Practicing one’s faith in the pragmatic, bottom-line business and professional world, where seeing is believing, is difficult enough. Faith is especially hard to come by during times of economic adversity. A recent mortgage fraud case reminded me of this truth.   The borrower’s business grew rapidly by purchasing houses at below market prices and … Read more

Tractors all over the midwestern United States and in agricultural areas around the world are roaring to life, starting their annual pilgrimage into the fields. John Deeres, Fords, New Hollands and Massey Fergusons will sow corn, wheat, soybean, and cottonseed and seeds for other crops. Then, depending on the weather, irrigation systems will hydrate those … Read more

Maybe you are a high achiever, the type of person that receives ample recognition from your company for your performance. You have received numerous promotions, are often singled out at professional gatherings, and have more plaques and certificates than your wall can display. Then again, maybe you are not that person. You work hard, striving … Read more

In the 1970s the photo processing and printing company my wife and I owned was one of the first to buy a Kodak Royalprint print processor. Since copying and restoring old photos was a big part of our business even then, I quickly figured out how to sepia-tone (brown-tinted) photos using the processor. A few … Read more

An organization called “Delivering Happiness at Work” had some great insights that were outlined in a Wall Street Journal article about happy employees. A study it conducted has discovered happy, content employees have 31% higher productivity, 37% higher sales, and are three times more creative. Although the research did not make this conclusion, employee attendance … Read more

When was the last time you did something foolish at work? We have all dabbled in foolish behavior at one time or another, perhaps more than once. But let me ask a different question: Have you ever worked with someone you considered to be a fool, not just a person prone to an occasional foolish … Read more

Although I have never met a mystic, that seems like a good job to have. Sitting around all day, just thinking, occasionally coming up with something that sounds wise or profound. People around you speaking in hushed tones, fearful of disrupting your deep thought process. “Quiet, he’s contemplating.” In the 21st century business and professional … Read more

In last week’s “Monday Manna” we considered the concept of viewing success in life and work from the perspective of an investor. One of the common goals of all good investors is the desire to maximize the return on their investments. But how can we accomplish that in terms of “life investing,” using to the … Read more

Over the last 20 years I have been around some very successful CEOs from a purely business standpoint. Some of these people have taken very modest amounts of capital and have grown companies to a considerable size, and then sold them for millions of dollars. Others have been able to employ hundreds of people and … Read more

Suggestion boxes at companies are being replaced by online idea-submission systems, according to the Wall Street Journal, a respected business periodical. These systems not only receive ideas for changes and new initiatives, but also allow employees the opportunity to comment and vote on suggestions from other staff members. PricewaterhouseCoopers launched an idea-management website that generated … Read more

One of the great wonders of the workplace is the variety of talents and abilities we observe. Some people are natural leaders, others find it easier to follow and support those who lead. Some are especially gifted in administration, directing and delegating tasks, while others are adept at personally handling a multitude of details. Some … Read more

Several few years ago we needed to have some carpet replaced in our home. My wife and I hired a company that came highly recommended, and we paid a premium price for the new carpet and the work. When the installers were done, my wife almost cried because the room looked so bad.  I assured … Read more