Happy Thanksgiving

To my family, friends and co-workers;

This past week and a half has been, personally for me, the most difficult of 2020… a year we can all agree has by its very nature been tough on all of us.

I have been diagnosed with “walking pneumonia” which has sapped me of much of my energy and leaves me out of breath following any amount of physical activity, including walking. I was tempted to feel sorry for myself. I wanted to focus on the accumulation of personal health issues as well as business challenges and ongoing head-winds therein. Honestly, I have been tempted to just focus on all of the negatives in life. But, then I decided instead of hosting a pity party, I would pray.

When I prayed, God put the book of Isaiah on my heart. Specifically, Isaiah 41:10—'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' As a result, God revealed several truths to me. Namely, that we are going to get through these tough times. We are going to persevere. We are going to come out even stronger on the other side. Why? Because God is with us and because God is our strength, comfort and guide. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I am grateful to live in a nation where we have the freedom to express our religious liberties and personal faith. I pray regularly that I will have the courage to speak out and confront the enemies of our freedom as our forefathers once did. Because of their heroism and sacrifices, you and I benefit and for that I am deeply grateful. It’s a reminder for me that one day we will be held accountable before God for our actions and I am convinced that we will be asked the following two questions; [1] What did you do about my Son whom I sent to die for you? and [2], what did you do with the gifts and talents that I gave you?

Although we don’t have any control over how our life story begins, we do have a say in how it ends. Are you making the most of your time?

As we approach this Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays of the year, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that you are one of the things that I am most thankful for.

Please stay healthy and safe.

Fred [Coach]

Leading During Difficult Times

The world we live in right now is filled with uncertainty. The coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic has changed the way we live, work, play, think and even worship. It has impacted every area of our lives and has caused a great deal of fear. The number one source of fear is the fear of the unknown. If we are totally honest, each of us have significant doses of that currently. At times our lives seem surreal. I have to admit that I wake up on occasion asking, did that just really happen? 

As leaders, we are frustrated by not having answers to all the questions we typically can easily respond to with a reasonable amount of certainty. Not so today, under current circumstances. No one knows what the future holds in regards to the Coronavirus. Everywhere we look we see that everything that we once knew to be true has changed. The way we do business has changed, the way our children are taught has changed, even the restaurants we frequent have been forced to change the way they do business. Consistency brings comfort, inconsistency causes fear. 

As leaders, we would all like to think that in the midst of a crisis we would be brave. I love this definition of courage; “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the determination that something else is more important than fear.” [Ambrose Redmoon] 

Consistent, strong leadership is one of the keys to having a successful business and winning team. We are blessed to have a strong leadership team which has a tremendous amount of experience and a strong will to succeed along with a deep desire to do the right thing. Most importantly, they care deeply for those they have been given the responsibility to lead.

Here are some things we know to be true; Nobody has experienced anything quite like this; God loves us and desires to have a personal relationship with us; He promises to guide and protect us; My favorite bible verse that I often reach for during times of trouble is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” When I am fearful, this is the verse that I can count on to help curb my fears.During difficult times new leaders emerge, step up to the plate and make those difficult decisions that have to be made for the good of everyone. They lead with purpose and integrity. They care deeply for those they lead. Douglas MacArthur once said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent."

Hospitably,

Coach