Modern Day Settlers

My kids are learning about courage, resourcefulness and taking risk. Our goal as parents is to raise leaders who pursue the passion of their hearts. We are a family of voracious readers. It has been fun talking about Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House On The Prairie series. They get to hear the account of a family on the American frontier who are not guaranteed anything but the freedom to make their own life.

There is part of the book On the Banks of Plum Creek which had us on an emotional roller coaster. Pa has a goal in mind. He is doing what every caring father does – thinking about providing for his family. In the beginning of the story, they live in a dugout in the side of a hill, but he wants to build a home for his family alongside a creek in Minnesota.

Pa starts to think through how to get to his goal. He barters in town for wood and takes risk to go after what he wants. He decides to plant a field full of wheat. From the harvest, he will pay his debts. So he takes loans against his field and crops. He completes his new home complete with oven and luxury glass windows. Read the story »

When It’s Not Showtime

There was a telling comment made a few years ago by famed NBA basketball star, Allen Iverson. He revealed his perspective about practice, “We’re talking about practice man, we’re not even talking about the game, when it actually matters, we’re talking about practice.”

At that time, Iverson was the MVP of the National Basketball Association. He erred with his comments. He did not see the connection between excellence developed through repetition and showtime. Read the story »

The First Thing Is Loyalty

Last week I shared what defines a friendship in the truest test of the word. If I could sum it up in one word, it would be LOYALTY. The first thing I look for in a relationship is loyalty. It is the proof of trust. The second thing is … loyalty.

I love the game of business. I guess the biggest reason is because I get to find out if people are for real. Do they believe in what they are pursuing or selling? Do they hold on when adversity hits? Loyalty is a diamond in a rough. As speed has forced higher pressure on all of us, business has become more of a crucible. The urgency to make money, keep a job, keep a customer and make decisions tests our mettle. Read the story »