Think about it, when the economy (i.e., GDP) is off a couple of percentage points from prior year, or unemployment is near 10%, we’re quick to bemoan the terrible business environment. Yet, the fact is that 90+% of folks still have their jobs and spending is 98% of prior year levels overall. It’s clear, in spite of the bankruptcies, foreclosures, inventory adjustments, and reduced big-ticket purchases that many businesses are operating fairly normally. In fact, some niches are booming, and the necessary belt-tightening in many other sectors is fairly modest. Because we become complacent in good times, preferring to let things run comfortably on autopilot, the hands-on leadership required during recessionary times seems like a painful intrusion on our otherwise routine lives. In fact, we know from Scripture that such trials, discipline, and pruning is often used by the Lord to build perseverance, character, and hope, while drawing us closer to God to produce a harvest of righteousness (e.g., Jn 15:1-4, Ro 5:3-5, He 12:11). Think of the travails of Abraham, Job, Joseph, Daniel, and David… and how the Lord blessed and used them due to their faithful perseverance and obedience. Consider the powerful resulting testimonies that honor God and still inspire us today. We have that same opportunity, as these timeless principles are still in operation today in the arena of business. The problem, to paraphrase commentator George Will, is that we’re great creatures of habit, doing the same things over and over, while only occasionally interrupted by an original thought.

First, let’s stop to remind ourselves of a few provocative facts:

• What got you here won’t get you there. Things change, even when we resist, causing a compelling need for us to adjust our offerings, methods, and staff core competencies if we’re to continue to provide a compelling customer value proposition. Necessity is often the mother of invention!

• For the thinking business leader, there are no commodities! It’s easy, especially in a recession to think that lower prices are all that matter and our company’s offerings are indistinguishable from our competitors. Focusing solely on competitors brings sameness, bloody price wars, and a loss of focus on what it takes to thrill customers with truly differentiated goods and services. For example, some might view copper as a commodity, but think about the differing ways it might be used (e.g., Siemens power plants, Carrier air conditioners, U.S. Mint pennies, Ford auto radiators, etc.)… all leading to differentiated selling, packaging and logistical support.

• Now is a great time for fresh thinking and perseverance in relooking at how to best serve customer needs! 50+% of companies on the 2009 Fortune 500 list were launched during a recession or bear market. The prize for companies who do what it takes to survive major economic dips — keeping a highly motivated staff nucleus in place and remaining a visible presence — is being first in line to address expanding customer demand with a sharpened offering when the rebound happens.

• The fundamentals of successful business – identifying customer needs and filling them well – haven’t changed. For those who are feeling beaten down, tired and ‘last generation,’ take note that the age group with the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity over the past decade are 55-64 year-olds! Those who ‘get it’ and regularly engage customers regarding their needs and hopes in any technical or supply niche will routinely uncover breakthrough business ideas!

We must shake ourselves out of our self-justifying tendencies, seeing things through the fixed prism that we’re most comfortable with, if we’re to move ahead and not choke off the good forward-looking ideas of our customers and staff. We so easily become trapped by our own past successes, methods, reputation, and words. Consider stopping, today, to deeply reconsider some of the unquestioned ‘givens’ in your business. Deeply engage your staff, as well as thoughtful and aggressive customers in the process. Take in raw, objective, third-party input along the way as grist for the discussion.

It’s obvious that businesses must continually adapt and reinvent various aspects of themselves (e.g., methods, processes, product lines, key staff, bundling of goods and services to address target customer needs) in order to stay relevant and healthy in a changing marketplace. So what’s changed in your target markets?

Leaders lead, and leadership by example is the best technique as proven for thousands of years. No great leader has ever been a disciple of “Do as I say, not as I do.” Over and over again in the study of leadership, it comes out. The greatest leaders are those having volunteer followers. Inspiration through example moves people to follow more effectively and for longer duration than anything else.

Inspiring and influencing others to follow voluntarily is leadership in its purest form.
Of course, there are other forms of leadership such as totalitarian authority, positional, monarchical, or elected majority and so on, but in the operation of a highly effective and long term successful company, volunteer followers are what we need, not slaves, serfs, or robots.
Probably the antithesis of the type of leaders we are striving to illustrate would be the army which is based upon positional authoritarian leadership. There is no choice given to the followers, it’s either obey or be punished. The leaders are identified by their title and it alone qualifies them to direct, give orders and make decisions.

Jesus might be the greatest example of a true leader. He had no title or position, no real power other than truth and example. He led by example and the power of His vision.
Ghandi is another example of a basically powerless man who is acknowledged to have been a great leader who influenced by example.

In our companies, we are the leaders. We have a title which demands respect and we can utilize the army model of chain-of-command leadership and management if we choose to do so. Most companies do but most of the best companies do not.
In today’s world, and, seemingly even more so, tomorrow’s’ high performing companies use a different style. Modern leaders will be more like Jesus than Patton.
Influence will be more effective than positional power and developing the ability to be an effective influencer is key.

To close our time today, let’s hear the famous poet Edgar Guest as he says:

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day,
   I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
   Fine counsel is confusing, but examples always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
   For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done.
   I can watch your hands in action but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true;
    But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.                              

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
   But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

Beyond the amazing personal realization that His Spirit lives in us once we come to Him in faith (Jn 14:16-17), and that this promise is eternal so that no one can ever snatch us out of His hand (Jn 10:27-30), God has ordained this wonderful union for a purpose: that the world may know (Jn 13:34-35). He is the vine and we are His branches (Jn 15:5). In John 17:20, Jesus prays that others will know Him through our message. Scripture reminds us that our example of living and working together in unity (Ps 133:1, Ro 15:5-6, Eph 4:1-3) glorifies Christ and helps others to see the truth. We use our spiritual gift s and callings for this purpose so that the Body of Christ may be built up in unity (Eph 4:12-13).

In the process of pursuing and promoting this Christ-centered ‘oneness’ in all God-given structures and relationships, others will be drawn toward a saving relationship with our eternal bridegroom, Jesus. Alternatively, when we lust after other ‘idols,’ or hunger to be personally ‘significant’ or fulfilled, we cripple our witness. Are you currently feeling incapable of having much of a transformational impact through your life and business? If so, reread this devotional and remind yourself of the truth that our faith can move mountains (Mt 17:21) and that He who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1Jn 4:4).

Let’s talk.
• Would others observe that you find your significance and satisfaction as a child of God and disciple of Christ? How does your leadership actively demonstrate thankfulness, submission to God and His Word, and the pursuit of unity with other believers?

• What’s currently derailing you from the intimacy, unity and oneness with Christ that transforms relationships and communities in this life?

Taking Stock
What we do in the midst of a recession greatly influences our long-term prospects for being a high-performing company with an uncommon sense of purpose and teamwork. For leaders, this is an ideal time to take a fresh look at the fundamentals of the business and ensure a solid foundation for the future..

The following 7-Point Gut Check gives each of us an opportunity to “take stock” by self-evaluating our real-time leadership in seven vital areas.
■Get Off the Ledge First things first! If you’re still operating in the red or running ‘close to the edge’ on cash, what (or who) are you waiting for? If your sources of funds don’t provide enough cash each month to meet your uses of funds, you’re playing a losing game or putting your head in the sand. If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to reset your resource/capacity levels to match your activity so that you can continue operating indefinitely and profitably at this level
■Build a Winning Team This is a great time to clearly communicate and then regularly reinforce alignment on your firm’s core principles (i.e., vision, purpose, and core values).
Deep engagement is necessary to ensure clear buy-in and to help employees coalesce into a solid team.
■‘Lean’ Sales and Marketing Are your marketing efforts disjointed and based on historical habits and generic sounding appeals? Or, are they unified and based on a very focused and distinctive core message delivered through the most productive communication channels, beginning with your name, tagline, signage, website, literature, stationary, email and targeted ad spending?
■Clean-up Historical Operating Problems and Compromises Now’s the time to get serious about eliminating repetitive waste (e.g., poor project plans and costly quality problems), unnecessary capacity, underperforming suppliers, and organizational ‘ankle weights’ (e.g., naysayers, upward delegators, untrustworthy teammates, and accountability avoiders).
■Refocus around Planning and Execution Discipline Allowing multiple agendas in the same company is crippling. Involve key employees and staff leaders in the planning process and hold them responsible for delivering their piece of the Plan (e.g., revenue growth, cost, asset turns, etc.). Engage them in building the business ‘on paper’ with a fresh plan.
■Establish a Culture that Integrates Learning, Accountability, and Performance Pay A team that’s seriously engaged in making its Plan will constantly confront ‘off-Plan’ areas, hold each other accountable, and celebrate successes together. Share the pain and the gain, while cultivating a culture of ‘owners’ and committed ‘professionals.’
■Unwavering Personal Witness It’s incumbent on us to communicate clearly and lead with grace when making changes that negatively impact others. As a steward, servant leader, and Christ follower, we’re to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in all seasons. Do we exhibit His peace in the midst of the storm?

Reflect on each of these seven areas. Any low score is worthy of personal reflection and prayer, discussion, and staff brainstorming to probe ways to remedy and elevate your company’s performance.
How can your leadership help your team to use this recession as a foundation strengthening time that provides a fine launching pad for the future?

As leaders prone to pride and works of righteousness, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we’re somehow becoming more Christ-like by our own efforts. Sure, we know we’re saved by grace, but we’d like to think that our works make us more holy. In the heat of the daily battle we can forget that, apart from our identity in Christ, what we bring to the party – even on our best day – is “as filthy rags”(Isa 64:6). By leaning on our own righteousness, we damage our testimony with each offense, and push away many to whom we’re called to minister by our self-righteous behavior. In truth, our holiness depends on faithfully abiding in Jesus, which is made possible by His grace. John Piper recently said, “Grace isn’t simply leniency when we’ve sinned. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon.” For believers, God’s grace is active in saving us in Christ, sanctifying us in His image, and bringing us safely home!

Confident in God’s grace, we have the privilege of presenting ourselves, in gratitude, as living sacrifices and His ambassadors! When selfless works flow out of a heart that is grateful for such unmerited favor, others can often begin to see the reality of Christ’s love and gospel. With this truth in mind, let’s consider a few questions:

■Jesus told Paul that His “grace is sufficient” and His “power is made perfect in weakness.” How does this relate to us today as servant leaders and shepherds in the workplace?

■Do we behave or communicate as if “God is fortunate to have us on His team”?How can our ‘righteous’ behavior, often rooted in a misplaced sense of guilt or pride, create a stumbling block to others who truly need to hear Christ’s gospel of grace?

■Practically speaking, what does ‘humble reliance’ look like for us and how can this open the door with others to sharing the hope we have in Christ?

Even when done well, it’s never enjoyable to initiate action to sever a relationship. All the training and preparation in the world will fail to make this one of our favorite tasks. Nevertheless, such separations can be managed well and have a far more beneficial impact than we might imagine if we embrace a few basic Biblical principles. 

• Whenever possible, release an employee in person. Look them in the eye and tell them the truth with as much kindness and care as you can. People hate the proverbial impersonal “pink-slip.” It’s cold and demeaning.

• Be willing to discuss the employee’s immediate questions about the situation, not to debate, but to briefly explain and give them a chance to vent a little.

• If possible, have the meeting on Friday as there’s less trauma with Saturday being the first day not having to get up to go to work. Try to avoid forcing the terminated employee to talk to other employees immediately after the meeting. Arrange for a private opportunity for the departing employee to clean out their office, desk or tool cabinet.

•  Be as generous as possible, recognizing your stewardship responsibilities, with separation pay and terms. Depending on circumstances, position, seniority, and proprietary knowledge, do all you can to make finding another position as easy as possible. When in doubt, err on the side of being generous, gracious, helpful and giving.

• When mutual trust and a reasonable planning window exist, allow the departing employee to begin looking for work while still employed, since obtaining a timely new job is typically much easier this way. Although this isn’t always possible, this kindness is easy to appreciate by any of us who have been fired or forced to explain why we were out of work.

•  Unless the termination is the result of ‘cause’ or gross incompetence, provide a helpful referral letter prepared in advance for them to use in future job searches. Be sure to have all relevant paperwork prepared and organized prior to the face-to-face termination meeting (e.g., timetable, benefits transition, 401K rollover, etc.). In some cases, when termination is due to market or strategic changes, you might offer to make industry contacts for them.

•  In the case of a male terminating a female (or vice-versa), or in any potentially charged emotional situation, plan to have a third party present. If you’re in doubt, do it! Discuss the role you wish the second person to play prior to the meeting. This second individual should be selected with the intent of not adding to the stress of the employee being terminated. 

•  When a parting is amiable, or you sense a healthy opportunity to encourage and intercede on behalf of the departing employee, it might be very appropriate to pray with them.

•  In all instances, be sure to act in compliance with all applicable employment law. If you have any doubts, pursue expert counsel before taking action. 

   Throughout Proverbs there are many themes which are repeated for emphasis and presented in different ways to help us see their application more clearly. Examples of this repetition technique are seen in the warnings given across such disparate areas as: the folly of disobedience, sexual sin, rash speaking, laziness and the dangers of debt. The book breaks into 31 chapters, which makes it very suitable for a monthly ‘chapter-a-day’ study. In fact many believers have made it their practice to continuously read through the Proverbs this way for months or even years at a time, employing the repetition technique in their desire to hide these truths in their heart. When such a daily practice is undertaken for any sustained period of time Proverbs’ recurring themes become clear.

A Theme Intended to Get Our Attention

  One theme that is of particular interest to those of us called by God to lead businesses is the call to look for counsel. Counsel in this context means meaningful advice. The most cursory scan reveals more than 20 references to this topic within Proverbs. Here are just a handful:

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Pr 1:5

“Give instruction to a wise man and he will be wiser still.” Pr 9:9

“Where there is no counsel the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.” Pr 11:14

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” Pr 12:15

“Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards reproof will be honored.” Pr 13:18

“Without counsel plans go astray, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.” Pr 15:22

“He who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.” Pr 18:1

“For by wise counsel you will wage your own war; And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” Pr. 24:6

  These are just a fraction of the many Biblical examples exhorting us to pursue counsel which we could cite. The clear emphasis of God’s Word in this particular area needs to be taken seriously and soberly. We truly disregard it at our own peril.

  The reason we need wise counsel is that it is so hard to know our own hearts. The Bible says it this way: “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it”? (Jeremiah 17:9) The innate ability to deceive ourselves is resident in every one of us. As humans, self-justification comes as a part of the package. We are able to justify almost anything we want when we are left to our own devices. There is no doubt about it…we need help and protection in this area!

  Of course it isn’t only counsel per se that we need. We need Godly Counsel, God’s very truth and wisdom for application to our life. There are many possible sources of counsel but they are not all equally valuable. In fact, some counsel can be terribly harmful and, in fact, devastating to us. In our culture there are many, often attractive, sources of ungodly counsel. We may not realize it but the devil often works his distractions from God’s purpose for our lives through the suggestions or counsel of other people. Counsel that will be truly helpful to us and guide us into the things of God must originate in the heart of God. Many will speak to us, but not all are of God. It makes an enormous difference whom we seek out and listen to. Ideally, seek unity of response from a number of trustworthy Christ-centered advisors when dealing with important issues.