Notes on Aging – Part Two

Weekly Thought – November 10, 2015

Fred’s desire to finish well caused him to think about the process. He refused to cruise into his senior years without serious thinking. His thoughts help all of us prepare for the later years. His wife, Mary Alice, maintained a youthful outlook. In her late 80s she finally allowed others to consider her elderly.

Visits to Asbury University, Lindsey Wilson College, Alice Lloyd College, and Greenville College signal the beginning of the activities for 2016 and 2017. Thank you for praying as work is underway.

The psychologist Erik Eriksen wrote of moving deterioration to the periphery. This has been extremely helpful for me. It keeps me from bemoaning what I used to be able to do and focus on what is left. The core of my being is founded on the indestructible so that never changes. Things like physical disabilities, lack of mobility, and restricted social engagements all get pushed out to the sides. My gifts, my focus on the significant, the strengthening of relations – all these remain alive and well. My uniquenesses never change – just the way I operate does.

In aging I have found several activities I would recommend:

1) Express love. My Mother taught me the importance of touch in older age. Other friends showed me how critical it is to stay in touch. I always tell those who call, “Keep me in the loop.” One aspect of love you wouldn’t ordinarily expect is the freedom to express fear. Love is an outward motion, desiring the best for the other person.

2) Establish disciplines – It is easy to slide into schedules with no routine. I find it key to stay in regular contact with friends; to get dressed every day; to do all I can to maintain my health; and to keep my mind active through reading, thinking, and conversations.

3) Clarify the reputation – “Finishing Well” has always been a high priority. I want my last days to be ones of contribution and productivity. I don’t want to be a selfish old man.

4) Develop new interests – One of the areas I have appreciated in my older age is intercessory prayer. More and more people ask me to pray for them. I guess they think I am getting closer and closer to heaven so I must have more clout. But I find my physical immobility allows me spiritual mobility.

5) Maintain family traditions – As one who is challenged by holiday traditions I still see the value of bringing the family together and observing activities which become “Smith stories.” Mary Alice shared recipes with the women in the family and in doing so passed down her legacy.

6) Be realistic in regard to self – Older age is no time to try to run the sprint you missed in the mid-forties. Focus on the strengths and do not spend time trying to turn weaknesses into strengths. Understand limits without regret. See the value of each season.

7) Discuss final plans with counselors and especially with family – Let your family members know what your wishes are. Do good planning to avoid hardships and hard feelings.

This week think about: 1) Which of the seven particularly jumps out at me? 2) How can I plan to finish well? 3) What wisdom should I be passing on right now?

Words of Wisdom: “Put the deterioration to the periphery.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Even when you are old, I will take care of you, even when you have gray hair, I will carry you. I made you and I will support you; I will carry you and rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4 NET Bible)

Notes on Aging – Part One

Weekly Thought – November 3, 2015

Fred thought a lot about aging and humor, wanting to write books on each topic. Nothing was published but his notes provide us with great insight. This week we will dip into his collection of ideas accumulated eleven years before he died.

Planning has begun for Lindsey Wilson College, Alice Lloyd College, Asbury University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University. The year of 2016 is fully booked. Please pray for those who will be on the teams, the school steering committees, and the BWF board which leads these efforts. If you can, we would greatly appreciate your financial support. We do not charge the schools for these outstanding events. Each team member receives no honorarium, and provides transportation. However, there are many costs associated with this effort. We are totally dependent upon donations for our on-going ministry.

Notes on Aging – Part One

I’m for aging – slowly, if you please. I asked an older friend which period of life he would have liked to live, he said, “As far into the future as possible.”

I started aging Sept 1, 1915; on the back of my birth certificate is my death certificate.

Life divides into two groups: those who are aging, and those who are not: those who are aging are breathing. I am convinced you can get older without getting old.

Make a list of helpful activities for older age: 1) act as glue for the family; 2) mentor by shifting from a power position to wisdom; 3) teach; 4) encourage; 5) stay in touch through exchange of clippings, letters, calls; 6) develop intercessory prayer; 7) maintain a right attitude – stay timely, appropriate, and participatory.

Make sure to understand a good philosophy will get you to the grave, but it takes a good theology to get you through the grave.

Strive for more of God and less of me.

Prepare for old age – start early: 1) create unique and meaningful relationships; 2) make sure to have good memories; 3) develop a network broader than occupation; 4) strengthen networking skills – know people who know people.

Weed out cynicism. A cynic would ride through a sewer in a glass-bottomed boat! Not a good way to spend old age. Work to eradicate resentment, jealousy, fear, and paranoia.

Finish well – finish with a flourish. Script your last chapter but leave your hands open to the Author.

This week think carefully about: 1) How well am I aging? 2) Where do I need to do more prep? 3) What aspects of my foundation are the strongest? weakest?

Words of Wisdom: “A good philosophy will get us to the grave but a good theology will see us through the grave.”

Wisdom from the Word: “You must stand up in the presence of the aged, honor the presence of an elder, and fear your God. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32 NET Bible)

Paralysis of Perfection

Weekly Thought – October 27, 2015

Fred was the master of duct tape . The house and garage bore witness to his creativity and “temporary fixes.” He knew, however, when to focus on a problem to a permanent solution. His ability to prioritize enabled him to accomplish much.

As you consider your year-end giving, would you think about BWF Project and the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute? We received a financial gift with the following note: “We always look forward to Tuesdays because that means Breakfast With Fred.” We so appreciate your prayers, notes, and support.

Paralysis of Perfection

Perfectionism does not work well in the imperfect realm of human organization. Any leader who insists on a goal his people cannot attain is foolish. The true perfectionist has a hard time seeing any job all the nothing at all. Psychologists find perfectionism is often a defense mechanism for those who fear failure.

Or to do nothing worth doing. There was an old torch song with the words, “All or nothing at all.” That is unhealthy in relationships and especially in the leadership of people and organizations.

Scholars can narrow their range of study to the point of obscurity. In becoming an authority on the finest points reduces the opportunity for broad recognition of mistakes. The sadness in this is that some of our superb academic minds become experts in areas that limit their application and general usefulness.

An executive’s aim is progress, not perfection. Zero-defect is an idea that years ago became a wasteful management fad. Not many organizations can afford the enormous cost in effort, money, and talent. To move from 99.44% to 100.00% wasn’t even worth it for Ivory Soap!

Since the proper measure of an executive is productivity through the economical use of resources (human and material), the ideal of perfection is counter-productive.

A friend owned a company which demanded excellence from all its employees. One project became excessive in its search for faultless performance. Finally, the CEO stepped in to say, “You are striving for a level of excellence that makes no sense… you are wasting my time, man hours, and affecting my profitability.” Excellence and perfection are not synonymous.

In the parable of the talents, Christ pointed out the management problem of perfectionistic paralysis. The one talent servant who did nothing because he was afraid to do the wrong thing was the forebearer of today’s cautious perfectionists in executive ranks.

This week think about: 1) When do I use perfectionism as an avoidance technique? 2) Where would a little duct tape suffice? 3) What helps me distinguish between excellence and perfectionism?

Words of Wisdom: “Excellence and perfection are not synonymous.”

Wisdom from the Word: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NET Bible)

Color of Inner Credit

Weekly Thought – October 20, 2015

Fred’s bride of 67 years would have been 100 on Sunday of this week. They met in seventh grade English class, but didn’t date until they both graduated from Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville, TN. In those days many scamps called it Human Frog! Her devotion to Fred lasted until her last breath. On this day in 2004 just weeks before her death, she turned to him in their side by side hospital beds, looked at him and said, “You are a good looking boy!”

Please continue to pray for the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute as the 2016 and 2017 planning begins. The ability to begin conversations and create connections is a very real mission. Thank you for your encouragement.

Color of Inner Credit

Texas is my adopted home state. I was raised in Tennessee but gravitated toward the Lone Star state through business (“bidness” to Texans) and Focus Weeks on Baptist campuses. I discovered personalities as big as the hats.

My friend Vivian Mead regaled all of us with stories of growing up in West Texas. Her tales of driving people off the sidewalks seemed perfectly natural.

An anonymous friend was a devoted hunter and ended up with a rather balding old lion after a hunt. His wife ordered a wig and had it fitted on the thinning mane.

Colorful personalities are a tangible asset. I have known many businessmen who borrowed against them. But without an equivalent character, color fades. Too many attempt great efforts with only flashy styles without waiting for the slower methods. This creates a hollowness.

One successful Texas told me, “I had the ability to borrow money before I had to ability to make it.” He said he would have missed out if his profit performance justified the money he needed. He had the talent to bring color and productivity together, but not all do. In Texas they have an apt expression: “He is all hat and no cattle!” This is color without anything to back it up.

I found in Eastern corporations the wide open, personality-driven style created wariness. The “Howdy, podner” was a novelty, but often questioned. The genuine articles won over the skeptical, but the ones who tried to ride in on nothing but personality soon found a cold reception.
Colorful personalities are noticed more quickly than others. But there has to be substance – there has to be some cattle to back it up. I enjoy the bold brashness of my southwestern friends, but I also respect the effort they make to be real.

This week carefully consider: 1) Who are my colorful friends? 2) How much of what I do is personality driven? 3) What can I do to develop depth?

Words of Wisdom: “Colorful personalities are a tangible asset.”

Wisdom from the Word: “He commanded them: ‘Carry out your duties with respect for the Lord, with honesty, and with pure motives.’” (2 Chronicles 19:9 NET Bible)

Ego Capital

Weekly Thought – October 13, 2015

Fred valued the gifts of others. He spent time thinking about his friends and colleagues, considering ways to grow them – or as he said, “stretch others.” He understood his own gifts, but was not concerned with his own ego-centered footprint.

The BWFLI Prayer Network is beginning this month. Our single purpose is to lift up Christian institutions of higher education. We commit to be gap-standers holding them up before our Father God. If you want to join this group, receiving monthly emails please send your name and email address to brenda@bwfli.com

Ego Capital

Folk singer Joan Baez talked on television about American friends who had too much “psychological investment” in socialism to be able to criticize any left-leaning government, no matter how cruel.

Each group finds themselves invested so deeply they are committed often to a logical fault. Many a capitalist is obviously corrupted by wealth – by investment in that system. The intellectual gets corrupted by Marxism or Liberalism or Secular Humanism. The years spent acquiring the knowledge becomes personal, portable property. Each becomes protective of a position where notoriety has been gained. We become immovable at times because our egos are invested.

Sadly, we can confuse our personal interests with the objective truth.

I was once so unkind as to ask a doctors’ group what their reaction would be to a universal pill capable of curing all diseases without any bad side effects. Some laughed. Others questioned the practicality. But others suggested it should be researched until after their retirement. They had a great deal of ego invested in the current system.

I am convinced many leaders hold to thinking which is counterproductive for their organizations because it embodies their ideas, their methodologies, and their histories.

When asked to consult in business conflicts my first statement is “Follow the egos.” Undoubtedly, this will lead to the source of the trouble. I am not suggesting this results in resolution, but it does uncover the headwaters of the quarrel.

Ego, like stress, can be positive and negative. Certainly nothing is accomplished without the clear sense of self. But the pollution of the purpose by the desire for personal gain corrupts. A leader must know his/her gifts and operate from strength. But the true leader disciplines the ego, using the gifts to guide the organization.

This week think about: 1) Where am I allowing my ego to throw me off track? 2) How can I look at myself objectively? 3) What does a disciplined ego look like?

Words of Wisdom: “When asked to consult in business conflicts my first statement is ‘Follow the egos.’”

Wisdom from the Word: “For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3 NET Bible)

Misguided Good Intentions

Weekly Thought – October 6, 2015

Fred thought ahead so he wouldn’t be surprised. He always thought good executives had the capacity to lead without excessive noise and drama. He demonstrated this in observing: “Some executives build up a legend for sensational saves – shoe string catches – in situations that they should never have gotten into in the first place.”

In these next six months we will introduce two initiatives to serve our Christian institutions of higher education, and the next generation of leaders. Please pray as the BWFLI Prayer Network and the Women’s Leadership Cohort of BWFLI move forward.

Misguided Good Intentions

No executive gains maturity until he or she has fired a friend from a job which is clearly a misfit. Knowing this is in the person’s best interest rarely saves the outcome of a broken relationship, at least for the short term.

One of my friends made this difficult decision knowing it was necessary for his organization – and for the employee. To ignore the situation would be dishonest. Years later, the employee returned to say, “The day you fired me was one of my worst, but now I look back on it as one of the best. This was the wrong job and you had the courage to say so.”

A close friend built up a very successful business. He came to see me to talk over a key personnel issue – his son wanted to join the firm “How will you tell his Mother you are going to fire him?” I asked just like this so he felt the impact on the family, (especially his wife!) not just the business. Long before a family member is hired, they had better think about how they are going to fire them. This may never come, but being surprised leads to bad decisions.

A banker once advised me: “Never use your money to delay a failure.” Out of misguided pity, we often use out time and resources to prolong the agony of a hopeless situation while we ignore the potential of a dozen alternatives.

As a board member and friend of many Christian organizations, I see this way more than I should. The idea of “Christian love” covers up inefficient and ineffective employee relations. People who should be relieved are reassigned or moved to non-essential positions. Our stewardship of people’s gifts requires wise management.

Seeking to be popular is to hand your moral choices over to others. An example is a parent who loves a child too little to administer punishment. We know “love is willing the best for the other.” The willingness to make the tough call for the good of the individual and the organization is the hallmark of strong leadership.

Think about this: 1) How would I deal with the family business situation? 2) Who needs a tough love conversation? 3) Why do others shrink back from confronting me?

Words of Wisdom: “No executive gains maturity until he or she has fired a friend from a job which is clearly a misfit.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the tongue comes from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:1 NET Bible)

Do The Right Thing

Weekly Thought – September 22, 2015

Fred was once told he “didn’t understand how things are done” when he took an ethical stand requiring personal loss. Still, he held his position. He wasn’t a Don Quixote who jousted at windmills – he didn’t “take on” issues for the sake of crusading. He did, however, dig in when it came to an ethical posture, despite what the culture expected.

Do The Right Thing

The integrity of a leader often is shown in the stand he/she takes for right against mistaken popular concepts. This isn’t done to be difficult, or different, but daring to be right, avoiding the temptation to jump into the downstream flow. Christian leaders search for the biblical right and wrong in each issue.

The author Chaim Potok said a true leader is never absorbed in the stream in which he swims. Scripture would say this leader is transformed, not conformed.

Our society is facing many positions that need biblical challenge and clarification. For example, relativism, alternative lifestyles, personal responsibility versus rights, acquisition and distribution of wealth, racial reconciliation, political expediency, self-love, and the power of peer pressure.

Values and ethics have become a hot subject almost to the point of being a cultural fad. Think tanks embrace the topic; philanthropists contribute great sums for research; universities endow chairs to study the subject; and writers produce piles of best-selling volumes. However, they generally ignore the biblical imperatives, leaving the study to
human behavior.

At a Norman Vincent Peale conference on “values-based leadership,” I listened to top experts discuss the topic. I had no disagreement with their illustrations and points. However, when I spoke, I told the audience we need to root our human values in divine virtues. If we do not put down deep biblical roots, we end up controlled by our human desires which are variable due to our selfish interests.

True authenticity requires an ethical system founded in biblical virtues which have not been humanly manufactured, but discovered because they were given by God. Our authority needs to come from outside ourselves.

Newton did not create the law of gravity – he observed and codified it. Just so, we cannot create true virtue – but only discover it and make it the foundation for our values.

This week consider: 1) How are my values influenced by the culture? 2) What challenges my ethics in my work, in my home? 3) When does my thinking get fuzzy about biblical values?

Words of Wisdom: “If we do not put down deep biblical roots, we end up controlled by our human desires which are variable due to our selfish interests.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world.” (John 17:14 NET Bible)

Imperatives in Effective Speaking (Summary)

Weekly Thought – September 15, 2015

Fred outlined his Imperatives for Effective Speaking. This week we summarize the series. This Weekly Thought is longer than normal, but definitely a “keeper.” This was previously released, but it remains helpful to keep handy.
Thank you for your feedback and the practical applications of his work. And as always, thank you for your faithful encouragement and support.

Imperatives in Effective Speaking (Summary)

Speaking to an audience is an awesome responsibility. The following points are touchstones for me.

1) Ready Your Attitude – Attitude colors every word, every gesture, and body movement. Anyone who feels the audience is fortunate in having them speak is prostituting the opportunity.

2) Your Material – A speaker’s self-respect and sense of responsibility should start with content. If there is no content, there is no reason to speak. Preparation is the price we pay for the privilege of speaking.

3) Be believable – If the audience believes the messenger, it is easier to believe the message. A truth that is not believed is useless. Ask yourself: “Can I make this truth believable?” If not, then wait to express it until you can.

4) Focus on the Audience – Always speak to the audience about a subject, not about a subject to an audience. The audience is the focal point. Know their felt needs and desires before you lead them to their real needs.

5) Create a personal touch – Personal communication is like a conversation eyeball to eyeball. This creates the feeling that I know you and you know me. Good communication is more than a function; it is a relationship. To be effective, it must be personal.

6) Create an enjoyable atmosphere – Take your subject seriously, but not yourself. Let people join in the enjoyment with you. Make sure it is more than entertaining – make it profitable. To be enjoyable, both the emotions and the mind must be stimulated.

7) Maintain human quality – Demagogues and con men sound like messiahs. They lack the reality of integrity. Respect others’ intellectual integrity by speaking person to person. Humor is a humanizer.

8) Utilize basic presentation skills: a) fire in the voice; b) develop good rhythm and cadence; c) adjust the pace of ideas and words; d) use a sincere tone; e) enunciate clearly; f) avoid affectations; g) use appropriate volumes for subject matter and size of the audience; h) practice natural gestures; i) choose words suitable for the subject; j) maintain continuity between words and subject.

9) Communicate with purpose – Before you try to communicate, determine what you want to happen at the close. I want to change or solidify attitudes into convictions and positively affect behavior.

10) Speak with power – When we speak for God, we should speak or communicate God’s message for God’s glory, not our own. The Spirit must convince; we can only be present. When we desire to be empowered we must have as pure a motive as humanly possible.

11) Pray before speaking – Prayer should be an ingredient of the preparation, not a sauce poured over it. If you have prayed adequately before speaking you won’t need to ask the audience to pray for you while you speak. They should be listening. Prayer helps me to exclude the extraneous – the ego licks, the hidden agenda items, and the subtle kicks.

12) Learn the sacredness of brevity – “Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff, and nudge me when I’ve said enough.” Never go beyond the allotted time. Don’t satisfy them so much they’ll never want to hear you again.

This week think about: 1) Which point jumps off the page? 2) How am I going to implement these imperatives? 3) When am I going to email BWF and tell them how I am using this material?

Words of Wisdom: “Speaking to an audience is an awesome responsibility.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:31a – NET Bible)

Get It Done People – Part Four

Weekly Thought – September 8, 2015

Fred overachieved when thinking. Give him a thought and he would chase it down roads totally unknown to the civilized world. He once started thinking about words to hymns and made a list of hundreds. And, on a sleepless night he remembered the punch lines to 200 jokes. When asked to give 12 principles for high impact living, he finally ran out of paper well into the 40s. This week we complete a four week excursion into the wilds of Fred’s thoughts on this subject. There are scribbles in the margins of these pages, but we will stop with these 40. Parts 1-3 are available at breakfastwithfred.com in the Weekly Thought archives.

Thank you for believing in our work and telling us stories of being stretched by Fred’s thoughts. Continue to pray and when possible, help us financially to keep the website and the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute strong.

Get It Done People – Part Four

High Impact People:

31) Use money as a means, not an end. They know that money is option and they see it as a tool, not an idol. They know how to avoid the “is this all there is?” trap.

32) Unite joy and accomplishment – I wrote a section of my first book (the great undiscovered classic You and Your Network) on “Joy for the Journey.” Work is part of God’s blessing. Accomplishment and achievement bring a sense of purpose and well-being.

33) Emphasize responsibilities, not rights – responsibilities laminate – that is, bring people together; rights divide.

34) Properly define pleasure – There is a misconception that life should be serious and any hint of pleasure is the sure road to hedonism. Baloney! Eric Liddell gives a clear definition when he says, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” Pleasure is the emotion of living life in the sweet spot.

35) Recognize reality versus image – we live in a world weary of words and longing for authenticity. Too many who adopt the “fake it ‘til you make it” mindset end up perpetually faking it and never making it.

36) Celebrate – one of my dear friends, Jack Modesett, likes to ask about goal accomplishment by saying, “How will we know when it is time to celebrate?” It is important to celebrate steps along the way to the big mile marker. And joining others in the recognition of accomplishment is key.

37) Understand the difference between character and intelligence – I have rarely seen a gifted person fail because they lacked training, or even intelligence. By far, the majority of failures come because of character flaws. Check the plumb lines to make sure the character is aligned.

38) Create an environment of encouragement – they know how to make others see their gifts, use them, and feel good about themselves.

39) Make long term goals – instant gratification isn’t a hallmark of high impact people. A young man told me recently his idea of long term planning was lunch the next day. That man has much to learn!

40) Aren’t surprised at the price tag for success – I once told a woman who complained about her executive husband’s hours: “Madam, you want the earnings of a racehorse and the placidity of a mule.” There are no shortcuts.

This week consider: 1) Out of the 40 principles, which one grabbed me? 2) How much do I want a high impact life? 3) What am I willing to do to fulfill my potential?

Words of Wisdom: “Madam, you can’t have the earnings of a racehorse and the placidity of a mule.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:10 NET Bible)

Get It Done People – Part Three

Weekly Thought – September 1, 2015

Fred was born September 1, 2015. His Mother was his guiding light. She taught him the value of ideas and their ability to affect outcomes. The limits placed on him through physical disabilities and economic lack did not dampen his dreams. The little boy who listened to the world on his crystal radio in the attic became a man who stretched others. We continue with his principles for high impact living. Parts one and two can be accessed at www.breakfastwithfred.com in the Weekly Thought archives or on www.bwfli.com

On this day when Fred would have been 100 years, please tell someone else about the website and the Weekly Thoughts. Help us expand his reach and deepen the impact.

Get It Done People – Part Three

High Impact People:

21) Vision of success – They have a picture of who they want to be and what they want to do. They understand the old Chinese proverb: “If you vision is one year, plant wheat; the years, plant a tree; and 100 years, plant people.”

22) Associate with the Best – Be the smallest fish in the biggest pond. Always put yourself in the arena with stronger players. And remember to associate for growth and development, not social climbing.

23) Travel – Expand your view of culture and cultures. Take calculated risks and enjoy challenging experiences.

24) Read – My friend Charlie “Tremendous” Jones says, “Except for the people you meet and the books you read, you will be the same person in five years as you are today.” The old axiom, “leaders are readers” still holds true. But, be discerning. Read in your areas of development. And don’t feel like you have to read something just because somebody recommends it, or sends it to you. Don’t just read what you agree with – let others challenge you.

25) Write – My mentor Maxey Jarman demanded written solutions to any problems I could recognize. He reminded me that thoughts untangle as they pass through the mind and out through the point of the pencil. Writing clarifies.

26) Are Respected by Others – International developer Trammel Crow said, “I only want executives that others want to see succeed.”

27) Pick the right mentor – Never accept a volunteer mentor. Understand the principles of a mentoring relationship. Know what the responsibilities of the mentor and the mentoree.

28) Demonstrate humility – My favorite definition of humility is: “Humility is not denying the power you have but admitting it comes through you, not from you.” Meekness is harnessed strength, not weakness.

29) Operate ethically – One of my friends had a plaque on his desk which read: “You can count on me to be who I say I will be and do what I say I will do.” Nick Moore of Price Waterhouse Coopers put it this way: “It is important to know what you stand for and what you won’t stand for!”

30) Follow Jim Collins’ Good to Great model – “Have the wrong people off the bus, the right people on, and the right people doing the right things.”

This week think about: 1) Which of these strikes me the hardest? 2) Where am I influencing others? 3) Who could benefit from Fred’s wisdom this week?

Words of Wisdom: “Humility is not denying the power but admitting it comes through you and not from you.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11: 2 NET Bible)

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