efforts that just don't work? Jesus told Paul, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" (Acts 26:14 NASB). Not everything will work in our business. Take a few minutes, write down what is working well, and then identify one effort...

Do you prepare well for the first day of new hires? Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2 NASB). The first day on the job will make an indelible impression on a new employee. The new person will either see you as a disorganized, bumbling fool or...

Have you ever been tempted to shoot the messenger? The Apostle Paul wrote, "Have I therefore become your enemy by telling you the truth?" (Gal. 4:16 NASB). We don't enjoy criticism, especially if it's about our business. We tend to take a pride in what we do. When...

When hiring new staff, are you clear with prospective employees what the job entails? Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt. 4:19 NASB). Often, in the rush to fill a needed position with a great prospect, we may be tempted to sugar-coat...