Weekly Thought – March 4, 2025

Fred published the fourth of his five books: Leading With Integrity in 1999. Zig Ziglar, Fred’s longtime friend, was asked to write “a word of introduction.” This week Zig’s thoughts are featured. Fred valued the relationship and the times together. (Although the book is now out of print, frequently our weekly thoughts are generated from its content).

A Word From Zig

“My friend Fred – actually he’s more than a friend. He’s a confidant, adviser, mentor, pleasant companion and encourager. He has guided me through some deep water; given me wise counsel, answered some of my puzzling life, scriptural, and business questions; provided me with a wealth of material for my books an seminars (so much so that it’s been years since I’ve written a book that did not include a few Smithisms.)

Leading With Integrity is an extension of Fred Smith’s love for mentoring others, but especially for those who aspire to spread the gospel of Christ. You will note his economy of words as he serves up helping after helping of common sense, wise and provoking pearls that inspire and convict you to be more so you can do more.

Fred writes to you as he has talked to me since he took me under his wing years ago. At our first meeting, I had to use scraps of paper to record his gems of wisdom. Since then I’ve always brought a notepad to record his “message” for the occasion. He always gives me usable, transferable ideas.

Smithisms have become part of my vocabulary. They are good – really good.”

Editor’s note: An extensive list of Fred Saids are available on both www.breakfastwithfred.com and www.bwfli.com

This week think carefully about: 1) Who is a key influencer in my life professionally, relationally, spiritually? 2) Looking back how have I expressed gratitude to mentors and friends? 3) What “words” do I need to write or speak to those who have encouraged me?

Words of Wisdom: “Who you spend time with greatly reflects and influences your life direction.” Fred Smith, Sr.

Wisdom from the Word: “A friend loves at all times.” (Proverbs 17:17 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 25, 2025

Fred called them “one liners.” When the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute began the decision was made to create an archive on the website. They became the foundation of the “Fred Saids” tab. This week we feature 22 leadership focused wisdom bites. Select a few that can stick with you as a gift from Fred.

Fred Saids

1) Good leadership is not domination; it serves through mutual benefit.
2) True leaders have a uniqueness that must be recognized and utilized.
3) A true leader loves excellence.
4) Leaders are not capricious. They balance emotional drive and sound thinking.
5) Ultimately, it is the force of character that inspires others to follow with confidence.
6) Authority, but not responsibility can be delegated.
7) A leader knows to whom he/she can delegate and to whom work can only be assigned.
8) Whoever is under a leader’s direction should also be under the leader’s protection.
9) Leaders need the humility of simplicity… simplicity developed beyond complexity.
10) A leader must see the project as a whole, not just its parts. Sometimes, the love of a specialty must be sacrificed to the overall accomplishment of the vision.
11) Every decision should be evaluated considering risk versus reward. Long term winners play with the odds with them, not against them.
12) Leaders can be innovators or maintainers – one originates while the other stands for the status quo.
13) Those who want no fences are usually predators.
14) Humor can open even the most closed mind.
15) We express our values by our choices.
16) Speak to express, not impress.
17) Strong leaders never institute a policy they cannot enforce – it weakens the confidence of others.
18) It is good indeed when the passionate are right.
19) Intelligent leaders profit from their mistakes by not repeating them.
20) No sluggard can succeed in leadership.
21) No one is qualified to lead until the art of obedience is learned.
22) Leadership consists of getting people to work with you, and not just for you.

This week think about: 1) Which of these strike a chord and can be applied this week? 2) How can I use these thoughts to develop others? 3) What questions would I ask Fred if we were having breakfast?

Words of Wisdom: This week just pick a favorite.

Wisdom from the Word: “This also comes from the Lord of hosts. He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” (Isaiah 28:29 ESV)

Weekly Thought – February 18, 2025

Fred carefully studied leaders of all generations, reading biographies and engaging in conversations. He stayed current and “in the loop” as he frequently said. One of his favorite “Fred Saids” was: “Principles never change – just the illustrations.” These words were written in the late 1990s… timely and timeless example of his comment.

Standing Steadfast

I heard writer Chaim Potok say “a true leader is never absorbed in the stream in which he swims.” Scripture calls this being transformed rather than conformed.

Our society is facing many positions that require challenge and clarification. For example, relativism, situational ethics, personal responsibility versus rights, acquisition and distribution of wealth, equality, political expediency, peer pressure and self-love as expressed in image and significance.

Values and ethics have become a hot subject… almost to the point of becoming a cultural fad. Big philanthropic dollars are flowing to think tanks to study the topic; colleges are establishing departments to investigate their impact; and writers are prolifically cranking out page after page for best seller lists.

I once spoke to a conference built around the theme of “values based leadership.” Everything said was well and good, but I felt I needed to point out we need to ground our human values in divine virtues or we end up being controlled by our human desires, vacillating according to our human interests.

True authenticity requires the foundation of virtue (which is scriptural) not just values manufactured in convenience and social exigency. We need to build on God.

Just as Newton did not create gravity, but discovered it, so we cannot create true virtues. We can discover them and make them the bedrock of our value system. We must always be careful not to sacrifice on the altar of popular acceptance and current thought. Values without virtues are barren.

This week think about: 1) How often do I sacrifice Biblical virtues for cultural values? 2) What role am I to play in calling my sphere of influence to transformation, not conformation? 3) Who defines steadfast contemporary moral, Biblical stands?

Words of Wisdom: “Values without virtues are barren.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.” (Colossians 3:14 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 11, 2025

Fred believed leaders made decisions which determined the character of their organizations. He reminded groups of leaders that they could never make exceptions for themselves. They were responsible to make sure decisions were in line with the values and mission of the organization.

Character Counts

Decision makers hold the responsibility for disciplined choices and direction. In considering this aspect of leadership it is critical to look at the undisciplined, not just the well-disciplined. Here are a few of the poor drivers which result in poor decisions.

1) Trying to maintain control. Some organizations create structures for personal, not for leadership development. Generally, the control driven leader is self-serving. Dictators do not develop great succession plans.
2) Trying to outdo the competition. Heathy competition is one part of the infrastructure of commerce, but conniving, fraudulent practices to undercut and undermine others makes for bad decisions.
3) Refusing to admit mistakes. Effective leaders must name and claim mistakes as quickly as possible. The loss must be minimized and the remedial actions must begin immediately. Denying mistakes does not work for real leaders.
4) Hiring or promoting people based on politics. A leader’s first question should be: “Will this person and or move help the organization to fulfill the mission?” The wrong question always is: “will this person and or move vote my way or forward my personal goals?”

True tested, disciplined character is required for the building and leading of an organization with honesty, integrity, and purpose. Disciplined decisions avoid rationalizations, irresponsible and self-serving choices.

This week carefully consider: 1) When have I let personal goals allow an undisciplined decision? 2) How can I help others avoid these pitfalls? 3) What safeguards have I established to ensure my character holds even under the fiercest fire?

Words of Wisdom: “Strong, effective leaders understand that exceptions to organizational values are unacceptable – even for themselves.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For you know yourselves how you must imitate us, because we did not behave without discipline among you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 4, 2025

Fred appreciated talented leadership. He studied them, and spent time associating with strong men and women always learning. He particularly liked the thinking of Max DePree, founder of Herman Miller Furniture Company and author of Leadership Jazz. Fred often quoted DePree: “The number one responsibility of top management is to define reality.”

Following the Mandate

Once the leader defines reality, sets the vision, and gathers a consensus around the mission the organization can move forward with the mandate: “designing programs, recruiting, culture, and an operational strategy. It is key to decide what the business or ministry will and will not do.

1) Loyalty to the mandate, not the leader is critical. The leader must say “I am subservient to the mandate; you don’t serve me. Your job isn’t to make me happy. And don’t keep me in charge unless I fulfill the mandate.”
2) Narrow the focus. There needs to be specificity in the mandate. It should not be possible to interpret a mandate except in a narrow sense. That discipline enables the leader to set boundaries within which programs are developed.
3) Create the right team. When a leader is sure of the mandate, he or she can create a more effective team. The proper team can generally be selected by the fit with the mandate.
4) Call is different from mandate. Mandate is institutional; calling is personal. A leader needs to have a clear sense of call and the dedication to serve effectively. A continuing measure of a leader’s call against the organizational mandate ensures the proper fit.

As leaders think about the mandate for their organizations, they should remember: the simplest way it can be accomplished is the most effective. Organizations tend to let what they do become too complicated. Albert Einstein once said, “God does what He does in its simplest form.” Einstein again counseled “Make things as simple as possible, but no simpler.”

Define the reality and bring it to life.

This week stop to think about: 1) Where do I tend to move from simplicity? 2) How clear am I on the difference between my personal calling and my organization’s mandate? 3) Who models putting ego satisfaction away?

Words of Wisdom: “Call is different from mandate. Call is personal; mandate is institutional.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I heard the voice of the Lord say, ‘Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?’ I answered, ‘Here I am, send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – January 28, 2025

Fred followed the principle: strong leaders identify patterns of behavior in their associates, especially those who are close to them. He had a God-given ability to read people; he spent his life developing and using the gift in order to “stretch others” which was his goal.

People Patterns

I have found helpful to employ people in the area of their gifts and passions. When you do this you only have to correlate their gifts and their work, not supervise them. In furthering this process I want to know:

1) Character: How a person uses his or her intelligence, and gifts is determined by their character. An executive friend of mine had a sign on his desk: “You can trust me to be who I say I will do and I will do what I say I will do.”
2) Confidence: It allows a person to attempt a task with a positive attitude and concentration. The lack of concentration is often disastrous.
3) Concept of self: I am not talking about self-image, but self-worth. This factor is related to the willingness to accept responsibility and self-development.
4) Collegial skills: The ability to operate effectively with teams is important. Loners can be stars, but they seldom flourish on teams. Understanding whether a person is cooperative or competitive under which conditions and circumstances makes a difference.
5) Commitment: The loyalty to the organization’s vision makes a person a good fit in addition to their skills and passions.

This “people reading discernment” is particularly important as measured by the size of the organization. One person out of place in a group of 100 represents 1%; the wrong person in the wrong place in a group of five represents 20%.

Understanding behavior is the key to peak performance. Reading people is essential to effective leadership.

This week carefully consider: 1) How do I evaluate those in my business, community service, or friends? 2) Which area is my strongest? Weakest? 3) What plans do I have to continue growing in discernment?

Words of Wisdom: “Strong leaders identify patterns of behavior.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For wisdom will enter your heart, and moral knowledge will be attractive to you.” (Proverbs 2:10 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 31, 2024

Fred “broke out in hives” (as he would say) when being manipulated. He highly regarded his good friend Zig Ziglar whose healthy motivation helped hundreds of thousands during Zig’s lifetime. Those who “worked others over to get their own way” received no applause from Fred.

Walking the Fine Line

We all agree motivation is good and manipulation is bad. But sometimes only a fine line separates the two, and it’s difficult to always know which side you’re on. The issues aren’t always clear-cut – what may be a legitimate case of motivation in one situation could, with a different intent, be manipulation.

For example, Mary Alice hid eggplant in a casserole to introduce it to me knowing I said I would never eat it. I complimented her dinner preparation: “This new dish is really good. What is it?” When she told me I had to decide if I was being motivated, or manipulated. Her motivation was a key factor. And besides, it really was good!

A psychiatrist friend chided me one night by saying, “You businessmen mistake manipulation for motivation. The difference is you can substitute the word ‘Thirst’ for motivation, but not for manipulation.” He was saying unless you are satisfying someone’s thirst, you are probably on the wrong side of the line. I can motivate with integrity because I am bringing to consciousness a genuine thirst.

I was motivated in my appreciation of Dixieland music, for example by Senator S.I. Hayakawa. He was an absolute authority. During one evening we began a discussion about the subtleties. He played on my intellectual interest to attract me to Dixieland. Later I realized that he, an excellent teacher and semanticist, had instilled a deeper interest.

At no time during our conversation did he expect my compliments on his teaching skills. He never said, “I’m going to try to intrigue you.” He simply intrigued me. He saw the thirst. He motivated and enlivened an interest I already had. He deepened it.

This week consider: 1) How clear am I on the distinction between motivation and manipulation? 2) Who has recognized thirst in me and motivated me to grow? 3) When am I tempted to slide into manipulation?

Words of Wisdom: “I can motivate with integrity because I am bringing to consciousness a genuine thirst.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Take note of the one who has integrity. Observe the upright. For the one who promotes peace has a future.” (Psalm 37:37 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 24, 2024

Fred, as a young man, received his early corporate experience at General Shoe Corporation (GENESCO) in the personnel department. His understanding of human behavior was soon recognized and gave him opportunities to quickly advance. The efficacy of training was a particular expertise. This week’s piece offers excellent counsel for trainers.

Criteria for Effective Training

In every aspect of business it is important to establish measurements. This is especially true for those responsible for training. Here are five questions I have found to be helpful in evaluation.

1) Is this job fitting well with his or her talents? If the answer is no, then I have little possibility of maximizing the person’s potential. It is my job to make sure job, talents, and temperament mesh. For example, putting a loner into a team operation will grind the gears long term.

2) How much willingness to do the job am I seeing? I watch to see if the person is basically enthusiastic about opportunity. If the job is simply something to fill time and provide a paycheck, I don’t expect much.

3) How consistent is the person’s effort? Sporadic effort is not what I want. A friend once told me, “The amateur plays well when he feels like it; the pro performs well whether he feels like it or not.” Long-term, consistent, day-in, day-out effort is what pays off in an organization.

4) What are the objective results? A lot of people give activity, talk, and excuses but produce little. Some get by for years without really producing. I know a man who is regularly praised. When I asked what specifically was highly regarded. “Oh, he’s got personality. He is such a likable guy.” But bottom line: he has never produced anything.

5) Is this person willing to be evaluated? I am not going to spend time developing somebody who resists having his results measured. Those who let me know they are self-evaluated and refuse feedback are not candidates for upward progress.

This week think carefully about: 1) How can I apply these questions in my work, my parenting, my community/church relationships? 2) Which question is most helpful in my current situation? 3) What can I do to help someone who is growing?

Words of Wisdom: “Long-term, consistent, day-in, day-out effort is what pays off in an organization.”

Wisdom from the Word: “A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 17, 2024

Fred thoroughly enjoyed watching talented people maximize their gifts. He urged everyone to discover and develop their “uniqueness.” He especially appreciated those who could take an idea, mobilize others around it, and see it realized.

Vision Gathering

Leaders coagulate followers around the vision, not themselves. This is where we see integrity. Drawing followers to the person and not the vision is embezzlement. Using personal magnetism as a means of getting things done is, to me, manipulation. Genuine leadership gathers people around the purpose of the organization. Toward that end leaders must recognize:

1) Distinction between decisions and commitments. The first is short-term, the second is long term. Decisions can be for a limited project while commitments are aimed at the ultimate purpose. Both are necessary. People committed only to the long-term vision and not to specific tasks will not accomplish much. For an organization to thrive, the leader’s job is to produce the activity which then moves forward the overall vision. The leader must move people from decision to commitment.

Wise leaders know that when they get a decision, even a group decision, they have not gotten commitment. One of the worst mistakes a leader can make is getting a group to decide something they will not commit to. In the emotional moment of decision you can assume they are committed, but if not, things will fall apart.

2) The “driving wheels.” There’s a difference between people who provide the momentum in an organization and those who ride. Wise leaders know that if they get the driving wheels committed, they will bring the others along. Without the commitment of the driving wheels, the organization moves with an unsteady rhythm.

The best way to persuade the driving wheels if not with emotion, but with comprehension. My close friend, Jack Turpin (founder and president of Hallmark Electronics) gave a speech on sustained excellence. He has no lasting respect for short-term excellence. “Anybody who can reach excellence should try to sustain it,” he said. He knows how hard that is. He went on to say the only way people will perform excellently over the long term is if they fully comprehend what they are doing. A decisions based on emotional fervor won’t last; a fully comprehended commitment will.

Leaders must be honest about the vision, the effort necessary, and the reasons for the commitment.

This week carefully consider: 1) Am I clear about the importance of both decisions and commitment? 2) What important commitments have I made? 3) How am I doing sustaining excellence?

Words of Wisdom: “Leaders must be honest about the vision, the effort necessary, and the reasons for the commitment.”

Wisdom from the Word: “O Lord, teach me how you want me to live. Then I will obey your commands. Make me wholeheartedly committed to you.” (Psalm 86:11 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 10, 2024

Fred addressed a large group of pastors in the early 1980s on leadership, by their request. His talk became part of a chapter in his book, Learning to Lead. As you will see, it stimulated much conversation in an era when “servant leadership” held sway throughout church life.

Leadership is Serving God, not the Sheep

You invited me to talk with you about “Pastor as leader.” The right concept of leadership is vital. Some people distinguish between the theoretical and the practical as if theory is not practical. A friend cleared this up for me: “Nothing is as practical as a correct theory.”

Currently one of the most popular concepts is “servant leadership.” Properly understood, it’s a helpful concept, but it has been terribly abused. The Christian leader is primarily a servant of God, not of each sheep. You are a servant or God, given to absolute obedience to what He says. To extend that to say you are the servant of each and every sheep is a fallacy. Let me be clear, this doesn’t mean you aren’t the prayerful undershepherd, but the Chief Shepherd is God Himself.

Steve Brown said he nearly became neurotic when he thought he worked for the church because that meant he had five hundred bosses. When your boss calls in the middle of the night to tell your something, you’re supposed to do it. If everybody in the church is your boss and you’re their servant, you’ve got an absolutely intolerable situation.

If the pastor’s gift is leadership (as evidenced by having followers) then the major expression of their service is leading. Scripture tells us that those who receive it are to lead diligently.

This position is difficult for some pastors to accept because of their personality makeup. Some pastors prefer serving people. Leaders who say, “Anything you need, let me know. I’ll cut your lawn; I’ll drive your kids to school” are not serving God, nor are they offering the best to their people. They are failing to understand the doctrine of spiritual gifts. We are to carefully identify our gifts and then operate within them.

The gift of leadership, as all the others, comes with challenges. If you, as pastor, or organizational head define your comfort zone by being liked, respected, and appreciated, leadership is difficult. If the gifts of helps or mercy are foundational, then you serve a great, essential purpose, but the discomforts of leading are probably an indicator that leadership is not your primary gift.

This week think carefully about: 1) Do Fred’s words from the 1980s have relevance for me today? 2) How clearly have I defined my spiritual gifts? 3) Where has Fred challenged my thinking about servant leadership?

Words of Wisdom: “If the pastor’s gift is leadership (as evidenced by having followers) then the major expression of their service is leading.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Therefore, you shepherds, listen to the LORD’s message.” (Ezekiel 34:9 NET Bible)