Integrity Moments

Larry, a college acquaintance, partied hard at college and was kicked out of business school. Amazingly, the Dean gave Larry another chance, provided that he had a 3.5 grade point average at midterms.   Larry amazingly started his final exams with a 3.8 grade point average, exceeding his 3.5 goal.   The night before Larry's last final, Larry packed his belongings and shouted to his fraternity brothers, “I can't take the stress anymore” and he left for home.   I ... The post Fear of Success appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

The break-neck pace of work today tells us that we can't stand still or we will fall behind. The accelerating pace of new technology creates an exhausting sense that we need to urgently get to the next big thing. But when we focus too much on what's next, we miss being present in the moment. ... The post Don't Miss Today appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

According to Publishers Weekly, traditional publishers released more than 18,000 business and economic books over the past year. Self-published authors released thousands more. Add to that the business podcasts, seminars, and articles produced each year, and it could be easy to be overwhelmed with the volume of business insight that's available to us. But the ... The post Business Wisdom appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

One of my wife's many gifts is encouraging others, especially caregivers who have served our son, Jeremy, over the years. Seth is the most recent example. Seth had dropped out of college and seemed to be floundering. Kathy began sharing with Seth how much she believed in him and his God-given gifts. One week later ... The post The Gift of Encouragement appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

One of my favorite movies is Rocky. There's something about seeing a resilient underdog who keeps getting up and fighting even when it doesn't make sense. In business, there are times when you may feel like you've been beaten like Rocky Balboa. Then, just as you struggle to get back up, you get punched again. ... The post Rocky's Resilience appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As Kathy and I were returning our Alamo rental car and trying to catch a flight home, we were pleased with the two friendly young men who served us. One of these young men asked a very brave question. He asked, “Was there anything at all that we could have done better?” It seems like ... The post Brave Questions appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, I'm highlighting some foundational pillars for business that our Founding Fathers established. The final pillar for our discussion is religious freedom. Centralized control over ideas was not uncommon to our Founders. From the beginning, freedom was a driving force behind many of our forefathers coming to America. The ... The post PIllars of Commerce: Religious Freedom appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, I'm highlighting some foundational pillars for business that our Founding Fathers established. The fifth pillar is intellectual property rights. Our Founders were creative and forward thinking when it came to protecting inventors, authors, and artists. The Constitution proclaims, “To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by ... The post Pillars of Commerce: Intellectual Property Rights appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, I'm highlighting the foundational pillars for business that our Founding Fathers established. The fourth pillar is enforceable contracts. Before the Constitution was written, individual states could undermine contracts that crossed state lines. The Constitution was written, in part, to unify a nation and provide that no state law ... The post Pillars of Commerce: Enforcable Contracts appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, I'm highlighting the foundational pillars that our Founding Fathers established, allowing businesses to flourish. The second pillar is the rule of law. Our Founders had experienced injustice from rulers and leaders who were able to change the rules anytime it benefitted them personally. Because of their experiences, our ... The post Pillars of Commerce: Rule of Law appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, I'd like to highlight some foundational pillars that our Founding Fathers established, allowing businesses to flourish. Because of their wisdom, the U.S. became a place where risk-taking was rewarded, innovation was protected, and power was constrained. One of the first pillars is protection of private property. Our Founders ... The post Pillars of Commerce: Protection of Private Property appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

According to JD Power surveys, 49% of small businesses are financially unhealthy. That fact, coupled with their discovery that 89% of small businesses use credit cards for business purchases, can lead to danger.  Especially, when we learn that the average interest rate on credit cards rose to 21% in February from 14% in 2022.  Borrowing money ... The post Credit Cards and Small Business appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, was recently sued by some employees because of the content of an Easter message she sent to her staff. Her email discussed Jesus' resurrection as being the foundation of our faith. The offended employees claim that this was government-sponsored religious coercion. This case will likely be a significant ... The post Religious Speech From The Government appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

After waiting fifteen minutes to get my food, I finally saw the problem. The layout of the drive-through window was inefficient. The Order Taker walked to the other end of the building to run my debit card for payment. Also, the food preparation was far from the drive-up window, requiring many extra steps. The employees ... The post Providing the Resources Needed appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Nehemiah dreamed of rebuilding Jerusalem after it had been mostly rubble for over 140 years. This week we will examine 5 key steps Nehemiah took that paved the way for his team's amazing success.  The first step is “Prayerfully Assessing the Situation.” When Nehemiah learned that Jerusalem was in ruins his heart broke.  He prayed ... The post Nehemiah's 5 Steps to Success: Part I appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

This week we're examining 5 steps Nehemiah took to rebuild Jerusalem's walls in an amazing 52 days! After he prayerfully assessed the situation his next step was to “Cast a Compelling Vision.”  For 140 years, no one had revived the city of Jerusalem, and few likely believed it was possible, or necessary. Nehemiah, however, ... The post Nehemiah's 5 Steps to Success: Part II appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As I began reviewing job applications recently, it seemed that the resumes and cover letters were often flawless. Then, I realized that it was likely that more job applicants are using AI to craft their letters and resumes. If I need a certain attribute, like someone who is detail-oriented, AI could easily cover up information ... The post Testing Job Applications appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

The financial returns and income generated by our work give us an opportunity to demonstrate gratitude for God's blessings and partner in God's work. Scripture offers wisdom for allocating our income through giving, spending, and saving. We can spend to exalt ourselves buying products and services that make us feel worthy. But a scriptural approach ... The post Wise Finances – Spend appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Our work produces financial returns and income that are among God's blessings for us. We serve God when we apply the wisdom of scripture to how we allocate those returns through our giving, spending, and saving. Saving a portion of our income prepares us for the future and the unexpected expenses that inevitably arise. Having ... The post Wise Finances – Save appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Our work produces value in many forms, from serving customers to employing workers. In the same way, the financial returns and income produced from our work are among God's blessings. How we allocate our income – through giving, spending, and saving –creates an opportunity to serve God when we follow biblical financial practices. As Christians, ... The post Wise Finances – Give appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Brad, an Ohio entrepreneur, wanted to help a young church planter get started. So, when Brad learned this pastor had budgeted $5,000 per month for a church facility, Brad bought an old church building that was on the market for $600,000. He leased it to this new church for $5,000 a month. Two years later, ... The post Creative Generosity appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As a ministry focused on business leaders, I may at times send the wrong message. To be clear, God values all work, paid and unpaid. Americamagazine.org posted an insightful article by Kate Ward titled, “Catholic Social Teaching Says All Work is Good for Us – Paid and Unpaid.” The author contends that Catholic Social Teaching ... The post A More Inclusive View of Work appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As the oldest of five children there were seasons when our family was growing and money was scarce. It was during those times that I remember my father's determination to do whatever was necessary to provide for us. He would come home from his assembly line job, change clothes, and leave again to be a ... The post Honor Your Father appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

For decades, Unconventional Business Network has battled the flawed view that only pastors and missionaries have a calling. Martin Luther first attacked this flawed theology with his doctrine on vocation. Martin Luther wrote, “Every occupation has its own honor before God. Ordinary work is a divine vocation or calling. In our daily work no matter ... The post Martin Luther's Doctrine of Vocation appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

When I was a young banker, our bank's business development leader announced a citywide blitz. All commercial lenders and business development professionals were commanded to go from business-to-business to promote the services of our bank. Calling on perfect strangers unannounced was very unsettling for me. Fortunately, our leader wisely decided to send us out in ... The post Courage in Pairs appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

When Hobby Lobby sued the U.S. government over the healthcare mandate in 2012, a significant legal issue arose for the court to decide. The issue was whether companies had religious freedoms. Individuals have long had religious freedom, but the Courts hadn't yet decided whether businesses had similar rights. One factor that swayed the court was ... The post Does Your Business Have a Statement of Faith? appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As a young businessman, I decided to buy houses and rehab them. The job was more than I could handle by myself, so, I convinced four friends join me in a partnership. One partner wisely recommended, “Rick, we need clarity and written commitments before we start.” This written agreement saved us many headaches. Joshua knew ... The post The Importance of a Covenant appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

A recent Gallup report continued to show how stress at work is impacting U.S workers. More workers (49 percent) said they are struggling in their lives than those who say they are thriving (46 percent). The results reflect a new low over the past three years. Modern work can be stressful and anxiety-producing. We amplify ... The post Grounded appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Harvard Business Review highlighted two studies that point to the importance of humble leaders. One study related to leaders helping their employees return to work after Covid. This study discovered that employees were less likely to consider leaving their employer if their leader was humble – someone who acknowledged personal limitations, was open to learning ... The post The Impact of Humble Leaders appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Major General Briggs shared great wisdom at our Faith Incorporated event this year about making difficult decisions during a crisis. Sprinkled into a story about the military's obsession with being prepared and their zealous use of checklists, was a humorous insight. Major General Briggs said, “If you want people to keep and use a checklist, ... The post Laminate It appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Major General Jack Briggs shared with our Faith Incorporated audience how to make wise decisions during a crisis. He gave an example of how some soldiers, trapped in a firestorm in Afghanistan, radioed for air cover. In the heat of battle, when they were asked for coordinates, the soldiers mistakenly gave their own coordinates, rather ... The post Military Preparedness appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Major General Jack Briggs has lots of battle experience making hard decisions. At our Faith Incorporated event, he shared four amazing questions to be asked for making major decisions. The four questions were “What do we know? What don't we know? What are we doing about it? And Who else needs to know?” The first ... The post Four Powerful Questions for Decision Making appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Bible commentaries describe Psalm 101 as King David's strategy for ruling in accordance with God's righteous rule. Within the Psalm's eight verses are guiding principles such as, “I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart,” (verse 2) and “I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” ... The post Guiding Principles appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Beau Johnson, author of On Purpose, shared with our Faith Incorporated audience about the four seasons of our work life. Beau suggests the final season is Multiplication. After building influence in your industry, you can then focus on helping others grow their influence. This is multiplication. You will not be around forever. This means you ... The post Working On Purpose: Season Four appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Beau Johnson, author of On Purpose, shared with our Faith Incorporated audience about the four seasons of our work life. The third season Beau referenced is Influence. After we've worked through the Exploration phase, we'll need to eventually land on our passions and areas of expertise. This is the season when you need to become ... The post Working On Purpose: Season Three appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Beau Johnson, author of On Purpose, shared with our Faith Incorporated audience about four seasons of our work life. After the Identity season, Beau suggests that we enter the Exploration season. God has equipped you with skills and passions that will advance your career and your contribution to society. You will, however, need a season ... The post Working On Purpose: Season Two appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Beau Johnson, author of On Purpose, shared with our Faith Incorporated audience about the Four Seasons of our Work Life. In this series we'll unpack some of Beau's wisdom. The first season he referenced is what Beau labeled Identity. We need to discover who we are and want to be regarding our character. During ... The post Working On Purpose: Season One appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Less than half of the leaders responding to a recent Gallup survey think they are exceptional at fostering accountability within their teams. Managers serving under these leaders gave their leaders even lower scores. It can be difficult to create a culture of accountability at work. Holding people accountable can require difficult conversations, stressful interactions, ... The post Speaking Truth in Love appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As the only one in his work group who actively professed his Christian faith, Brendon often felt isolated. He turned to his friends for advice on how to cope. They suggested television networks to watch, websites to visit, and podcasts to follow. He tried their suggestions but quickly realized these media outlets had their own ... The post Right Counsel appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Kim packed all her belongings and moved across country to take a new position selling hearing aids. The very first month Kim's boss coached her on how to deceive the customers about their hearing aids to increase sales. When Kim told her boss that she was not comfortable lying to the customers, she was fired. ... The post Haters of Integrity appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Recently, Tom shared with me that the Catholic church did something to offend him. So, he began a quest of researching other Christian churches. Tom became overwhelmed when he discovered over 45,000 denominations. He then decided to shift his focus to researching the Bible. That's when Tom discovered that Catholics include different books in the ... The post The Confusing Pursuit of Truth appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Today, on Memorial Day, we honor our veterans who died while serving their country. According to the U.S. military data over 1.2 million people have died while in the military. People have choices. They can choose to charge into battle with courage or they can choose to flee. Most of these brave men and women ... The post Men and Women of Courage appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Everyone on Karen's team agreed that she created an accommodating work environment. She went out of her way to make sure everyone got along. Unfortunately, accommodating team members also meant that Karen struggled to make decisions. She delayed responses while she sought out everyone's opinions in her effort to have every decision reflect the group ... The post People Pleasing appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Author Os Hillman wrote that our own strengths and talents often can be a barrier to our faith. When we are skilled in an area, it is easy to depend on that strength instead of depending on God. In Luke 5, Jesus challenged Simon (soon to be “Peter”) to trust God for his work outcomes. ... The post Our Own Effort appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In Arthur Brooks' book, From Strength to Strength, he references a study that discovered that 70% of workers say that the most important element to a happy work life is friendships at work However, 82% of all businesses in America are now led by solo entrepreneurs, with little opportunity to make or have friends at ... The post Looking For Help appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

When I launched a faith-based consulting practice, a partner helped me start the business. Six months later he returned to banking, while I carried on alone. Very alone. We had rented some space in a dreary basement of a bank building. Suddenly, I was isolated, lonely, and making decisions in a vacuum. As an introvert, ... The post We Are Not Meant to Be Alone appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Arizona Christian University's most recent American Worldview Inventory report addressed the level of Biblical worldview in eight different categories. For the marketplace, I believe their category, Lifestyles, Behaviors, and Relationships is critical. Unfortunately, according to the report, only 10% of adults are integrating the Bible into their behaviors and relationships. Our biggest opportunity, however, lies ... The post Making Disciples in the Workplace appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

We all want to imagine that our work is important and lasting. We want to make a difference. But the truth is that much of what we spend time working on won't last. Days before his death, Jesus was at the house of Simon when a woman poured out a jar of expensive perfume over ... The post Lasting Work appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

The executive erupted as the employee described the team's mistake. The executive didn't want to hear about what led to the mistake or how the team was working to mitigate the problem. He wanted the offending employee to feel his anger and the consequences of the error. How do you react when a team member ... The post Honest Mistake appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

As the time approached for the day long prayer retreat, I started having second thoughts. There were so many important things that needed done. Also, as an introvert, I relish my quiet time with God, while corporate prayer is more of a struggle. Despite my reluctance, I went, and left grateful. The time of prayer ... The post Building Community appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Jeff was expanding his tree service into a new city. While building his business there, Jeff met Bob, a young competitor. Jeff worked hard to build his business, but rather than trying to crush the competition, Jeff decided to mentor Bob. He even referred work to Bob's company occasionally. After Jeff died in a tragic ... The post Mentoring the Competition appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.