Integrity Moments

While finishing my undergraduate studies, my graduation date was set for December. My new job with a national CPA firm started in January.  My schooling was paid for by my hard work, some student loans, and in the final semester, through some desperate use of credit cards. My credit card repayment plan revolved around my ... The post From Graduation to Career appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

It was my first day starting work for a national CPA firm. I was anxious and excited for my post-college journey.   That first morning, we had a massive snowstorm, and I had never driven in rush hour traffic. I arrived two hours late.   The audit team I was assigned to had already left. In addition, ... The post My First Day appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

During my last semester in college, the University of Missouri hosted a recruiting event for many of the largest CPA firms. Some firms were not willing to interview anyone with less than a 3.5 grade point.   This left me with less options than some of my peers, so I needed to somehow set myself apart. ... The post Setting Yourself Apart appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Over the years, the car rental industry has consolidated significantly. Recently, I fell prey to the perils of consolidation.   When I went to pick up a reserved rental car, I discovered Avis, Budget, and Payless, who are all owned by the same company, were combined in one building. Although the brands were still distinct, there ... The post Customer Service Nightmare appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In his book, “King's Cross,” Tim Keller describes the rich young ruler asking Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17). Keller notes that the man has accomplished much in his life but recognizes that something is still lacking.  It's the same today. We can use our work to pursue all kinds ... The post What's Missing appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

My job was winding down as the company prepared to eliminate my position. It was a stressful time as I scrambled to find employment to support my family. I was praying fervently for God to provide the things I believed – that I “knew” – I would need to be satisfied.  But I was taken ... The post Salvation Not Situation appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

I think laughter can be a powerful spiritual tool.  In my book about work and faith, I opine that it's foolish for Christians to get too serious about work in this world when our destiny resides in another. So, see the humor in our work challenges and laugh.  Scripture cites many examples of joy as ... The post Laugh More appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In his book, “Life is Hard. God is Good. Let's Dance.,” Brant Hansen compares worrying about our situation to the gyrating and dancing that some bowlers do after the ball leaves their hands. No matter how hard they move or flex, their actions have absolutely no impact on the ball rolling toward the pins.  When ... The post Bowling Lesson appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Everyone wanted Darren on their work teams. He was positive, encouraging, and kind. Yet once you got to know him, you heard stories of the challenges he had faced in life, from childhood trauma to chronic health issues.   But Darren saw those things not as an excuse to complain, but as an opportunity to show ... The post Difference Maker appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

With hindsight, I can remember thousands of times when I acted selfishly or without integrity when dealing with coworkers. When I caught myself in those times, it was easy to pull back, feel like a failure, and stop trying.   Yet God doesn't define us by our failures. He is a God of compassion and restoration, ... The post Fresh Start appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Trade deficits haven't been discussed much until recently. Tariffs have forced business leaders to consider how they might be impacted by the price of foreign goods.  The Bible addresses a potential reason for trade deficits rarely considered - our lack of obedience to God's commands and principles.  In Deuteronomy 28, God outlines blessings and curses ... The post God's View on Trade Deficits appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Business leaders typically despise uncertainty. When taxes, tariffs, or government regulations are in flux, the uncertainty can bring commerce to a screeching halt.  This uncertainty puts stock markets at risk, as well as long-term investments in new projects. For those who place their hope in their wealth, financial uncertainty can shake their foundation.  1 Timothy ... The post Overcoming Uncertainty appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

My wife, Kathy, regularly calls business leaders asking how our team can best pray for them. Over the last year, Kathy has noticed one common request.   They often ask for prayers for their adult children. Many speak of children who have “ghosted them” due to political or social disagreements.   When Kathy delicately probes about the ... The post Social Media Deceptions appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

After twenty years in vocational ministry, Kathy and I have a habit of forewarning new hires at UBN to expect trouble. The enemy doesn't want our ministry to succeed.   It's not uncommon to watch new employees experience significant challenges. Challenges may be health related, household appliances breaking, or event persecution.  One of our employees ... The post The Fiery Ordeal appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Tom Ferguson, as CEO, led 11,000 employees for twenty-five years when he retired. He sent a farewell email to all his employees that also mentioned his faith.   When over 1,000 people responded with surprise that Tom was a Christian, Tom was devastated. He had led this company for decades with no obvious spiritual impact.  ... The post A Career with No Regrets appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're sharing five reasons why integrating your faith and work has great value. The final reason is because God can transform entire workplaces.  Seth felt God was instructing him to stay employed at Home Depot until every employee heard about Jesus. Obediently, Seth began a Bible study, then a prayer group at ... The post 5 Reasons to Integrate your Faith and Work: Reason Five appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're sharing five reasons why incorporating your faith into your work has great value. Reason four is that faith in the workplace changes lives.  I'd been hiding from God for twenty years when I started working for Gregg. When I needed answers to business issues, Gregg never shied away from quoting a ... The post 5 Reasons to Integrate Your Faith and Work: Reason Four appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're sharing five reasons why incorporating your faith into your work has great value. Reason three is this: God's wisdom provides better results than any consultant.  In David Green's book, “More Than a Hobby,” he discusses his decision to close his Hobby Lobby stores on Sundays. Even though he learned it could ... The post 5 Reasons to Integrate Your Faith and Work: Reason Three appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're sharing five reasons why incorporating your faith into your work has great value. The second reason is because God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  In 1955, Stanley Tamm's heart was moved for the country of Columbia to know God. Stanley sought God with his request, but God told Stanley it ... The post 5 Reason to Integrate Your Faith and Work: Reason Two appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

According to Dave Hataj, founder of Craftsman with Character, and CEO of a gear manufacturing business, 65% of high school graduates will not go to college. Yet, manufacturers, and craftsmen, don't have enough young people to fill their open positions.   Dave realized that with training, encouragement, and bringing clarity of purpose to these young adults, ... The post Craftsman with Character appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

According to one La Croix International article, Michael Roberts remembers a gay colleague saying to him, “It's surprising that I can be openly gay at work, while you feel like you have to hide your Christian faith.”  Soon after, Michael started Faithforce, a Salesforce employee network of diverse religious backgrounds. Faithforce is part of a ... The post Launching Employee Affinity Groups appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Recently, I asked my friend, Steve, about the rising number of airplane crashes. As a pilot for over 40 years, Steve had an interesting perspective.  “The beauty of the air travel process,” Steve said, “is that every aspect has standard operating procedures. There's a detailed process for each step. Most pilots and air traffic personnel ... The post Standard Operating Procedures appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Years ago, I wrote monthly articles for a Christian business magazine. For one April issue, I did not have peace about submitting an article.  When the April issue arrived, I realized that God had protected me. I was shocked that most of the magazine made weak arguments for not paying taxes to the Federal government.   ... The post The Reason We Pay Taxes appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Recently, I was working on a grant proposal that had a Monday morning deadline. After spending much of Saturday on the proposal, I thought the end was near.   Rather than finish it on Saturday, I thought I could finish it in a couple of hours early Sunday morning. Those two hours turned into ten hours.   ... The post Modeling Sabbath Rest appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

It can be so easy to bounce from one urgent task to another at work. But the book of Exodus illustrates the value of thanking God in the midst of our day.  Immediately after safely escaping from the Egyptians through the opening of the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites begin a song of ... The post Leadership Lessons from Exodus: Thank God appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

The book of Exodus offers many examples of Godly leadership within its 40 chapters. One important lesson for leaders is spending time with God.  “Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” Exodus 24:18.  Just as Jesus did after he was ... The post Leadership Lessons from Exodus: Spend Time with God appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Among its leadership lessons, the Old Testament book of Exodus reminds leaders today of the value of seeking God's strength in our weakness.  When God called him to leadership, Moses immediately began listing his shortcomings, from lack of credibility to poor speech. Yet God assures Moses that God will be with him.   “The Lord said to him, ... The post Leadership Lessons from Exodus: Seek God's Strength appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Leaders can find themselves losing patience when team members invariably act like the humans they are. The Old Testament book of Exodus reminds leaders that God hears our frustrations and gives us the strength to be patient.  The Israelite's grumbling for water pushed Moses to the brink, and he expressed his frustration to God.  “Then ... The post Leadership Lessons from Exodus: Seek God's Patience appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

The Theology of Work Bible Commentary describes how the Old Testament book of Exodus highlights work. The book opens with the Israelites working for the Egyptians, then chronicles how God frees the Israelites to do a new kind of work under his care. The book's leadership lessons can guide us today.  God paints a picture ... The post Leadership Lessons from Exodus: The Bible Book of Work appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Praying for the teams we lead might not be a leadership tactic in many secular management books. But it is an important leadership responsibility that Moses demonstrates in chapter 34 of the Old Testament book of Exodus.  After the Israelites demonstrated their disobedience, Moses recognized that the people needed God's forgiveness.   “Moses bowed to the ... The post Leadership Lessons from Exodus: Intercede for the Team appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In chapter 18 of the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses' father-in-law Jethro delivers a powerful leadership lesson as he watches Moses act as the sole judge for the people.   “Moses' father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good... The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” Exodus 18:17-18   Jethro tells Moses ... The post Leadership Lessons From Exodus: Growth Through Delegation appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

During my final Graduate School of Banking summer, I was a new Christian. My midwestern peers noticed a difference and seemed determined to draw me back into drunkenness and debauchery.   One evening, my peers decided to visit a strip club. It suddenly became their mission to ridicule and pressure me to join them. I locked ... The post Embracing Moral Restraint appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As someone who has hired hundreds of speakers, I take seriously the responsibility of hiring someone to speak God's truths to our network. I've experienced the awe of watching Henry Blackaby speak a powerful message from God during the 2008 stock market collapse.   But I've also experienced the horror of a speaker offending our audience ... The post Speaking for God appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

My friend and former police officer, Steve, once told me, “I never had a problem chasing a man that I suspected had a gun. But if I had to stand before a large audience and speak like you do, I would be petrified.”  God didn't design Steve for public speaking, and He didn't design me ... The post Knowing and Using Our Gifts appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

When someone feels compelled to tell you they are ethical, it's likely they aren't. Years ago, I met a business owner who kept telling me that he was a person of high integrity.   While touring his business, one of his employees stopped me to say, “Don't believe anything he says. My boss is a crook ... The post The Toll of Hypocrisy appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're discussing the art of delegation. The fourth step is establishing an effective organizational structure and then, begin delegating.  Bill was the President over five branches. He had the bank divided between retail and commercial. I led the commercial side.   Every Monday, Bill assigned me a stack of files and required me ... The post The Art of Delegation: Step 4 appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're identifying four steps to help you delegate some of your work to others. The second step is to teach your team members your guiding principles and expectations.  Bill was a bank president known for his clean loan portfolio. He prided himself on having almost zero past due loans. If a loan ... The post The Art of Delegation: Step 2 appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're identifying four steps to help you delegate some of your work to others. The second step is to teach your team members your guiding principles and expectations.  Bill was a bank president known for his clean loan portfolio. He prided himself on having almost zero past due loans. If a loan ... The post The Art of Delegation: Step 2 appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

My friend, Roger, used to call on small town radio stations. These small radio stations often struggled to survive unless they found a good advertising salesperson.  But frequently, a good salesperson would become very productive. Their sales commissions would soar until eventually they made more money than the owner.  Roger observed that this often led ... The post The Destructive Nature of Envy appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

I love new ideas. One thing that I've discovered, however, is when I chase a new idea that I dream up without God's input, it usually doesn't have a great result.   However, there are times when God will give me an assignment that I wouldn't normally consider. After receiving affirmation that this new assignment is ... The post New Ideas appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Steven was excited to take a new leadership role in the company. But he quickly got into trouble when he tried to make changes based on his own experiences, before understanding the unique aspects of his new team.  At work, our experience and expertise often propel our career advancement. But relying only on our experience ... The post Childlike Wonder appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

For me, writing a book was the easy part. Figuring out how to market it was much tougher.   Although I had been a communicator throughout my career, I struggled to generate attention for the book since I hadn't done any prior work to connect with potential readers. I prayed to God for guidance and success. ... The post Learning in the Journey appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In his book, “Revering God,” author Thaddeus J. Williams claims the most frequently repeated phrase in the Bible is the expression, “Thus says the Lord.” Williams says the phrase appears in the Old and New Testaments more than 400 times.   It's a reminder, Williams writes, that God speaks regularly.  Proverbs 4:20-22 says: “My son, pay attention ... The post Listening When God Speaks appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're discussing five guiding principles on negotiating agreements. The final principle is to lean towards being generous.  In the story of Joseph, Egypt had seven years of famine. To afford to buy food, all Egyptians sold their land to Pharoah.   Pharoah, however, needed them to farm the land, so Joseph worked out ... The post Negotiating Agreements God's Way: Part V appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're discussing five guiding principles on negotiating agreements. The fourth principle is to always work towards a win/win agreement.  Stan was a bank customer who believed he always needed to win all points of every negotiation so that the bank was the loser, and his business was the winner.   Although Stan won ... The post Negotiating Agreements God's Way: Part IV appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're discussing five guiding principles on negotiating agreements. The third principle is to understand the other parties' needs and concerns.  The story of Boaz's pursuit to marry Naomi's daughter-in-law, Ruth, is an example of a shrewd negotiation. Because of Jewish law, there was one person who had first rights to redeem Naomi's ... The post Negotiating Agreements God's Way: Part III appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In this series, we're discussing five guiding principles on how best to negotiate agreements. The second principle I recommend is to avoid negotiating with those you can't trust.  A previous bank customer of mine was represented by their manipulative CFO. This CFO would leverage his other bank relationships to pressure us to give him ... The post Negotiating Agreements God's Way: Part II appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Business negotiations are fraught with opportunities to become stressful experiences. In this series, we'll discuss five guiding principles on how best to negotiate agreements.  The first principle is to clearly define your desired outcome from the transaction.   Recently, Rod needed to hire a new videographer. He examined his budget and considered the maximum value he ... The post Negotiating Agreement God's Way: Part I appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

God reveals amazing wisdom in the 66 books of the Bible. But I fall short when it comes to applying that knowledge to my work and my life. A former pastor summed it up when he gently chided me, “You know more scripture than you're obedient to.”  Jesus called out similar behavior in the religious ... The post Obeying What We Know appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Leslie was frustrated with her boss. Although he told Leslie privately that she was performing well, that support disappeared whenever another manager questioned Leslie's work.   Her supervisor failed to defend Leslie and instead deferred to other managers, telling Leslie it is better to “go along to get along.” Although Leslie loved the company and her ... The post Defending the Team appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

 A 2022 Barna research study found that 56 percent of respondents said their faith is a private matter.   But scripture calls us to live and work in community. From Adam and Eve, to Jesus and his disciples, to the faith communities Paul encouraged, the Bible shows the importance of communion with others.  The writer of ... The post Not Going Alone appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.