Christian Business Leaders: Instill Hopeful Realism
One of the most captivating concepts for me, as a Christian Entrepreneur and Marketplace Minister, in Good to Great by Jim Collins is the Stockdale Paradox. In fact, I’ve written about it in my recent eBook, Leadership Shift: Paradoxical Wisdom for Transformational Leadership in These Times of Change. In Leadership Paradox #1: Instill Hopeful Realism, I state, ‘His (James Stockdale) band of optimism is what I call “hopeful realism,” a level-headed response to adversity which acknowledges all the facts, negative and positive. (pg. 18).’ As leaders committed to integrating our Faith at Work, we are often upon to exhibit this leadership quality, Hopeful Realism.
An article in today’s Investor’s Business Daily talks about a contemporary of Stockdale’s, Col. George “Bud” Day, who is also an inspiration to Christian Entrepreneurs, Christian Businessmen and Christian Business women. Here are some quotes from the article that caught my attention:
Christian Business Leaders
- Purpose: “That instilled in Day a sure and certain belief that God had put him on this earth for a purpose. Until that purpose was fulfilled, he believed that he would not be killed.”
- Flexibility: “But, you have to recognize circumstances change, as as they change, you’ve got to change.”
- Prayer: “How did he survive (Hanoi Hilton)? Faith. During his torture sessions he pleaded with God to give him strength. When he wasn’t being tortured, he spent a great deal of time praying.”
Here are the Marketplace Minister Questions for us as Christian Leaders in our businesses:
- Purpose: What is God’s purpose for your life and for your business?
- Flexibility: Where do you need to be flexible, open to the new vistas and opportunities that God wants to introduce to you?
- Prayer: How much time are you investing in praying for your employees, clients, colleagues, and suppliers?
Note: Need a speaker for a Christian Business Leaders event? Call to customize “Courage in the Marketplace” speaking engagement.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Missional Renaissance (a Call to Marketplace Ministry)
I’m reading Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal. Reggie is author of another book that’s in my Dantotsu (Best of the Best) Collection, The Present Future. I highly recommend both books. Here are some excerpts from the introduction of Missional Renaissance to peak your interest:
Marketplace Leaders
- “The rise of the missional church is the single biggest development in Christianity since the Reformation.” (pg. xiii)
- “To think and to live missionally means seeing all of life as a way to be engaged with the mission of God in the world.” (pg. xiv)
- They (the three shifts he’s recommending) will move you from doing church primarily as a refuge, conservator and institutional activity in a post-Christiendom culture to being a risky, missionary, organic force in the increasingly post-Christian world in North America.” (pg. xvi)
McNeal then discusses three significant trends in our culture and how the church can rise to challenge and become relevant to people in our society:
- The emergence of the altruism economy
- The search for personal growth
- The hunger for spiritual vitality.
Missional Renaissance is a must read for all Christian entrepreneurs and business professionals who are committed to participating in God’s movement to expand His Kingdom.
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: God is calling His Church to a new level of authenticity and engagement.
Marketplace Minister’s Question: How are you being missional in your work and in your business?
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Sales Growth Specialists, All Rights Reserved.
Meaningful Capitalism & the Marketplace Minister
In talking with Tom Ahonen of the Platinum Group about what’s happening with Sales Growth Specialists, Cheetah Development and Marketplace Ministers, he said, “Danita, you might be interested in our mission, Meaningful Capitalism.” Indeed, I’m deeply encouraged by their desire to align their personal and professional values.
What are your thoughts regarding their mission, Meaningful Capitalism?
Marketplace Ministers Question: What’s your mission statement?
Marketplace Ministers Lesson: Create alignment between your personal and professional values and goals.
For more information on God’s call on our work life, read Anointed for Business and The 9 to 5 Window.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Sales Growth Specialists, All Rights Reserved.
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About Danita
Bold and Refreshing
Danita has a special gift of igniting others into action. Her skill and experience, partnered with ministry insight, makes Danita a powerful marketplace minister! Her sharp precision cuts right to the heart of business matters – assisting others in breaking new ground for Kingdom Advancement!- Rhonda M. Kalal, President
MN Christian Chamber of Commerce
Connects in Conversation
"Danita delivered a powerful, insightful and thought-provoking talk that dramatically kicked off the new semester with great success. She is a polished, professional and prepared speaker, yet connects with her audience as if she were having a conversation with a good friend. Thank you, Danita!"- Heather Lam
Communications & Marketing Director
Moms In Step, Woodridge Church
Medina, Minnesota