Character in Business
Proverbs 11:14, 15:22 and 27:17
Today’s scripture references all come from Proverbs. I like the book of Proverbs. It has bite-sized and sometimes random nuggets of wisdom that are often easy to remember and apply quickly to my day. It’s almost like a compilation of Solomon’s Twitter posts from thousands of years ago. He was truly ahead of his time.
Starting with Proverbs 11:14, we read, “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” (NLT). The next passage, Proverbs 15:22, sounds very similar to the previous, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” (NLT)
There are two valuable concepts to capture from these passages:
Wisdom in leadership is a critical building block to build a successful business (or nation).
Safety is increased when we have many advisers.
Q: How have you experienced the truth of these concepts in the past? Think about a couple specific examples.
Many of the senior leaders and entrepreneurs I have met tend to be what we would call the “type A” personality. They are driven, focused and wildly proactive. If not tempered properly these characteristics may manifest themselves as impatient, narrow-minded, and reckless. They often try to build their business without the help of others due to a lack of trust in others or maybe over-confidence in themselves.
When a business leader lacks supportive and caring external support and influence their self-awareness is often skewed negatively and their level of performance and success is likely limited by the ominous “glass ceiling” above them. However, when leaders and entrepreneurs have access to a cabinet of trusted advisors they begin to act courageously, experience new adventures, and are encouraged and guided by moral support. It just feels safer than going alone
Q: Who are your trusted advisors? Name them and identify what role each plays for you (teacher, coach, encourager, judge, cheerleader, specialist, expert, etc.)
Moving to the next passage, Proverbs 27:17, we read, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (NLT)
Reading this passage brings many different ideas to mind. For instance, from these few words we can assess that not having trusted friends as advisors would be limiting to us. Or, without the wise counsel of others we simply wouldn’t be as effective. And lastly, the sharpening process works both ways; we work together to keep each other sharp.
As a business owner or leader, it’s important you remain on the cutting edge. To be sharp, precise, and accurate. To be aware of where to creatively sculpt and when. Try doing these things with a dull knife! Wise contributors around us keep us from becoming blunt and ineffective.
Just a word of caution as you think about your group of personal advisors…seek to surround yourself with wise advisors who also desire to receive their course of direction from the wisest of advisors.
BONUS SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 9:10 says, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom.” (NLT)
The word “fear” in this passage means respect, honour, and a willingness to follow God with all our heart.
This speaks directly to the value of what being an active participant in a Corpath forum offers you. Your forum members are world-class leaders, business owners and experts who also choose to yield to the teachings found in God’s word, the examples of Jesus Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit. They are LIMITLESS.
Indeed, there are other organizations that offer a forum concept while connecting with a cohort of like-minded businesspeople, but if their foundation is not rooted in the desire to first seek after God’s heart, they will always be LIMITED in what they are able to offer.
Consider this excerpt from Corpath.ca:
Success in business for the Christian is measured by more than monetary issues. In the light of eternity, success also involves excellence in how employees are cared for, how suppliers and customers are treated, how tax issues are handled and how profits are stewarded. At Corpath, we believe that approaching business issues in a God-honouring way not only ensures success from an eternal perspective but also provides a competitive advantage in the here and now. The Corpath Forums process provides a trustworthy, confidential atmosphere that has an emphasis on building business expertise through the advice and experience of a group of their business peers.
Q: What does this excerpt say to you about the business character of a Corpath member?
This week, I encourage you to seek and appreciate wise counsel from those God has connected you to.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, today I recognize you as the most trusted advisor. I know you care about me, and my business and I ask you to lead me in the ways of your righteousness this week. Thank you for providing me with Godly brothers and sisters in my Corpath forum who first seek your wisdom and guidance before sharing it with me. Show me ways to also do the same for them. Amen.
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your own Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
