Faith Based Leadership

Stress Test

August 20, 2011

Stress Test

Physical Stress

Several weeks ago I had my annual physical. This time it included a stress test because I hadn’t had one in over five years.The purpose of the stress test was basically to determine my general physical condition and the strength of my heart.To do this, they hooked me up to a machine via electrodes connected to various points on my chest and legs.They measured my heart rate, pulse and blood pressure while lying down, then put me on a treadmill.Over a period of 10 minutes, they increased the pace and the incline of the treadmill to measure my heart’s ability to withstand physical exertion or stress, taking measurements periodically during that time.By the end, I was gasping for breath and begging them to stop, but I passed with flying colors. That means my heart muscle is strong, blood is flowing through it normally, and I have little chance of having a heart attack in the near future.

(IStockPhoto)

Fiscal Stress

In a different environment, the European Banking Authority (EBA) recently administered a stress test to 90 banks across 21 countries to determine if they had the necessary capital to sustain an intense two year downturn.According to an article in the BusinessBanking Review, leading up to the test, the EBA permitted the banks to prepare for it by raising their capital positions. Ultimately however, eight banks failed, representing a total shortfall of 2.5B euros (over $3.5B).Sixteen more banks are reportedly on the brink of failure, and another 20 banks would have failed the test had it been conducted at the end of 2010, representing a shortfall of 26.8B euros ($38.5B).These results provide information to investors on the strength of the European Union banks, so that they can make informed investment and financial decisions.

Organizational Stress

Now the premise of a stress test is to determine the health of an individual or organization by simulating extreme pressure similar to that which could be experienced in real life. The results should be used to determine what needs to change to improve the ability to withstand the threats and pressures that exist. For instance, had I failed my stress test, the doctor would have given me specific instructions (dietary, exercise, etc.) on how to strengthen my heart muscle, might have prescribed drugs, and would have made sure that my coronary circulation was clear. The EBA in turn issued recommendations to the banks which failed its stress test regarding steps necessary to boost their capital position, and consequently avert failure or lack of funding.

As a leader, it’s important that you ensure your organization or team can withstand high stress situations. Stress may come in the form of crisis projects, absence or loss of key team members, leadership changes, quality spills, material supply shortages, or public relations dilemmas. To successfully survive these crises the team needs strong communication skills, broad understanding of everyone’s roles, knowledge of available resources, mutual trust and respect, strong decision-making capabilities, deep leadership talent, and a vision for the future.

Jesus prepared His leadership team for the stress that they would encounter as they ministered to others before and after His death. One moment people were praising Him as He rode by on a donkey, throwing their clothes on the ground along with palm branches, and saying “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 21:9 NKJV). Then within a few days, they saw Him snatched out of their midst and wrongly accused and mocked as the King of the Jews. One betrayed Him. Another denied Him. Others watched helplessly as they saw their leader brutally and horrifically beaten and crucified.Yet their organization didn’t fall apart. Jesus arose from the dead and commissioned them to go forward and continue His work. They boldly preached the gospel, risking and giving their lives to share it with others.

Jesus’ disciples passed their stress test. They survived the crisis, continued the work, exhibited strong leadership skills, and started the early church. He had prepared them for the work and showed them how to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit.

Are you prepared for your stress test? When crisis comes, and it will, can you remain focused to pursue God’s plan for your life? Will you continue to follow His commandments? Will you consistently display the love of God to others? Build your spiritual muscles now by digging into God’s Word daily, follow the instructions He provides, and build a storehouse of energy for Him.

The Blame Game

July 31, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

The Blame Game

Would you be willing to accept the blame for the faults, mistakes and wrong decisions of another person?In these days and times, very few of you would probably say “yes”.Political parties blame each other for budget deficits; spouses blame each other for the failures of their marriage; criminal defendants deny responsibility for their actions; adults blame their bad behavior on people who sexually and emotionally abused them in the past; nations blame other nations for internal wars and strife, companies blame their financial shortcomings on stock market failures and shifting consumer preferences. No one wants to accept responsibility, few want to forgive, and all remain locked in a battle of finger pointing.

(Istockphoto)

The Blame Game is played by people who can’t or don’t want to admit their role in a negative situation or decision, and who look to others as being at fault.The “players” strive to make themselves look better by distancing themselves from any responsibility or accountability for the problem and therefore the solution.They fear the consequences of being involved in anything perceived as negative. This saps energy and focus from the process of dealing with present issues and taking constructive steps to improve the situation.

One Man Who Took Responsibility

There was a man however, who decided to take responsibility for the faults of an entire nation; people he didn’t even know, who lived and died before he was born, who he had no knowledge or contact with.He took responsibility for acknowledging their faults, wrong decisions, and disobedience, and took steps to train them in right behaviors, motives and decisions. This was not an easy task.This impacted an entire nation who had lost their way from the instructions God had given them about how to live. As a result, they lost their freedom, their resources, their homes, their families, and their safety.They were captives in their own land and in other lands where many of them had been taken.

This man’s name was Ezra, and he expressed personal shame, humiliation and guilt for the sins of the people.He spoke of everything God had done for them in the past, how He had blessed them, the instructions He had given them; and how the people responded by forsaking God’s guidance.He named the sins, and the repercussions of those sins.He even called out the men who had married women who didn’t believe in God and their attention and love was therefore turned away from Him. Ezra left no stone unturned in his mission to confess the faults of the people, repent from their actions, ask forgiveness, and to model changed behavior.He engaged the people in these activities off repentance as he brought them together and gave them instructions from God. Ezra was able to do this because he had prepared his heart to seek God’s law, to obey it and teach it to others (Ez. 7:10).

Who’s Going to Take Responsibility Now?

What if someone stood up today and took responsibility for the nation’s current economic crisis? What if they confessed all the financial mis-management of the past (overextended in debt, over mortgaged, financial markets in disarray, investment mistakes, etc.) and provided a solution that would bring us back into obedience to how God says we should manage our nation’s economy. What if they provided not a Democratic or Republican solution, but God’s solution.

What if someone stood up today and took responsibility for the nation’s current moral crisis? What if they confessed all the lies, deceitful behavior, stealing, killing and covetousness, and took a stand to bring us back into obedience with God’s Ten Commandments.

Sounds like a humongous task, but it’s a responsibility for Faith Centered Leaders.it’s a responsibility for men and women who believe that the Bible provides wisdom for every situation that we face, and who appropriate that wisdom to address the problems that confront us.Such men and women who accept personal responsibility for the nation’s problems and choose to lead based on their faith will face challenges, but can be assured of their reward in His kingdom as they fulfill the will of Christ.

Jesus could have rightfully blamed man for sin on the earth.But He set the ultimate example as He died on the cross for our sins, mistakes and willful bad behavior.He substituted Himself and took the punishment for our sins so that we in turn might have eternal life.He took the blame and set the standard for us.

Blaming others says “it’s all about me”.Taking responsibility to lead others in the way of Christ says “it’s all about Him.”

In The Spotlight

July 17, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

In The Spotlight

Robert Gates retired as U. S. Defense Secretary at the end of June.He served in the position for four and a half years, initially appointed by President George W. Bush, then asked to continue to serve by President Barack Obama.He held this role during a period of continuing wars and turmoil in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other Middle East countries.

The Wall Street Journal (click here to read) reports that when he assumed the role, Gates said he had never read a management book, but he developed an effective management style over time based on showing respect to the generals who reported to him, and holding them accountable for their performance.He wasn’t afraid to tackle issues head on. For example, when Army leaders criticized the media for their reports of substandard treatment of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he fired the Army secretary. When the Air Force failed to properly oversee the U.S. nuclear arsenal, he forced the resignation of the Air Force secretary and chief of staff.He reportedly encouraged discussion and input from his team but wasn’t afraid to make decisions at the end of the meetings and expect everyone to follow them.Gates also learned the importance of symbols and symbolic gestures through his early days studying the Kremlin as an analyst with the CIA.This perspective of understanding organizations shaped his management approach in his later years when he assumed a leadership role.

Gates wise behavior as the military leader of a powerful nation in the midst of overwhelming challenges and under two political parties reminds me of David, a military leader who served under King Saul of Israel.

Too Much Drama

Such was David’s life when he skyrocketed to popularity after killing Goliath, a giant who had taunted the Israelites for the past 40 days. With this bold act of leadership and bravery, David quickly went from shepherd over his father’s flock, to soldier. He achieved sudden recognition with the king and the people, and everyone was talking about him. The media of that day, women celebrating in the streets, sang his praises.

IStockPhoto

Saul then brought David onto his staff and placed him in charge of the army. David became a statesman going wherever Saul sent him, faithfully doing his bidding.All the people, along with Saul’s leadership team highly respected David, and thought he was a better leader than Saul himself.It was obvious to them that David had the favor of God, while Saul had lost it.Even Saul’s son Jonathan became David’s best friend, willing to give up his right to succeed his father on the throne because he knew that God’s will was that David become king.

David was also a skillful musician, and in the past his music soothed and relaxed Saul when he became tense and agitated. But eventually Saul’s jealousy of David’s increasing fame grew to the point that he plotted to take David’s life.Saul unsuccessfully attempted to kill him by throwing his spear at him. Then he invited David to become his son-in-law in exchange for fighting the enemy army, but David and his men were strong and valiant, winning the battle.

David was between the proverbial rock and a hard place. In spite of his high position and favor with the people, the king hated him and continually tried to kill him. But throughout all of this drama, David behaved wisely in all his ways.He was wiser than all of Saul’s staff members.

…He presided over the business of the country and the army.

…He was obedient and respectful to Saul, even though he knew that Saul wanted to take his life.

…He didn’t try to undermine his leader, or take unfair advantage of his position.

…He led with integrity.

What About You?

Imagine yourself suddenly catapulted to recognition among your peers because you performed an act of bravery, exhibited exemplary leadership, or your unique gifts and talents were discovered by those who valued them.Such fame doesn’t come without its problems and challenges, and your ability to sustain your role will be impacted by how you handle these pressures.

….The spotlight of leadership makes you a target for personal and professional attacks.

….The spotlight of leadership exposes your underlying motivations.

….The spotlight of leadership tests your accountability to the God who positioned you there.

….The spotlight of leadership checks your responsibility to the people whom you serve.

It seems that every day, the news media reports on some leader who failed the scrutiny of the spotlight: a leader who failed to act with integrity, credibility, accountability, and appropriate responsibility. What about you? No matter its size or scope, are you prepared to behave wisely in your leadership role?Are you prepared to lead in a way that pleases God instead of trying to please men? What will the spotlight uncover about you?

Pull Those Weeds

June 1, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

Pull Those Weeds

One of the things I enjoy about the spring and summer months is driving down the street of my neighborhood and seeing the beautifully landscaped lawns.Just the right placement of bushes, trees, flowers, ground cover, mulch, pavers, and other lawn décor to complement the homes, sets a pleasant environment as I pass by.As often as possible, I also like to go walking in the neighborhood.This gets me closer to nature as I look at the various landscaping designs, but it often provides a surprise as well.

As I approach on foot what appears to be a wonderfully manicured lawn, I begin to see that what originally appeared to be a plant is instead a weed! In fact there are weeds growing in the flowerbeds, around the bushes and in the lawn.I’m appalled that the homeowners have let their lawn become so marred by these unsightly weeds.Surely they see them! Why don’t they make it a priority to pull them?How long could it take to simply spray weed killer on them?

As I’m finishing my walk, still shaking my head about several of the lawns that need care and attention, I approach my own home.Hmm…what’s that plant sticking up in the middle of my nicely shaped bushes?Oh my! It’s a weed! Let me pull it!Twenty minutes later, I’m still pulling weeds because once I pull the first one I see another, and another and another. I find myself walking around bushes that I don’t typically get close to, and there are all sorts of small, medium and large weeds growing.I couldn’t see them from the street or from the car as I drove into the garage.I might have just pulled some a week ago, but with recent rains they’ve had more than enough time to grow again.I sadly realize that my lawn looks just as bad as my neighbors’ lawns that I criticized.

My husband is always trying (unsuccessfully) to figure out how to permanently stop the weeds from growing. We alternate between removing them ourselves and paying someone to do it; between pulling them by hand and spraying them with weed killer. There’s never a break, we have to constantly stay on top of this chore or they’ll get out of hand.

As I’m pulling weeds I’m reminded how much they are like life. You can get all dressed up in your finest clothes, and from a distance your hair, makeup and nails may look just perfect.People might look at you in awe as a result of something that you’ve accomplished, but if you’re not pulling your weeds, you may not want people to get too close to you.They might see your heavy makeup trying to cover the flaws in your complexion, your slip hanging, the missing button on your jacket, and the run in your stockings; signs of trouble in your life. They might see that your smile is plastered on your strained face; signs of trouble in your spirit.You may look great from afar, but if others get too close they might see that you’ve failed to keep the weeds out of your life.

Weeds are pesky little things…

….They’re little negative actions that left unchecked begin to grow into regular bad habits.An occasional curse word under your breath when you’re really upset, turns into a convenient expression to use frequently.

….They’re the little white lie you told your boss, your stockholders, or the press, and then you had to keep lying to cover up the first lie; and now your character is shattered.

….They’re the things you neglect to do because you’re tired, like spending time with God, or respecting your spouse’s needs.You don’t notice the difference at first, but after a while you realize that your attitude has changed, and not for the better.

….They’re the foods you eat because they taste sooo good, even though you know they’re not good for you, and they exacerbate your health problems….but you haven’t learned to control your appetite, physically or emotionally.

….They’re the unnecessary cluttered papers and dust in the corners of your home or office that resemble the cluttered people in the corners of your life.They cause you to lose focus on God’s purpose.

I planted a vegetable garden last summer for the first time in my life.It was just a small 4X4′ raised box, but I found that I had to go out almost every day and “tend” my garden.I had to pull weeds; “harvest” the ripe tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers, pull any dead leaves, make sure the rabbits and squirrels weren’t getting into it, and of course keep it well watered.It only took about 10 minutes, but it was a peaceful time, and that small commitment of time enabled my garden to grow bountiful fruit.

In the same way, as I properly tend my life, keep an eye out for the weeds when they’re little and remove them quickly, the positive gifts from God will have room to develop and grow in my life. A wonderful array of His Fruit will be on display for all to see God’s glory in me.

Photo courtesy of IStockPhoto

If You’re a Leader….

May 29, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

If You’re A Leader…

If you’re a Leader, you’re a Pastor.

If you’re a Leader, you’re a Shepherd.

If you’re a Leader, you’re a Parent.

How are you caring for your “flock”?Are you concerned about their spiritual and emotional growth and development?Are you teaching them new skills? Are you guiding them through difficult times to discover their true gifts and unique talents?Are you more focused on their needs than you are on your own?Are you willing to give up your desires so that they can benefit?

It doesn’t matter whether you lead a Little League team, a church, or a corporation.The people have needs, and the needs are basically the same. How will you lead?

Dilbert’s Education

May 18, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

Dilbert’s Education

I’ve always been a big fan of Dilbert cartoons.Created by Scott Adams, they provide hilarious perspectives on many aspects of worklife, education, politics, the environment, and just about any frustrating ritual of life that many people experience.A recent Saturday essay by Adams in the Wall Street Journal focused on How to Get a Real Education, and detailed how he learned more usable skills outside the classroom than inside it during his college years. In short, he didn’t simply follow the prescribed path, but instead crafted experiences to fit his interests, fund his education, and have fun doing it.

It helped that he attended a small college with a culture of flexibility in supporting student ideas.I’m sure the expectation was that he’d learn the most from his academic experience. Instead, he learned more about entrepreneurship, leadership, and motivation from his extra-curricular activities.Adams said that by the time he graduated he had “mastered the strange art of transforming nothing into something,” and this formed the basis for his successful adult experiences. As I read Adams’ story, I admired his creativity to see opportunities in his environment and his boldness to convince others to go along with his ideas.

I was reminded of a young woman who recently complained to me that she’d been reassigned laterally to a new job within her company that in her opinion involved less responsibility than her current assignment.She was feeling frustrated because she had hoped she was in line for a promotion.I recounted to her that over the course of my career, the assignments that I least desired, turned out to be the ones that I learned the most from.Not only did I learn the specific work involved in the role, but my initial reluctance at the position forced me to examine my motives, my desires and my abilities.I instead honed new skills, took on new responsibilities, and changed my thinking about the challenge ahead; and as a result I experienced life changing personal growth in those positions.

I encouraged the young woman to approach her new assignment with a perspective of learning more than just what was in the job description. Quite possibly she could add a dimension to it that had not previously been contemplated, and it might turn into a pivotal learning experience…a real education. The thought of this made her smile brightly, and I knew that she had grasped a new perspective on her role; one that would enable her to grow in the coming months. I’m convinced that a real education doesn’t come simply through academic or intellectual pursuits. Instead it comes through emotional, mental and spiritual experiences that shape our perspective and pursuits in life.

Moses provides us with an example of this.Though a Hebrew, he grew up in the Egyptian king’s home, and likely received the best education of his day.He somehow knew that he was to deliver his people from slavery and thought that killing an Egyptian soldier might just launch his career.Wrong! Instead he fled for his life to the desert for the next forty years. There, in the middle of a flock of animals, God was able to deal with his spirit and teach him the greatest lessons of his life.Moses learned about God’s:

Purpose – sending Moses back to Egypt to deliver the Hebrew people.
Provision – Moses would have everything he needed to get the king’s attention.
Power – God equipped him with signs and wonders to prove His power.
Presentation – His brother Aaron was provided as a spokeman for Moses.
Presence – God promised to be with Moses, and told him to tell the children of Israel that “I AM” sent him.

In the natural, Moses had become the least likely candidate for this job. But because he obtained a real education in the midst of the most undesirable assignment, he was prepared for the role. He carefully followed God’s plan and was successful in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

So when you get that assignment that you least expect or desire (and trust me it will come) don’t shirk from the moment.Focus instead on the deeper learnings, how you can contribute in unexpected ways. Remember that God isn’t here to serve us, but we are here to serve Him and to fulfill the purpose for which He created us. Life isn’t about what we want to get from God, it’s about what God wants to get from us. Our real education is discovering God’s creative plan for our lives.

Photo courtesy of IStockPhoto

Can You Imagine It?

April 28, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

Can You Imagine It?

Many books and articles have been written for the purpose of encouraging people to achieve great things in their lives. Books talk about the power of positive thinking, the power of our words, how to focus on what you want, and the value of working hard and smart. But what happens if you can’t even imagine a future different from your current experience? What if you don’t even know about the options that exist, or you don’t have any desires for the future, because you can’t believe that you have capabilities beyond your present state?

This was Dan Chu’s experience. As an ethnic Hakka Chinese, Chu grew up in a poor area of Calcutta, India. His father was the principal of the local Chinese school along with other odd jobs, and his mother ran the family tannery that Dan worked in before and after school. The Hakka Chinese were considered to be second-class citizens and earned a living doing work that the Hindus wouldn’t do. Trash dumps were behind his home, and the whole village shared one address.

One day when he was 14, he happened to sit at dinner next to a visiting American from a church in Tempe, Arizona. This man ended up sponsoring Dan Chu’s move to Phoenix where he finished high school, and later graduated from Arizona State University. Along the way Dan worked hard at whatever odd jobs he could find, and eventually became a permanent citizen and brought his entire family to the U.S. He later completed his MBA at Harvard and began a career as an investment banker. Until recently, Dan Chu was an extremely successful metals and mining banker with UBS. He is described by colleagues as “a man of humility and flexibility”, who is “comfortable anywhere in the world.”

I learned about Dan from an article in the Wall Street Journal (A Passage from India), and the statement that struck me the most was when he said that as a child “I didn’t have dreams of leaving (the poor area of India) because I couldn’t imagine it.” Yet, for some reason he was fortunate to escape his poverty, and begin to dream of a successful life in the U.S. According to the article, it didn’t appear that he had a specific plan or vision, other than his willingness to do whatever it took, even the jobs that others didn’t want.

Dan reminds me of the story of Gideon. He was the youngest son of Manasseh, and a member of the weakest clan of the Israelites. As the least of the least, he was destined for a life of toil in his father’s house. But an Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!“(Judges 6:12).”Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” (Judges 6:14). Gideon dared to believe the words of the Angel, and proceed to cut down the altar of the god Baal and build an altar to the Lord God instead.

The leaders of the town were infuriated when they found what he had done, but his father stood up for him, and soon, all the people of the town gathered behind him and made him their leader. Thirty-two thousand men gathered with him to fight the Midianites, but God wanted to ensure that He would get the glory for saving the people. So God instead instructed Gideon to weed out the soldiers who were afraid, and those who didn’t behave like warriors, and send them home. He was left with 300 men, but the actions of this small brave band of warriors led to the deaths of 120,000 of their enemies. God worked through Gideon’s obedience and leadership to overcome the Midianites who had been oppressing the Israelites, and the country enjoyed forty years of peace while Gideon ruled as their judge.

Both Dan Chu and Gideon had no thoughts or hope of leadership in their lives. There was no evidence that they possessed leadership skills, nor that they were capable of accomplishing anything of significance. Yet, they were plucked out of obscurity and given an opportunity to make a difference. They had to make a choice on whether they would begin to imagine a future far different from their past. They had to be brave enough to reinvent their self image. They had to take on a world view of exploring the future possibilities, instead of focusing on the present impossibilities.

What would your life be like if you stretched your imagination to even think about an accomplishment that is so far beyond your reach that it’s incomprehensible? Well like Dan Chu and Gideon, you have an Angel of God waiting to reveal a plan for your life that you can’t even conceive of. He is able to transform your nothingness into valuable skills and abilities. You simply must seize the moment, hear and obey. Joyce Meyer, the well known evangelist has a book called Do It Afraid: Obeying God in the Face of Fear. I challenge you to imagine a new, far reaching future for your life, and to “do it afraid”.

Photo from IStockphoto

Scriptures from NKJV

Your Brand of Influence

April 16, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

Your Brand of Influence

How do you grow and use your brand of influence? Anna Wintour provides an interesting example for us.A recent issue of the WSJ Magazine profiled Wintour in an article called The Business of Being Anna by Joshua Levine.As editor of the U.S. edition of Vogue since 1988, she is arguably the most powerful person in the fashion industry. Her boss says that “she has a remarkable ability to impose her will”. Another friend says “you can make a film in Hollywood without Steven Spielberg’s blessing, and you can publish software in Silicon Valley without Bill Gates’s blessing, but it’s pretty clear to me you can’t succeed in the fashion industry without Anna Wintour’s blessing.”Another famous designer said “If I get a request (from Wintour) for something I don’t want to do…now I don’t even bother to say no.”

Wintour has influence and impact not only in the fashion world, but in industries such as film, sports, art, retail, music, business, politics and food. She’s a major fundraiser, has developed a role that is broader than simply editing a magazine, and is described as “a kind of consigliere to the entire fashion and retail industry.”She’s not only intuitive in leveraging the power of fashion in many aspects of society, but she carefully crafted her image, her persona, her personal brand, and leverages her influence to impact her arena.

As I learned more about Wintour, I couldn’t help but wonder how others build and use their influence.My observation is that she, and others like her, don’t pursue a job or a career.They have a different perspective on their life and work that drives them to transform their environment.They pursue a revolutionary approach to their area of expertise, rather than try to fit in to the established norms. They don’t accept status quo.This means that they must be fully confident in themselves, their abilities, and their point of view. They know how to sell others on their perspectives, and sincerely believe that their actions are for the greater good of many.

So that causes me to pause and ask; how are you growing and using your influence? What are you doing to impact your environment, your business, your company, your organization?Are you responding and reacting to the norms, practices, and culture already established; or are you proactively taking it to the next level?Do you see possibilities that no one else sees?

The most valuable leaders in my estimation are those who influence their environment for Christ. They focus on bringing others into an intimate relationship with the Most High God in a way that transforms the lives of many. Ministers such as Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, Joel Osteen, T. D. Jakes, and Joyce Meyer are well known for their accomplishments in this arena. But there are many other Christian leaders of great influence in areas such as;

Politics – Mike Huckabee – former Governor of Arkansas; Charles Colson – evangelist, cultural commentator, former chief counsel for President Richard Nixon and one of the Watergate Seven; Martin Luther King – civil rights activist.

Business – David Green – founder Hobby Lobby stores; S. Truett Cathy – founder Chick –Fil-A food chain; Sam Walton – founder Walmart.

Sports – Tim Tebow – Heisman Trophy winner; Payne Stewart – Golfer; Tony Dungy – Superbowl Winning Football Coach.

Each of these men (and many women as well) pursued creative opportunities to share their faith in God, and to influence others to commit their lives and their futures to Him.They have excelled in their God given gifts, developed a personal brand based on their beliefs, and leveraged their influence to change the lives of those around them.

So what is your brand? Where is your influence?What environment can you impact in a way that is uniquely you?What is God placing in your spirit that is bigger than you? Let Him lead you into His plan for your life, so that you can use your influence to make a difference for Christ with those around you.

Photo Courtesy of IStockPhoto

Google God

April 3, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

Google God

Article first published as Google God on Technorati.

The digital age has greatly increased the amount of information the average human can access and consume. Today, we can sit down at our laptops, pull out our iPads, or walk along with our smart phones, and Google, Bing, or use any other search engine to inquire on a topic of interest. Answers to questions we wouldn’t even think of asking a decade ago, are now at our fingertips within seconds. All this serves to increase our curiosity level, and feed a desire for even more information. But how much information can we consume and store, and what do we really do with it all?

A recent study published in Science, and summarized by Carl Bialik in the Wall Street Journal (click here to read more) indicates that the world’s capability to store, communicate and compute information has grown by 23% each year since 1986. Search engines and other tools enable us to more easily filter and process this information. A further study at The University of Michigan found that in 2005 “people spend one minute consuming media for every 1,000 minutes available” which is about ten-fold the rate in 1960. This storage capability is measured in exabytes, which Google tells me is equivalent to one quintillion bytes. That’s the number one (1) with 18 zeros after it.

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But here’s the really amazing part. While we humans work to categorize, store, quantify and access all this information, God already holds all the information of the world’s past, present and future. He knows it, understands it, sorts it, applies it, and analyzes it, faster than we can imagine. He has videos of everything in our past and our future because He planned it and saw it happening.

We use search engines to access facts, information and opinions; concrete data that men and women use to manage their environment. God goes beyond that to store thoughts, feelings, purposes, plans and pursuits; the intimate details of the spirit of man. Even if I kept a journal of my life, I could never write down every experience, every thought, every desire that I’ve had throughout my life. Yet God knows it all, and He knows what’s best for me because He created me.

Often I wish that God had a search engine like Google that I could ask any question and get an immediate answer. I’d ask about the “whys” of my past, and the “whats” of my future; I’d ask about the “whens” of His provision, and the “hows” of His plans. The same overwhelming desire to access and consume data in the natural realm would quickly translate to the spiritual realm. But alas, it doesn’t work that way. God wants us to ask Him, but receiving the answer is our opportunity for growth, as we learn to listen to His voice; read His Word; and follow Him in new ways. Why can’t we just get an instant response from Him? Because we probably couldn’t handle it. Because His thoughts are so much higher than ours, His ways are so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) that He has to prepare us for what He’s doing in our lives and for where He’s taking us. Our minds think simple thoughts in comparison to His, and would not be able to register what He was saying.

Consider Moses, whom the Lord spoke to from a burning bush about returning to Egypt to speak to Pharaoh about freeing the Israelites. Moses made multiple excuses for why he was the wrong man for the job. God became exasperated with him, finally telling him that his brother Aaron would assist him. He indeed went on to convey God’s message to the King of Egypt and eventually led a multitude of people out of Egypt toward the Promised Land.

When I began my career 28 years ago, I had no idea where it would take me. I had no concept of the things I would accomplish, the people I would meet and influence, the places I would work, or the leadership roles I would hold. I’m smart enough at this point to know that even though He’s given me a glimpse of my future, God hasn’t shared everything. I’m simply able to better trust and follow Him now, without a burning desire to know everything.

So I can Google God. I can ask Him any question I want. But I know His answer is a process that will come when I’m ready for it, and His answer is always perfect for me.

Are You Prepared…Really?

March 22, 2011

Priscilla Archangel

Faith Based Leadership

Are You Prepared…Really?

The catastrophic events that began a week ago in Japan; an earthquake followed by a tsunami, and now a potential nuclear meltdown spreading radioactive gases, have left many people glued to various forms of the news media as they try to comprehend the magnitude of it all. The disaster has impacted not just those living in the areas hardest hit, but it has rippled throughout the entire country, and even the world. We don’t yet know the death toll, but hundreds of thousands are said to be living in shelters, and the emotional and physical effects will unfold for years to come.

These events impact the global supply chain as well, since Japan manufactures components used in consumer electronics and automotive products (to name a few) used across the world.Companies are now assessing the impact to their manufacturing processes and short term sales, and taking steps to mitigate potential financial losses.

Istockphoto

As I watch the events unfold day by day, my mind keeps going to the issue of being prepared.The Japanese have reportedly been diligent about taking precautions in the event of an earthquake.But it’s improbable that they would have anticipated a triple disaster, or could have done enough to adequately prepare for it.

Disaster planning occurs in every area of our lives.Companies develop emergency plans for restoring business operations, retaining and accessing data, and continuing to service customers.Governments prepare secure war rooms and develop strategic military plans. Municipalities prepare to provide basic services to residents like food, water and shelter in the event of a crisis.But what about economic crises, financial crises, military crises, or environmental crises?We’ve had all of these in the past five years, at levels that exceeded our expectations of how critical the impact of these situations could be.

So how should we effectively prepare for a potential crisis or disaster?Preparedness is a result of appropriately:

Assessing the risks – Almost everyone impacted by recent disasters thought that it might be possible, but it wasn’t probable. So assume that it can happen.What are the risks if you’re not prepared?

Assuming the resources – Most disaster recovery plans assume the availability of electrical power at some point, or clean water and air, or that transportation is available, or that people will act rationally.What are your assumptions and what if they aren’t realistic?

Accumulating the reserves – Start now to develop plans to gather provisions to make it through the crisis.That might mean accumulating financial reserves, developing emergency plans, identifying operating alternatives, or gathering provisions. What materials should you prepare now to have on hand?

Acting responsibly – Your behavior at the time of a crisis can have a positive impact on others as you exhibit faith in God, and allow His peace to rule your spirit. Can you give your fears to Him?

Acknowledging reality – Denial of the magnitude and impact will exacerbate the problem.Often people delay in responding because they fear overreacting. It’s generally important to be ready to take action quickly. Can you take every event seriously?

But the most important area of our lives where we need to be prepared is in our spirit. We’re in the days that Jesus spoke of where we’ll experience wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and nations fighting against one another (Matt 24:6-7, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:9-11).Whether we’re directly impacted by crises, or asked to help others in crises, we all will face the moment of understanding where we will spend eternity. The best thing we can do is settle that matter in advance by committing our lives to Christ. Unfortunately, many people live for today, and don’t plan for their eternal future, or they don’t believe in Jesus Christ. They fail to assess the risks correctly.

Others assume they will have time to commit their lives to Him when they’re finished doing what they want to do.They’ll make a “just in time” decision.These people fail to properly assume the resources that will be available to them.

Still others fail to strengthen themselves spiritually by accumulating the proper reserves, such as knowledge, wisdom, and developing a closer relationship with Christ, to make it through the times of crises. Instead they fall away from Christ when challenges come into their personal lives, not realizing that this is the time to press in closer to Him.

Those who act responsibly and draw near to Christ will indeed find that He’s a present help in a time of trouble.As they act responsibly, they allow the peace of God to rule their hearts, they find rest in Him.

And finally, individuals who acknowledge reality understand the context of such disasters, and the perilous times of these last days (II Timothy 3:1). They understand the seriousness of their behavior and press in to Him, to hear and obey all that He has called them to do.

So each of us must assess our level of preparedness.Are we really ready for what may lie ahead?

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