Weekly Thought – July 1, 2025

Fred never loafed. He believed in the work ethic, not the wish ethic. As he and Mary Alice raised their children a familiar phrase “when nothing but the will says ‘go.’” Its original is questioned, but the meaning of it in the Smith household was clear: “we don’t lean on our feelings, but on doing what is right and what needs to be done.”

Being a “Can Do” Leader

I was interested in a recent survey that studied the difference between successful and unsuccessful businesses. The top executives of major companies were surveyed. The one outstanding difference recognized between successful and unsuccessful executives was this: the successful says “I will.” The unsuccessful says, “I should, I expect to, I need to get around to it, or as we says in Texas, I am fixin’ to.”

Nothing happens until someone says, “I will.” That is the action of the decisive individuals. He picks up a great idea, writes it down, goes back to the office and says, “I will.” And he does it! My daughter often reminds me this principle applies to female leaders, as well. The other one (is this okay Brenda?) gets a good idea, may even write it down, and get it back to the office. But there is where the difference shows up. Their response is, ‘I will get around to this shortly.” Shortly seldom comes, so the same easy chair in the same rut is the place of choice.

The only difference between success and failure is found in that decision on taking action or delaying it. The old story tells of decision making patterns; 1) Ready, fire, aim; 2 Fire, fire, fire; 3) Ready, aim, aim, aim 4)and the wise pattern is ready, aim, fire. The line between the styles are thin, to be sure – but critical.

My friends in the insurance industry say it this way: “The successful agent does what the unsuccessful one won’t.” The high producing agent makes the call, does the prospecting, prepares the presentation through a knowledgeable process, and asks for the sale. And key is the fact that they do this over and over!

Too often the unsuccessful spends times organizing forms, reading the sales manuals, magazines, and attending industry meetings where absolutely no prospectives are. Then finished with the backroom work they wait for the ideal time to make the initial call. Too often “the perfect time” doesn’t come.

In my experience right thinking leads to right action which leads to the right results.

This week think about: 1) How can I motivate myself from “I ought to” to “I will?” 2) What good habits carry me through the rough times? 3) How do I take control of my daily activities and decision?

Words of Wisdom: “Nothing happens until someone says ‘I will.’”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now give me wisdom and discernment so I can effectively lead this nation. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours.”(2 Chronicles 1:10 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 3, 2025

Fred believed in the development and use of his God-given gifts. As a teenager a traveling evangelist came to his church and left Fred with words which created a lifelong mission. “Fred, I want you to always remember this paraphrase of Proverbs 18:16: “Take the gift that God has given you, and use it, and you will stand before great men.” The framed words always hung on his office wall.

Creating a Winning Environment

When I saw the old wrangler on whose life the movie “The Horse Whisperer” was based I felt that he was a kindred spirit. He used empathy rather than dominance to achieve his goals. He transformed both the role of the wrangler and the experience of the horse by moving from a hierarchical system, which was tyrannical to a team, or mutual benefit, program. He no longer depended on the horse’s fear but on its friendship. His orders became friendly suggestions that he knew would be accepted.

The famed “winningest coach,” John Wooden of UCLA basketball, used his own nondictatorial system. Reportedly, he never mentioned the word “win” to any of his teams. He simply emphasized the concept of doing one’s best. This was an entirely different emphasis from the usual pre-game pep talk in the locker rooms of his day. Wooden’s philosophy excluded using dirty tricks, bending the rules, violating recruiting regulations and falsifying grades, all of which winning teams often rationalize. Wooden made it possible to win even when losing (which wasn’t often) as long as the men on his teams did their best. He had an eye for talent and for men who would grow in an atmosphere that demanded their best. He built teams of honorable men.

The goal of leadership is to accomplish the vision of our calling. We optimize our associates’ gifts and passions as we work to attain what we genuinely believe is the will of God, and for the glory of God.

We work to find the uniqueness in others and then to develop, encourage, and reward it. We work to find and use our own giftedness so that one day we may hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Catching a vision and then creating an atmosphere in which talented men and women thrive in the role of the leader. Working together in tandem, not operating in an authoritarian system is the sign of a healthy organization.

This week think about:1) What is my uniqueness, as Fred would say? 2) What is my response to a tyrannical workplace? 3) Who can I encourage to find their giftedness and develop it?

Words of Wisdom: “The goal of leadership is to accomplish the vision of our calling.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Then they will realize this is your work, and that you, LORD, have accomplished it.” (Psalm 109:27 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – May 27, 2025

Fred grew up facing numerous difficulties, but lived with the maxim: “You can either get bitter or better.” He didn’t adopt an artificial sugar-coated attitude. He liked to say he was not an optimist, nor a pessimist, but a realist.

Avoiding A Bitter Taste

The little black book some use as a “get-even-with” list is nothing more than a poison package. Scripture says “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” Revenge has no place in the mature life… it is an acid that eats away at the inner being.

Some individuals are unfortunate enough to build their lives around a single hurtful episode, focusing on vengeance until it becomes a lifetime obsession. It makes the person mean-spirited, cynical, unhealthy, desperate, and joyless. And this person is certainly unpleasant to be around.

Avoiding bitterness when seriously hurt is difficult. Sometimes it is caused by an individual; sometimes it is a particular event or situation. We all know men and women still scarred by abuse, physical ailments, or emotional damage. These wake up each morning with the proverbial “chip on their shoulders.” On the other hand, there are many who live with grace and forgiveness. These can move on to maturity and health.

After speaking at a prayer breakfast in Wichita, KS an executive invited me to see a plant where 200 men and women with learning disabilities were employed. He was chairman of this company’s board and was insistent I travel to the plant with him. I must admit this activity wasn’t on my pre-planned itinerary.

I am so glad he invited me.

We arrived and I was told most of the employees were born with Down Syndrome. We toured and I asked him, “How often do you visit this location?” “Almost every day” was his response. It was clear the employees loved him as they greeted us with hugs and smiles. When we got toward the end a young woman enthusiastically greeted him with a bear hug. He turned to me and said, “Fred, I want you to meet our daughter.” I immediately knew this man could have chosen to become bitter, but he became better – and so did everyone around him.

This week carefully consider: 1) When have I chosen to become better, not bitter? 2) How can I be an influence for forgiveness? 3) Where have I experienced the grace of another?

Words of Wisdom: “Some individuals are unfortunate enough to build their lives around a single hurtful episode, focusing on vengeance until it becomes an obsession.”

Wisdom from the Word : “Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19 NET Bible)