Christopher Simpson

The “how-to” section of most bookstores and libraries is typically the most popular. People are eager to learn how to do things, from making furniture to getting their finances under control to learning to lose weight. If you do not know how to do something, there are books available that can tell you how. There … Read more

The marketplace worships competition, bigger numbers, faster growth, and relentless pursuit of the next win. The pressure never lets up: grow revenue and capacity, expand, outperform. But the truth is, you can run hard and still cross the wrong finish line. How can we know which is the right finish line? Jesus Christ’s words cut … Read more

Have you ever visited different businesses and noticed the considerable differences in employees’ attitudes and behaviors? Last week I went to a health supplements store to replenish some of the vitamins I use each day. I was greeted with a smile the moment I walked in the door, and then another staff person was more … Read more

What did you say “No” to today? Most of us rush to count our “Yesses” – new projects, new clients, new commitments, new opportunities. We stack them high like trophies, convinced that activity equals value. But it is not the things we say “yes” to that define us. It is the things we say “no” … Read more

Readers of Monday Manna come from many backgrounds. Some people are high-ranking executives, even CEOs. Most would fit into other classifications: Managers, department heads, salespeople, retail clerks, administrative assistants, entrepreneurs, professional people like physicians, attorneys, CPAs, and engineers. The list could go on. We all have different levels of authority and responsibility. However, even if … Read more

In the professional world, conflict is part of the journey. Sometimes it involves unfair criticism, other times a misunderstanding, or a harsh word. The temptation to fight back can be strong – after all, who does not want to have the last word? But is it really worth it? Does every argument deserve our attention? … Read more

Years ago, the legendary coach of a pro sports team would start the first practice of each new season with a simple gesture. Holding up an object, he would say, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Why did he start this way? The players on his team were professionals. They knew what the ball looked like. … Read more

What if I gave you two choices: one million dollars right now, or a single penny that doubles in value every day for 30 days? Which option would you take? Most of us would not even pause. A million feels immediate, secure, and transformative. A penny feels disposable, barely worth the space it takes up … Read more

Recently, I observed the anniversary of my open-heart surgery nearly 20 years ago. Thankfully, it went well, and I have not had any significant heart episodes in the years since. About a year following my surgery, as a way of ‘giving back’ for the excellent care I received, I started volunteering at the same hospital, … Read more

The corporate world is a true jungle; the law of the strongest becomes evident in remarkable ways, with people pressuring others to win and be successful in the eyes of men. Professor Leon C. Megginson uses this metaphor in his academic studies to illustrate the corporate environment, citing: “It is not the strongest that survive, … Read more