The Will to Win

Weekly Thought – September 5, 2017

Fred processed continually. He looked at life through the lens of philosophy, psychology, and faith. He saw the nature of God and the nature of man as the groundwork for all worldviews and thought structures. He loved thinking and thankfully he preserved thousands of these thoughts and inklings for us.

Please know we are thankful for your support of BWF. Your support enables us to continue Fred’s legacy through these emails, the Breakfast with Fred Leadership Institute, and www.breakfastwithfred.com Financial gifts are tax deductible and deeply appreciated.

The Will to Win

Mary Alice and I have six grandchildren. Our three children keep us amply supplied with pictures. Mary Alice is now thoroughly enjoying the second generation and the opportunity to be a grandmother. I am grateful for them and all they represent. They are great pictures, but that isn’t what is important. It will be what the children see in themselves that matter. An eminent psychologist told me, “Fred, what a boy thinks it takes to be a man and what a girl thinks it takes to be a woman then tells me what I need to know to predict their behavior.”

But there is more – and something we can’t see in the photographs… the will to win, the drive to be a pro. Only time will show if they have the willingness to play hurt, to concentrate on becoming the best at one thing. I have always liked Paul’s focus: “This one thing I do.”
Just this week I was playing golf with the head of a marketing company who said, “We can now test for most things in a man’s ability and personality, but we can’t test to ascertain the price he is willing to pay for success.”

A highly successful executive and I were listening to world-class athlete Bob Richards tell what it meant to win an Olympic gold medal. My friend leaned over and whispered to me, “I may not be an Olympic winner on the outside, but I am one on the inside.” He has the will to win.

That is where the real champion starts for all of us. The desire, training, and ability to stay in there, lose, and then keep on coming on – that is the will. And this is not just an attribute of an athlete – this is seen in the factory, the home, the office, and in church life. We can all be pros.

When I look into the eyes of our grandchildren, I see promise and greatness (after all they do have our DNA), and I pray they will see in themselves a reason to pay the price of accomplishment and achievement. More than that, we want them to be people of character – that is the true win.

This week think about: 1) How serious am I about maximizing my gifts? 2) Who needs my encouragement and word of hope this week? 3) What is stopping me from doing my best?

Words of Wisdom: “That is where the real champion starts for all of us. The desire, training, and ability to stay in there, lose, and then keep on coming on – that is the will.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12 NET Bible)

Persevere

Weekly Thought – August 29, 2017

Fred was born September 1, 1915. His was a childhood marked by economic depression, physical disability, and many moves. But he was also exposed to ideas, dreams, and goals which helped define his adult life. As he writes to this young man asking about ways to live successfully, Fred adds several “Don’ts” to the list of “Do”s. We will look at several in the next few weeks.

Persevere

Don’t give up. Once I was working with the great lawyer J. Mack Swigert on a difficult labor relations case. It was more than difficult – it looked impossible to me. Feeling the need for a mattress to fall on in the event we lost, I started listing the good reasons we might not win. He stopped he cold and quickly.

“Fred, it’s better to win – you don’t have to explain a win, and you can’t explain a loss.” He added, smiling “And the fees are better and paid more quickly for a win.” Yes, we won.

Don’t spend time giving up on thinking of reasons you should give up. Did you ever wonder why the follow-through in golf is so important? The “high finish” is what every great pro promotes. It doesn’t have anything to do with hitting the ball. It comes after the ball is struck. Then why worry about the follow-through? Simple. Follow-through shows you didn’t start stopping before making contact with the ball. Most casual golfers stop (or at least start stopping) the club before it hits the ball. When you finish high you know you accelerated through the ball as you should. The follow-through evidences not quitting. Just so, it is important to develop winning habits that won’t quit at the crucial moment, not even subconsciously.
You need to file this principle in your mental motivational muscles.

I once held a seminar for young men who had lost heavily in a serious economic downturn. For most, it was their first time to lose. Up until now they experienced upward progress with little or no losses. Many were confused and shaky. For this reason we billed the seminar “for losers, not quitters.” Losing is a temporary fact; quitting is an attitude. The film mogul Mike Todd once said, “I have been broke many times, but never poor.” Broke is in the pocket; poor is in the mind.

I have gained a reputation as a problem solver. Do you know what is the key? I assume there is a solution. Thinking there is no answer leads to almost certain death of creativity. It dulls the mental juices. When you operate from the position of knowing there is a solution – you just have to find it, your creativity kicks in. Now, it doesn’t mean the answer is always easy, or even the one you originally sought, but it does free you up to consider all alternatives. Keep on keeping on – it is a great habit.

This week think about: 1) How creative am I in solving problems? 2) Who has influenced my ability to persevere? 3) What would help me develop my “stick-to-it”?

Words of Wisdom: “Broke is in the pocket; poor is in the mind.”

Wisdom from the Word: “As a result we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you are enduring.” (2 Thessalonians 1:4 NET Bible)

Be Ye Doers

Weekly Thought – August 22, 2017

Fred encouraged results. He appreciated process and activity, but focused on the outcome. Those who came to him with lots of talk but nothing else found him to give little comfort. His training by Maxey Jarman deeply impacted his own path and that of many others.

Be Ye Doers

Make results your measure for activity. A friend had this wall motto: “Results is the only excuse for activity.” It sounds obvious, but amazingly few people are really results oriented. Most are satisfied with activity and best effort. They forget there are no medals for “best try.” Results count, not activity.

The best way to stay focused is to keep asking, “What am I really trying to accomplish?” My friend Baxter Ball, VP of Mobil put it into an arithmetical symbol “+4.” When he said, “Just give me the +4 he wanted to deal without any embellishments…” he wanted the nut of the matter. Don’t ask me where he got it. I just knew what he meant when he said it!

Many regale others (especially bosses) with the details of exhausting activity: how many miles they traveled, how tough the job is, how many hours they worked, etc. expecting this to make up for lack of activity. It is my experience that those who use activity to produce results downplay the preparation and highlight the outcome. Reports of poor production are often prefaced with excuses and rationalizations.

One of my more caustic friends was listening to a young executive tell how tired he was. The young employee went through how much trouble he had on the job, how difficult it was, and what unexpected problems arose. In the midst of this my friend interrupted, “Please show me the baby and don’t tell me about the labor pains.” I totally grabbed that and my children, business associates, and others who come for counsel will hear it if they start wandering down the activity trail instead of showing results.

I ask you, was my friend discourteous? No, not one bit. He was teaching results and not effort. Unfortunately, for many individuals and companies, this lesson is never learned. As an aside, I believe parents who reward and award where results do not exist are doing a disservice to their children. There is a clear line between parental encouragement and building a fantasy world of expectations. Children who try but do not accomplish will never be high achievers. A parent should learn how to find a child’s areas of strength and guide them to productive activity, not just activity.

On my wall is a plaque given to me by Mason Roberts when he was President of Frigidaire. “Having done my best today, it will be easier to do better tomorrow.” Each night as he left the office he would tear off a day on his desk calendar, thank God for the day and assess his progress. If, however, he didn’t feel he had accomplished enough, he would hang up his hat, sit down, and work until he felt comfortable enough to leave. For Mason, results mattered.

This week think about: 1) How can I manage myself to focus on results, not just activity? 2) What hinders my progress? 3) Where do I need to discipline my activity to produce more results?

Words of Wisdom: “Reports of poor production are often prefaced with excuses and rationalizations.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.” (1 Corinthians 12:6 NET Bible)

Trading Hat

Weekly Thought – August 15, 2017

Fred took his last earthly breath at 9:15am on August 17th. The afternoon before his last words were “I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; I’ve learned to trust in God.” He loved the gospel hymn “Through It All.” His daughter read to him each day. The hymn story that day was “When They Ring Those Golden Bells.” “They will ring for me soon” was his comment. Then later he mouthed the words to Andrae Crouch’s well-loved song.

Trading Hat

An executive generally play three positions simultaneously. Each requires separate skills. First, as a member of the boss’s team. On this team the role is as a peer among others at this same level.

Second, as the quarterback of the team of direct reports. On this one the role of peer is inappropriate. The final decision belongs to the quarterback. The huddle is great and useful for advice, but in 30 seconds the quarterback must have the play called and action underway. Most huddles don’t use a vote.

Thirdly, as a coach to younger and more inexperienced men and women coming up through the organization. This should be a natural process as upward movement occurs. As a coach, the role is secondary to the younger employee’s own quarterback and team. Confusion occurs if the coach tries to take the place of the quarterback.

At Fort Monmouth one of the officers described the unique genius of the American soldier as the ability to move from corporal to sergeant to lieutenant quickly on the field of battle without formal training or ceremony. The speaker pointed out that this distinguished them from other fighting forces which lacked this flexibility.

A good team member with less talent will make a greater contribution to the corporation team effort than a maverick with greater talent. The “individualist” causes problems which interrupt the steady progress. When one focuses on personal gain and visibility to the detriment of the team organizational chaos results. Sometimes extraordinary talent must be sacrificed for the good of the well-performing team. Often in sports hot shots make a team suffer when they won’t sublimate their own numbers for the good of the team.

Another challenge to a well-run team is rhythm. When certain members want to rethink decision ad infinitum (and even ad nauseum) hinders progress. It is important to understand the roles and the responsibilities – and how final decisions are made. Understanding when input is accepted and when it is no longer received is part of the successful pattern of team work.

This week think about: 1) How many teams am I on? 2) Which role do I handle most effectively? 3) Who am I coaching currently?

Words of Wisdom: “A good team member with less talent will make a greater contribution to the corporation team effort than a maverick with greater talent.”

Wisdom from the Word: “May the Lord your God be praised because he favored you by placing you on the throne of Israel! Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he made you king so you could make just and right decisions.” (1Kings 10:9 NET Bible)

Plan Your Progress

Weekly Thought – August 8, 2017

Fred’s thinking aided men and women for decades. He didn’t “shoot from the hip,” even though his style seemed extemporaneous. He invested hours considering questions from others who asked for his help. This week we excerpt some of his ideas on getting ahead in business.

Please continue praying for BWFLI as we develop the BWFLI Mentoring Roundtable which will roll out in 2018. We are organizing his mentoring questions, articles, and Fred Saids on the subject for use in focused campus events.

Plan Your Progress

File your flight plan carefully. It isn’t enough to have a personal plan for progress. It is also important to know how and with whom to file. Don’t assume the boss knows what you want for the future. Tell him or her carefully. They may think (and probably do) you want to do anything the company wants you to do. If you have a preference, then it is best to let it be known enough in advance not to work an inconvenience on the corporation at the time a change comes up. Be clear on what promotions, what segment of the business, or even location you prefer. Be willing to be inconvenienced for the business. But also recognize there is always a strong possibility your goals and that of the company can be coordinated. Don’t assume everyone knows.

Be sure your personal plan is written out. Often I’ve asked people what they want and their answer is, “Something better.” They wanted me to define it for them because they had not taken the time and effort to do it for themselves. Personally, I don’t believe I have ever had a boss who was more interested in my progress than I was. And certainly they didn’t have a greater responsibility for it than I did. Therefore, I needed to work the plan out in writing and as specifically as possible.

Senior executives have a clearer view of the overall strategy and the road ahead. There is a more satisfactory fit if they know what you want. Most will be impressed if they see you have thought it out. However, you don’t want to express these plans in a way which appears self-serving, or threatening.

And a warning: don’t give out more of the plan than is reasonable for the foreseeable future. If you want to be President, it is usually better to get to Vice President first! Too much advance talking can bring envy, opposition, and frustration. Keep a great deal of flexibility in any plan. Give out only those parts to those who can help at the appropriate time.

Be sure your plan is of mutual benefit to your employer. A selfish plan is dangerous. If it is totally selfish, then keep it to yourself. Selfish plans require manipulation and they don’t usually work out naturally. I found those with singularly focused on self-serving goals often failed to succeed in the long run.

This week think about: 1) Is my personal progress plan in writing? 2) How clear am I at work about my career goals? 3) Who should be included in my planning?

Words of Wisdom: “Be sure your plan is of mutual benefit to your employer.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help.” (Proverbs 3:27 NET Bible)

Death’s Lessons

Weekly Thought – August 1, 2017

Fred’s use of “I am convinced” evoked confidence. His children were sure whatever followed those words were bedrock truth. He often took subjects and outlined his beliefs. In preparation for the memorial service honoring the life of a friend’s son, he laid out what death taught. At the end of the list he made a final comment to his secretary Margie Keith before she typed the material: “I believe” should be changed to “I know.” Fred was convinced.

Be looking for details on the BWFLI Mentoring Roundtable. This new initiative will help our Christian schools develop “what’s next” strategies.

Death’s Lessons

Death congeals my beliefs:

1) I believe in eternity. We don’t simply cease to exist; we go somewhere. My father, mother, and sister are somewhere called eternity. And where they are, they are free from death. The last enemy has been conquered.

2) I believe in justification through faith in Christ. I know of no one who has lived so purely in this time frame to merit eternal life. It is a gift.

3) I believe death is our enemy. It can hurt us, but not devastate us.

4) I believe in the Comforter. I have experienced the comfort and peace that passes understanding. Furthermore, I have the testimony of truthful friends who have this same experience. I feel order even in this chaos.

5) I believe in the healing power of tears. Tears wash clean like a spiritual detergent.

6) I believe good can come from hurt – even a hurt this deep. Death can be turned to life through the power of God.

7) I know this long, dark night will eventually end. I know it both by faith in His promise and through past experience.

8) I believe the dead in Christ will be reunited. I believe in the hope of joining together in heaven otherwise we would grieve “as those without hope.”

9) I believe this life is the practice and the true game comes in eternity – some leave the practice field early.

10) I believe those who die “now know as they are known.” To me, that is the most exciting part about death. Just to know what has only been seen through a glass dimly is the hope of earth and joy of heaven.

This week think about: 1) What do I believe about death? 2) How clear am I on the Christian’s afterlife? 3) Who needs me to encourage them with the hope of heaven?

Words of Wisdom: “I believe should be changed to I know.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 38,39 NET Bible)

What We Learn From Death

Weekly Thought – July 25, 2017

Fred’s longtime friend Dr. Haddon Robinson entered heaven days ago. Strangely, the material slated for today’s email was a response to the death of a dear friend’s young son. His thoughts as he sat waiting for the memorial service to begin help us all think about the way we consider death.

Your messages to us this summer about the value of our BWFLI Prayer Network encourage us.

What We Learn From Death

A young adult was being wheeled down the hospital corridor toward the operating room from which few thought he would return alive. He knew the prognosis as well as they. Nearing the door he turned to a friend and said, “What I have believed I now know.” Before this experience he could only conjecture. Now, faced with death, he knew that which he had believed was true.

As I sit here waiting for the memorial service I am thinking about the boy’s death and his parents. I think about how I will face the service. His death has gotten to me so much more than others. Why, I am not sure. However, of this I am sure: I must prepare myself for the service. I see two alternatives: Either as an observer or a participant. I could possibly be a mixture of both, but then I would never really be either.

There are three types of observers: 1) the curious onlooker who is solely satisfying his personal curiosity about a morbid subject – death; 2) the social observer satisfying the expectations of friends and relations that he be there with them in body if not in spirit; 3) A reporter-observer helping others understand and see through another’s eyes – a helpful, but less than noble motive. An observer of either any of these types would have to steel himself to the reality of death as a personal affair.

I have chosen, really without option, to be a participant. As a participant I cannot steel my emotions but must accept my individual vulnerability for his death is part of me – the bells are truly tolling for me and I must accept each pain and consequently deal with the total agony. I am hurt by this death. I am touched by his family’s grief, and I weep with the friends who weep. There will be a small group of those well-meaning escapists who will pronounce death a celebration and while I respect them I will not be participating with them. For now I must grieve for the day comes only after the night. I know “we grieve not as those who have no hope,” but we do grieve as those who have hope, but now hurt.

I share in the reality of death, not whitewashing, spiritualizing, or avoiding. I participate in this service by acknowledging my own mortality and the consequences of sin. But I participate by sharing in the truth of the Gospel for this family today – and everyone other one of us. Our time will come.

Please think about this: 1) How do I handle death? 2) When I consider my own mortality how do my priorities change? 3) Who needs my word of hope right now?

Words of Wisdom: “Before this experience he could only conjecture. Now, faced with death, he knew that which he had believed was true.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When David was close to death, he told Solomon his son: “I am about to die. Be strong and become a man! Do the job the LORD your God has assigned you by following his instructions and obeying his rules, commandments, regulations, and laws as written in the law of Moses. Then you will succeed in all you do and seek to accomplish.”” (1 Kings 2: 1-3 NET Bible)

Wisdom for the Workplace

Weekly Thought – July 18, 2017

Fred often thought out his counsel to younger ones who asked much like the Apostle Paul (Fred’s way of referencing him) wrote to Timothy. He outlined ways to mature for character development was uppermost in his thinking.

Encouraging them to grow in grace and walk in a manner worthy of their calling is our heart’s desire as we engage with college students. Please pray for our work at BWFLI.

Wisdom for the Workplace

One of the first principles of a successful job is stated simply: Do accept the first job as a complete challenge, and not just a step to the next one. Do the job well – better than anyone else, if possible. Add something to the job which didn’t exist before you accepted it. Another way to add value is to establish a better way of doing the job than the current method. Make it easier for someone to come behind you and learn it more quickly.

Talk and think about this job until you have mastered, focusing on where you are, not where you want to be until it is appropriate. Remember, this first job well done becomes your platform for the next step. You are probably thinking this is self-defeating and short-sighted. After all, you hear all the time to constantly focus on where you want to be. I disagree. Keeping your eyes and head on the job at hand and mastering it prepares you for the next step (or even steps).

You know I love golf, so think about it this way: The pros hit one golf shot at a time – each shot follows one after another. There is planning, certainly. And this planning affects the shot chosen. But once it is, everything else must be shut out, and the present shot becomes all important. Do you see how this applies to your job?

Get results where you are. Then look around to see what’s next. Your first job will be somewhat like learning to drive a car. You will have to concentrate very much on the mechanics at first. You won’t be looking at the view. As you become more proficient you can enjoy the experience of driving. But if you never master the mechanics, you will never become a masterful driver.

It is the same with a job. As you learn your way it becomes easier to do the job at hand and then experience the view of the terrain ahead. Also, you will be noticed as one who is capable and productive – a winning combination every time. Be cautious about talking about the next steps too early and too widely. If you get the reputation for always looking to get ahead it can be interpreted as selfish motivation, not participation in the progress of the business. It is hard to gather much support if you are viewed as only looking out for yourself.

Take each step seriously. And as the boy scouts are told, “Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.” Prepare by learning everything you can in each position for you will undoubtedly find that those lessons are well-integrated into the next rung on the ladder.

This week think about: 1) Who in my circle of influence needs to be reminded of these ideas? 2) How am I doing at focusing where I am? 3) What encourages me to make a strong, workable career plan?

Words of Wisdom: “Remember, this first job well done becomes your platform for the next step.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.” (Colossians 3:23 NET Bible)

The Big Business Alternative

Weekly Thought – July 11, 2017

Fred experienced all areas of business organization. As well, he served on boards of businesses and ministries which gave him a broad perspective. Continuing his counsel to the young college student, Fred talks about the issues of aligning with large corporations. These comments were written in 1976. The business environment has changed, but not surprisingly, many of the principles still apply.

Prayerful and financial support for the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute is greatly appreciated. We are preparing for the national conference in 2018, looking forward to helping students answer the “what’s next” question.

The Big Business Alternative

When young business majors push me for the “best way” to get ahead quickly, I usually suggest “go with a large, well-managed corporation for experience. After a few years of learning excellent systems, then go to a troubled, smaller corporation in a place of responsibility where your experience and knowledge can solve their problems. You will have the opportunity to be recognized and rewarded proportionately.” This is general advice and should be taken as such. I tell them they need to work out the “small print” on these plans, because there will be some.

Now a few words about national or international corporations. This is where the power is. Do you remember Willie Sutton the bank robber? He was asked, “Why do you rob banks?” His answer: “Because that is where the money is.” In the same way, going to a large corporation is going where the power is. If you want to be a big fish, get in a big pond. At least there you will have a fair shot.

An officer of a large corporation has power with many in difference categories: executives, employees, suppliers, politicians, and customers. The fringe benefits are not only financial; they are also personal. This is one of the great drivers for corporate executives. Frankly, I wouldn’t give a nickel for an executive who didn’t understand the use of power. It is necessary for action.

In a corporation, power divides into two types: Direct and Indirect. Direct is for the line executive and indirect for the staff. If you want the power to be the decision maker – the one to say yes or no -then you want direct power. If you want the power to influence decisions (and decision makers), then indirect power can be most satisfactory. Both carry much responsibility. Personally, I have always felt very responsible for influencing men in key positions. My management consulting business was built on the principles of seeing the operation, the talent, and analyzing where the “key log” was to bring solutions to problems. Even though I wield influence, the ultimate decisions and responsibility belong to the leaders.

Select the power you want. Along the way you will probably experience both. This will give you ample opportunities to see where your talents and natural drives lie. Always remember, though, the use of power is to facilitate action which will result in positive outcomes. Power held for personal gain only will create an unhealthy (and usually short-lived) environment. Choose where you can make the greatest contribution.

This week think about: 1) Where am I most effective? 2) How have my work experiences influenced my current situation? 3) Do I prefer direct or indirect power?

Words of Wisdom: “Frankly, I wouldn’t give a nickel for an executive who didn’t understand the use of power. It is necessary for action.”

Wisdom from the Word: “However, Ahikam son of Shaphan used his influence to keep Jeremiah from being handed over and executed by the people.” (Jeremiah 26:24 NET Bible)

Business – Family Style

Weekly Thought – July 4, 2017

Fred enjoyed fireworks. He took the family out on the Ohio River to see the celebration from Coney Island. A too-short rope on a brand new anchor curtailed the entertainment. One quick throw and it was gone – anchor and 3 feet of rope unattached to the boat. Life is just like that sometimes. Happy July 4th to all.

(This week we continue the conversation with a college student who is considering various business alternatives. This one is an opportunity for entering a family business).

Business – Family Style

Let’s consider your going into a family business where you are not one of the family. It can be very comfortable, secure, and also very, very frustrating. If you choose to operate as “one of the family,” it can be pleasant. However, remember the advantages always go to family members first.

If the patriarch who built the business is still active, he generally plans for a son or close relative to carry on when he lets go – if he ever does. No one ever says he has to retire. A friend of mine grew very dissatisfied by working in a family business. Promises were made to him that he would be the next President when the founder retired. It didn’t happen. He spent years counting on that assumption. By the time a change and he wasn’t given the leadership, he was too old to go out and begin again. Consequently, he ended up very frustrated yet very competent.

Another challenge is the family member who is raised with privileges in the business which are not earned, but inherited. This creates an unfair, and certainly unequal, chance for promotions. The other threat is getting cross-wise with members of the extended family. This does not just apply to active members, but all those who feel “deserving” of a voice in decisions. And in-laws can create problems, as well.
I know I have sounded rather dire, but I want you to be realistic about these situations. Certainly, there are some excellent family-owned businesses which expand the leadership roles. These are very good places to work and grow.

A word: any promises or stock, equity positions, or leadership roles should be in writing. If you bring additional expertise which is not available within the family circle you can find a place to contribute and be rewarded. But be wise and protect yourself against the vagaries of family businesses.

This career path will take more patience than you expect. So, don’t go in without financial and emotional reserves. Do your research. Study the history, the board make-up, the mission statement, and the involvement of direct and indirect family members. Understand their expectations. And protect yourself against assumptions which can cause bad feelings and frustrations.

Think about: 1) What would I say to this college student about family businesses? 2) How could I counsel other young men and women about career choices? 3) How did I “find my path?”

Words of Wisdom: “But be wise and protect yourself against the vagaries of family business.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I will walk in the way of integrity. When will you come to me? I will conduct my business with integrity in the midst of my palace.” (Psalm 101:2 NET Bible)

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