Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The X-Factor of Any Company or Organization…People

In a recent job interview I was asked to describe my perfect job. I think my answer caught the interviewer a little off guard, but what I said I truly meant. My perfect job (from me in a supervisory position) is simple. One where customers are taken care of, listened to and appreciated causing them to want to come back to see you in the future. And where employees love their job so much that they can't wait to come into work the next workday. My role as a supervisor would be to try and achieve these goals. Unfortunately in many businesses and situations, customers are made to feel like they're a problem and employees hate their job. Is this really how it's meant to be? I believe that if you take care of a customer or consumer, even in the most mundane situation making their experience memorable, that person will be back. If you take care of employees to where they know they're appreciated and feel like they're an asset, it will only help grow and strengthen the company. There are many reasons why companies are successful. But in a culture where many offer the same or a similar product, something must set them apart. This something is what I call the "X-Factor" and it revolves around people. If you take care of and look after your customers and employees, your company will grow. If you see people as the most important part of your company you'll develop a healthy reputation for this and you will see the results. Now whether or not my answer lands me the job has yet to be seen. But I do know that applying the "X-Factor" to your company, business or organization will only bring great and healthy results :) Go ahead and try it...

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Doing Things Others Don't or Won't Understand

When you follow Christ we often make decisions that others just don't seem to understand. In fact, that's right where I am right now as I transition from being on staff as a pastor at my church to my next job. Often I don't think we realize how much we walk by sight instead of by faith, although many think they're actually walking by faith. In life we experience things that others may see differently or have a different perspective on, but when it's the Lord who's leading you, there's really no option other than to follow Him. People ask me where I'm going to be working and I have to say (in faith) that only God knows the answer to that right now. What I do know is that He's fully aware of my situation and has a great plan for me. Their response is usually one of surprise. My words usually don't satisfy what they're looking for and end up not understanding my journey. I'm sure you've from time to time had the same experience with others? I can't help but think of those Jesus said to follow Him early on in His ministry. Their response was one of obedience and they left (forsook) everything that they knew in order to follow Him. That's the journey I'm on right now. One of uncertainty and the unseen, but at the same time one of trust, surrender and obedience. Please take a moment to watch this incredible clip of some other people who chose to do something that others didn't understand...http://www.faithit.com/people-stunned-chose-marry-him-they-said-never-work-3-years-later-couldnt-be-better-ian-larissa/

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Not Knowing Where You're Going Yet Being OK With It...

The job search continues...with lots of "We're sorry but..." responses and for the time being. I must say that the roller coaster of ups and downs is like nothing I've experienced recently. For those of you who know me, I'm a planner and strategist who loves to have things laid out. I know this can't happen 100% of the time, but I try to do it as much as possible. My walk of faith in this season, just like many others have to live out, is one of trusting God completely, even when I can't see what He's doing or where He's leading. I want answers, timing and direction. He says, "Do you trust Me?" But Lord I only have 5 weeks left at my present job. Again He says, "Do you trust Me?" I cling to Hebrews 11:1 on my journey which says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." If I can see it, is it really faith? If I have a hand in making it happen, is it faith? Great questions for sure! Here's what I do know: 1) God knows my needs 2) God is for me and not against me 3) God is my provider and protector and 4) And every one of God's promises will come to pass. The season I'm in is so good for me, as it pushes me toward God and strengthens my faith in Him. I'm learning to rest in His goodness and peace, while winning the battle against failure and discouragement. What I can tell you right now is that God has my life in His hands and has everything under control. People ask me how I'm doing and if I'm OK? My answer to that is simple, true and gives me peace. I'm doing good, my relationship with Him is growing even deeper, and my walk of faith is strong. I must never forget that faith is a muscle which must be exercised daily :)

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Lessons I'm Learning As I Search For A Job


No news yet on the job scene, but I continue turning in applications on a daily basis to companies. As I knock on employment doors, I don't simply want a job, but the right job that God has for me. Over the past month as the job search has ramped up, I am learning many things on a daily basis. I've decided to share a few of them with you in no particular order. Firstly, the old saying, "It's not what you know but who you know" couldn't be more true. In looking for a job, if you know someone or have a connection, it can open up lots of doors for you. This is so much more true than I could have imagined. Secondly, I have run across some people who care way more about you and who you are as a person than what you do, have, or could do. Too many times all a person is interested in is what you can do. How sad when this is their focus. As good leaders know, if you care for, empower and strengthen a person, they will become a better employee and help build the organization. Thirdly, discouragement is a vicious enemy when looking for a job. It seems to be at every turn, knocking on the door, just to remind you about how things are going and how much of a failure you are. I couldn't imagine going through this without the Lord, who is my strength, shield and lifter of my head. Some close friends recently reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11 and Hebrews 6:10. Both were just what I needed at the right time. Thank you to you both :) And finally, it's hard work looking for a job. It takes endurance, perseverance, strength, strategy, timing and a lot of God. Anyone who thinks sitting at home waiting for the call will get you a job is probably still unemployed and sitting at home. You have to be a go-getter! Chase your dreams and knock every door you can! And listen for God's still, small voice as He whispers how much He loves you and cares about you :) Continue to pray for me in this season of my life and the faith-filled journey of following Christ.