Faithful on the Clock

Building From the Ashes of Negative Life Experiences With Laurette Willis

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:45:00 -0500

Faithful on the Clock is a podcast with the mission of getting your work and faith aligned. We want you to understand Who you're serving and why so you can get more joy and legacy from every minute spent on the clock. Thanks for joining us and taking this step toward a more fulfilling job and relationship with God!

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In this episode...

Building From the Ashes of Negative Life Experiences With Laurette Willis

https://faithfulontheclock.com/building-from-the-ashes-of-negative-life-experiences-with-laurette-willis

Pain and mistakes? Dr. Laurette Willis joins us in Episode 150 of Faithful on the Clock to show how they can become a foundation for serving God.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:45] - Laurette’s career background

[04:50] - Laurette’s life background

[10:53] - How Laurette’s struggles showed up at work

[17:07] - What to look for in others who might be struggling

[27:25] - The difficulty of asking for help as a high performer

[31:05] - The difficulty of asking for help even when not a high performer; addressing self talk

[38:51] - Addressing the negative thoughts we might have about God

[49:51] - Laurette’s ventures and offerings

[53:11] - Whether Laurette would have changed anything in her past

[60:59] - Prayer

[64:11] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Pain can become purpose when surrendered to God. God often uses our deepest wounds as the starting point for ministry and service. Willis’ ministries were built from her own experiences with trauma, addiction, and emotional eating. Instead of hiding the past, she turned it into a platform to help others heal.
Coping mechanisms often mask deeper emotional wounds. People may appear successful or high-performing at work while quietly struggling with destructive coping habits. The real issue usually isn’t the behavior—it’s the unresolved emotional pain underneath.
High performers often struggle to admit they need help. For people whose identity is tied to achievement, admitting weakness or asking for help can feel terrifying. This fear can create a dangerous cycle of striving harder, hiding struggles, increasing stress, and deepening dependence on coping mechanisms. Healing often begins with surrender—acknowledging that you cannot fix everything through performance alone.
Struggling coworkers are often identified by behavior, not performance. Someone may still be hitting quotas and performing well professionally while quietly suffering. Warning signs are often relational rather than productivity-based: emotional distance, withdrawing, wearing a mask, and pushing people away. Compassionate connection — simply letting someone know they are seen and cared for—can make a profound difference.
The battle often begins with our self-talk. Willis explains that negative internal dialogue shapes behavior and outcomes. Self-talk → beliefs → attitude → feelings → actions → results. If someone wants different results, the change must begin at the level of thought patterns.
Renewing the mind changes both spiritual and neurological pathways. Through neuroscience and Scripture, Willis describes how people can retrain their thinking. By replacing destructive thoughts with truth, individuals can literally reshape neural pathways and create healthier emotional responses. “Take every thought captive.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)
Healing requires changing how we see both ourselves and God. Many people carry distorted beliefs: “God loves others but not me.”; “I’ve made too many mistakes.”; “I’m not worthy of grace.” True transformation requires correcting both negative beliefs about ourselves and false assumptions about God’s character.
Slowing down is essential to spiritual clarity. Constant busyness can block emotional and spiritual awareness. Simple moments of stillness—pausing, noticing small joys, or sitting quietly with God—create space for reflection, prayer, and healing.
Freedom often begins when someone feels safe enough to be honest. People struggling with addiction or shame may desperately want help but feel unable to admit it. What helps most often is non-judgmental listening, simple invitations to connect, and small acts of compassion. Even one supportive person can help break the cycle.
Your past does not disqualify you — it can become the foundation for good. You don’t have to erase your past mistakes. You can build something meaningful from them. What once looked like failure can become the very thing God uses to help others.

CTAs:

If there’s something in your past you wish you could erase, consider this: What if the very thing you’re most ashamed of could someday become the thing that helps someone else heal?
Most people who are struggling don’t show it in obvious ways. They keep performing or producing. Look past the performance for subtle signs of trouble — both in yourself and in the people around you.
Pay attention to one sentence you repeat to yourself when things get hard. Then ask: Is that voice truth, or is it something that’s been shaping my choices without me realizing it?

What’s coming up next:

What does it take to communicate a message powerfully for God? Episode 151 of Faithful on the Clock welcomes guest Danny Brassell to equip you.

Support the show!

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patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

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Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

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Managing Stress Without Losing Calling With Pat Welsh

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Managing Stress Without Losing Calling With Pat Welsh

https://faithfulontheclock.com/managing-stress-without-losing-calling-with-pat-welsh

In Episode 149 of Faithful on the Clock, speaker and law enforcement officer Pat Welsh offers tips and insights for how to deal with stress even in the most difficult jobs.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:38] - Pat’s background and experience

[02:39] - Pat’s integration of faith and work

[04:47] - Feeling obligated toward law enforcement and meeting unique purpose

[06:55] - Reconciling being in a stressful job or situation with the story of Job

[17:34] - Why our identity is not what we do; our “life sentence”

[23:42] - How Pat’s job influenced his marriage; advice for managing how your work influences the stress others experience

[28:55] - Delegating and facing the fears underneath not doing everything yourself

[42:51] - How the business world trains us to be on edge; addressing work culture to address stress

[51:53] - Practical recommendations for managing stress as we adjust work culture to be healthier

[01:01:32] - How to get in touch with Pat/Prayer

[01:03:50] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Stress has biblical precedent, and it is not evidence that God is absent. As the stories of Job and Jesus in the garden show, God often sits with us even in our most stressful hour. God does not create our suffering to test us, but can use it to rebuke the Devil and strengthen our faith.
Calling often includes high stakes environments. In this sense, leadership is less about position and more about influence and impact.
Faith calls believers to live out the unique purpose God created them for. This might mean we carry a significant stress load, but rejecting being a “photocopy” increases our impact.
Stress around our calling or work often comes from trying to control what belongs to God. If we accept His sovereignty, the stress we might encounter is often reduced.
Our work doesn’t just influence our own stress. It can influence the stress of those we care about. We can be loving to others by staying aware of this influence and working intentionally to examine our habits and goals.
We can use practical strategies to manage stress even as we intentionally work to improve work environments that lead to anxiety.

CTAs:

Reflect about your work tasks and obligations. Identify what produces the most stress and select 1-3 strategies you can proactively use to regulate yourself.
Have a candid discussion with your loved ones about how your work might be causing them stress and what you can all do to minimize the damage.

What’s coming up next:

Stress can lead us into unhealthy coping mechanism and poor choices. But in Episode 150 of Faithful on the Clock, Laurette Willis shows us how to transform our mistakes into a new foundation for our work.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Growth, Trust, and the Problem of Personal Distance

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Growth, Trust, and the Problem of Personal Distance

https://faithfulontheclock.com/growth-trust-and-the-problem-of-personal-distance

Episode 148 of Faithful on the Clock offers guidance on what to do when success and growth create distance that crumbles trust in a leader.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:41] - How distance develops between a leader and their audience and why it damages trust

[03:04] - The woman with the hemorrhage and how Jesus collapsed the distance by publicly calling her out of the crowd

[04:39] - The Canaanite woman and how Jesus removed the distance she had as “the other”

[07:45] - The leadership lesson — trust erodes when distance becomes silence, so we must intentionally create spaces where people know they are not invisible, as Jesus did with the bleeding woman and the Canaanite

[09:58] - Prayer

[10:41] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Growth creates distance. That’s inevitable in leadership.
Trust erodes when distance becomes silence and people feel unseen.
Jesus shows us that leadership doesn’t require eliminating boundaries — but it does require collapsing distance intentionally.
In both Mark 5 and Matthew 15, Jesus allowed someone to press through protocol, stopped, engaged, and restored dignity publicly.
People don’t expect unlimited access — they expect to know they matter.
As your influence grows, your intentionality must grow with it.
Don’t let your platform become a wall. Build visible moments where people are seen.

CTAs:

Take inventory of your distance. Where has growth created space between you and the people you serve? Identify one intentional moment this week where you can stop, turn, and let someone know they’re seen.
If leadership has felt lonely or overwhelming lately, spend a few quiet minutes in prayer asking the Lord to show you where He sees you — and where He’s inviting you to see others more intentionally.

What’s coming up next:

Need stress relief? In Episode 149 of Faithful on the Clock, special guest Pat Welsh offers his best tips for keeping anxiety under control.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Understanding Soul Care with Greg Woodard

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Understanding Soul Care with Greg Woodard

https://faithfulontheclock.com/understanding-soul-care-with-greg-woodard

Wellness has become a trillion-dollar industry, but are you caring for your soul? Episode 147 of Faithful on the Clock welcomes guest Greg Woodard to help you understand soul care and how to approach it.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:43] - Greg’s background

[04:10] - Definition of soul care and differentiation from self care

[08:14] - The four main elements of soul care

[11:05] - Why soul care is critical for leaders

[13:02] - Jesus practicing soul care in Scripture

[15:25] - How practicing soul care changes the way we hear God’s voice

[18:30] - Advice for those who feel too busy for soul care

[25:51] - How Greg takes help when he needs it; how start taking help and the value of having many people who can contribute

[31:17] - Options to get started with soul care

[35:36] - Surprising elements Greg encountered when writing his book

[40:27] - Our identity as God’s beloved versus being valued for doing tasks

[47:05] - The importance of soul care for reconnecting to God; the gap between knowing what’s right and doing what’s right and why it’s normal for the doing to lag behind the knowing

[51:09] - How to learn more about and connect with Greg

[52:02] - Prayer

[53:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Soul care is a holistic practice where the soul, body, mind, and emotions are all interconnected. It involves caring for multiple parts of ourselves at once to achieve ideal wellness.
Soul care requires acknowledging and embracing who God really made you to be — that is what you protect in your practice. Because everyone is unique, their soul care practice also must be unique, built on distinct, personal rhythms or structures. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another.
Soul care is especially important for leaders because they tend to be so busy and have heavy responsibility. It’s a reiteration of the advice to fill your cup first so you can pour out.
Scripture demonstrates Jesus practicing soul care, particularly in the way He retreated from the crowds for private time with God.
Soul care encourages us to slow down in a way that makes it easier to hear God’s voice. Greg’s view thus is that if you can’t take time for soul care, you’re too busy! Our calendars reveal what our priorities really are, meaning that time for soul care and God should be there. Community is essential in ensuring we can carve out time for soul care and don’t have to be responsible for everything alone. Many people can fill many small needs we have — we don’t necessarily have to depend on one person.
Soul care can include a plethora of different activities. Be willing to try a bunch of options to find what works for you, rather than assuming it doesn’t work because the first one or two things you experimented with weren’t successful.
While writing his book, Greg was surprised at how important it was to look at his emotions and respectfully say no to others. He found it helpful to have others check on how he was doing — developing a personal board of directors of people who truly care about you and not your accolades helps this consistently happen.
Leaders often focus on what they do and take their identity from it. But Greg focuses on the fact he’s simply God’s beloved — we all are. We are precious to Him just because we are His children who give Him joy. The story of the Prodigal Son exemplifies that.
In preparing for his book launch, Greg struggled with overwhelm. He recognized that he wasn’t living a lot of what he preached. Many of us are in a similar position, whether in everyday life or our faith — it’s normal for there to be a gap between what we know is right to do and actually completing the practice. Scripture reflects even the early disciples understanding Jesus’ teaching but still struggling with sin. But we can be self-forgiving and recommit to growth within our practice, and we don’t have to wait for perfection before we share the good things that we know.

CTAs:

Self assess your current soul care practice. Identify which areas are strong or weak.
Select one activity to try for soul care this week.

What’s coming up next:

We all want to grow ourselves and our businesses. But Episode 148 of Faithful on the Clock looks at a paradox — our ability to connect deeply in a way that builds trust can diminish the bigger or more popular we get.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Fitting Work into the Life You Want with Peter Kolat

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Fitting Work into the Life You Want with Peter Kolat

https://faithfulontheclock.com/fitting-work-into-the-life-you-want-with-peter-kolat

Do you fit life around work, or work around life? In Episode 146 of Faithful on the Clock, guest Peter Kolat shows us how to do the latter and find the authentic self God designed us to have.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:46] - Peter’s bio and background

[03:54] - Why Peter takes the coaching approach that he does

[06:44] - Flipping the script about organizing life around work

[11:28] - How to start logistically flipping the script by intentionally creating basic bookends in the day

[13:47] - The role of boundary setting in fitting work into life, not life into work; getting others on board about what you are doing in a compassionate way

[17:43] - Addressing people pleasing to better hold necessary boundaries

[20:10] - How to know whether your vision is really a vision or just your own ego talking

[22:11] - How fear can drive you away from your real vision; when fear is actually a healthy signal to keep going; fearlessness and the meaning of courage

[29:36] - Looking at vision with a long-term versus short-term lens

[32:02] - How to handle getting hit with roadblocks on the way to building your vision; discerning whether the vision you have really is from God when you have lots of trouble

[38:33] - Looking for the full set of skills you have versus sticking to the skills you think you already have; loving on your fears as you explore what God has equipped you to do

[44:05] - Peter’s core message from the book; the need for self love

[47:16] - Prayer/Where to find out more about Peter and buy Authentic Self Rebirth

[48:53] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Peter’s philosophy around building the life you want BEFORE establishing work stems from his own difficult life experiences. Establishing that philosophy and framework helped him naturally lean into coaching others.
Our authentic self usually gets blunted by the world, but our authentic self is who God originally designed us to be in His image.
We can get exceptionally clear on the vision for multiple aspects of our lives, such as relationships, worship, etc. Peter recommends using that clarity to create a highly structured calendar you can create healthy boundaries around. You can start with one essential vision point and add more to the calendar over time. Sticking to the calendar and evaluating it when you get requests or proposals can help you be intentional about changes in your life and protect your original vision.
Transparency around what you are doing and why can help you avoid people pleasing as you build your vision. It’s also helpful to discern what you can handle or pass off to a VA or someone else.
To ensure your vision is not egocentric, dig into why you really want the vision you do. Clarify whether it’s a heart goal (God-aligned) or a head goal (world/fear aligned).
Subconscious fears reinforced by the world (e.g., there’s no safety net) can drive us toward visions that aren’t really aligned with who we are (e.g., I have to get a job that makes me rich). But there is also a healthy fear that comes when we approach new experiences. That kind of fear can be a signal that we are stretching ourselves in a positive way toward where we need to go. It’s normal as we leave our comfort zone.
Courage means we move forward despite our fears, not that we are fearless. Remembering the story of Joshua and that God is always with us despite our emotions can give us the boldness we need to continue.
Most people approach vision with a short-term view, similar to how people look at the current screen on a GPS. But with God, we need to trust His long term vision — He has a viable route already laid out, even if we can’t see the entirety of it at once.
If you believe God has laid out a vision for you, keep going, even if there are hardships. Quiet time with Him can help you hear His guidance better, and every time you hit a ceiling (which is inevitable in every venture), you’ll learn.
We can discover new skills God has given to us as we try to build our vision. This might include some uncomfortable moments, but beyond the discomfort we can find success and joy.
Many of us struggle to love ourselves, but doing so is essential to awakening. Accepting love from others can be a catalyst that helps us begin our own self-love, as it helps us to see the good things others discern in us.

Authentic Self Rebirth Book

CTAs:

Explore Peter’s book in more depth.
Reflect and identify one area of yourself that you have been denying or hiding. Identify another area that you have no trouble showing to the world. What makes them different? Consider what would happen if you revealed the part you have hidden and how it might change your life.
Make a list of the top three things you wish to eliminate from your life and three things you want to bring in. Be specific about how each of those elements would influence you and others if you made the shifts.

What’s coming up next:

You take care of your body and even consider mental health, but do you practice soul care? Guest Greg Woodard joins Faithful on the Clock to explain what soul care is and why it’s critical on our walk with God.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Stepping Forward with Elaine Lankford

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:45:00 -0500

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Stepping Forward with Elaine Lankford

https://faithfulontheclock.com/stepping-forward-with-elaine-lankford

Where do women fit into leadership in the church, if at all? Faithful on the Clock dives in with guest Elaine Lankford to encourage women forward and to unify men and women for Christ.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:49] - Elaine’s background/bio

[03:23] - Elaine’s connections with Africa and the growth of She Steps Forward

[10:20] - What most surprised Elaine in her work in Africa; cultural perspectives

[12:30] - How African and American women can support each other

[14:53] - The largest misinterpretations Elaine has encountered around scripture; Paul and his desire not to subvert women, but to create order in the early church; the need for all believers to study for themselves rather than simply accepting what they are taught

[27:23] - How God welcomes our questions; Elaine’s experience diving deep into Scripture and discovering the women in the Bible

[32:52] - Why it’s OK for men to follow and use their gifts in support if that’s where God wants them; the need for all believers to step into their gifts regardless of gender; the relationship of Adam and Eve with Eve as an ezra (helper)

[41:05] - How the fall impacted the relationship of Adam and Eve and larger gender division

[43:45] - What men and women can do to heal the gender divide in the church

[52:44] - The biggest takeaway Elaine wants listeners to take from the show

[54:28] - How to get in touch with Elaine and learn more about her work

[55:14] - Prayer

[55:57] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Elaine’s coaching and leadership for women began after needing to pivot her career. After feeling called to lift up God’s daughters, she began connecting with women and organizations in Africa.
Women in Africa still deal with a heavy atmosphere of oppression, but they are go-getters who know what they want to do for their businesses, ministries, or nonprofits. They simply need help knowing how to get there and are eager to learn how Americans make everything work. Americans can look at the tenacity of African women and refuse to quit.
Both in America and Africa, Elaine sees misinterpretations around how women are supposed to be submissive, specifically around 1 Timothy and 2 Corinthians. She encourages both men and women to study for themselves and notes that patriarchy is perpetuated in part by people simply accepting male-oriented interpretations. Spiritual growth from asking questions and going deep into Scripture is a good thing!
Deep study of the Word can help women — and men — understand the wonderful roles God placed women into. Stories of Deborah, Lydia, and others can show women that women can be strong leaders in the church and in business.
Helping women step forward into their gifts is not meant to challenge any role or authority God might place men into, but rather to call all believers to make full use of what God has given them. The goal is to heal the gender divide for a stronger church that can better glorify Who God is.
Men can be pushed by culture to step into leadership even when that is not what God has gifted them to do. In those situations, it is OK for men to step back and use their gifts to support those God wants in positions of leadership. Both men and women should support or lead as God equips them.
In Adam and Eve’s relationship, Eve is an ezra — a strong helper. This means we need to revisit the traditional narrative of Eve being lower or lesser than Eve, and instead see her as fully equipped to support Adam in what he would need. We are all meant to lean on each other, as Galatians calls us to, because as God noted in the beginning, it is not good for us to be alone.
Healing the division between men and women in the church requires more dialog, self-reflection, and self-study of Scripture. Elaine encourages men who hold traditional ideals of women in the church to take that to God in prayer. All of us need to check our feelings at the door and avoid letting our emotions get in the way, asking ourselves if we are truly allowing God to be the authority.
When we have tried unsuccessfully to heal divide with sufficient due diligence, we have permission to shake the dust off our feet and go where God can use us.
Elaine wants women to know that they are seen, heard, and available to God. She emphasizes that men are loved, too, and that, like women, they have their own giftings.

CTAs:

Select one deep-dive or extended Bible study to challenge yourself to go deeper into God’s word.
Invite others you know to have an open conversation about gender in the church and investigate what the Word says about it.

What’s coming up next:

Are you fitting your life into your work…or placing work into the life you really want? Guest Peter Kolat joins Faithful on the Clock to help people rethink their work-life priorities, authenticity, and structure.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

What to Do When Rewards Don't Come

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:45:00 -0500

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What to Do When Rewards Don't Come

https://faithfulontheclock.com/what-to-do-when-rewards-dont-come

We’re taught that hard work yields reward. Episode 144 of Faithful on the Clock highlights what to do when it doesn’t.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:47] - Invitation to set a foundation by reviewing Episode 139 on gratitude

[01:18] - Acknowledgement that not getting rewards can mess with our sense of justice, and that the brain’s reward mechanisms are part of what keep us motivated to work

[01:54] - Personal struggle as inspiration for the show; acknowledgement other listeners might be similarly struggling

[03:28] - Lesson from Habakkuk (and others) — anchor yourself in what God has promised rather than what has already arrived

[06:17] - Lesson from Noah — stick with the last instruction you have from God (even if you have to go into the Word to get it)

[07:47] - Lesson from Joseph — hold to the values and character God gave you, identify what values you’ll defend, and continue to foster excellence even if you’re in an obscure place; know that rewards can be bigger than what you expect for yourself

[09:31] - Lesson from the parable of the workers — don’t compare yourself; look for where else the reward might be to remember that God’s generosity is always present and active

[11:53] - Lesson from the parable of the talents — God’s expectation is simply that we try to steward well, not that we produce specific yields; remember He is more concerned with your faithfulness and give Him that when you have nothing else

[13:33] - Lesson from Elijah — acknowledge the small little gifts and mercies God puts on your path on the way to the bigger victory, and take rest when you need it

[15:32] - Practical strategies — be more direct about what you want and open lines of communication; increase your visibility where possible; practice altruism; and find what’s satisfying about your work process itself

[18:49] - Prayer

[19:40] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

When you aren’t feeling properly rewarded, first ground yourself in the idea that God is the greatest reward we can have, just as He is.
The story of Habakkuk shows us that it’s OK to question what God is doing when we don’t understand and don’t have tangible rewards in the moment. Other stories from scripture, such as with Jeremiah, David, and Ruth, all show God’s servants lamenting but choosing hope before evidence (reward) arrived.
Noah’s story shows us the power of moving forward through a focus on the last instruction from God. He did not have quick resolution, but he was willing to obey according to what God had said. We can seek instruction from God through both prayer and the Word.
Joseph’s story shows us that reward is not necessarily limited to us. It can extend to others. He demonstrates the value of holding to values, character, and integrity even when we’re in obscurity.
The parable of the workers shows us that God’s grace is always working. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we can look for where God is extending mercy and reward to those who genuinely need it, knowing He grasps love and what’s fair better than we do.
The story of the talents highlights that God is more concerned with our faithfulness and intent than whether a specific reward/outcome manifests. This means that, even if we aren’t getting rewards in the world like we expected, we still can come to God with confidence. Our rewards don’t determine access or worth.
In the story of Elijah, we learn that it’s OK to take small rewards and mercies as we prepare to continue to serve. We can rest up when it’s needed and allow God to restore us.
Practical strategies to use when you are not rewarded include being more direct about what you want, increasing your visibility, practicing altruism, and trying to identify what about the process of your work is rewarding.

CTAs:

Make a list of rewards you would like to get from your work. Note whether they are mostly material or intrinsic. How does each reward benefit or hurt you?
Look through the Bible to find a story of a servant of God being rewarded that resonates with you. Be specific about what you connect with. Find another story of reward that feels absurd. Be specific about what seems odd.

What’s coming up next:

Women don’t always feel confident entering leadership roles. In Episode 145 of Faithful on the Clock, coach Elaine Lankford helps women step forward into authority.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Persisting for the Long Haul with Dan Parr

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Persisting for the Long Haul with Dan Parr

https://faithfulontheclock.com/persisting-for-the-long-haul-with-dan-parr

The business world likes to preach fast results, but in Episode 143 of Faithful on the Clock, voiceover artist and publisher Dan Parr reminds us of the value of persistence.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - Dan’s welcome and background; how he got started working on the Easy to Understand, Read Bible

[05:36] - Dan’s experience of not getting overwhelmed through the project

[06:45] - Keeping the majesty of the Bible while achieving simplicity and accessibility

[09:26] - Addressing conceptions about the audience; simple doesn’t mean unintelligent; the translation as a gateway

[12:51] - Advice for those who don’t feel like they could persist in work God calls them to do

[14:39] - Advice for those doubting themselves or encountering pushback for not being “qualified” for a big, long-term project

[17:56] - The revelation Dan had about God as he completed the narration

[20:37] - How the project changed Dan’s perspective of the big picture and being open to new things

[21:31] - What initially caused Dan to be resistant to the project

[23:26] - The skills Dan realized through the project that God had equipped him with

[28:50] - Advice for those who feel called to persist but who aren’t getting the signal to continue from the world

[30:34] - How Dan is measuring success on the project

[32:40] - What Dan wants readers to take away from his translation

[35:01] - What Dan learned from getting enmeshed in Word during the project

[36:38] - The legacy Dan hopes for with the Bible and concepts for future work

[39:14] - How to find more of Dan’s work

[39:48] - Prayer

[41:11] - Outro

Key takeaways:

Dan started his Bible narration work with the book of Luke. After his corporate job suddenly ended, God soon led him to continue to the entire Bible.
Because Dan did the project book by book, he had milestone gratification and didn’t get overwhelmed.
Dan strove to make the translation accessible, not “dumbed down.” He aims for his work to be an “I get it now” gateway that gets people to seek God more intently.
Dan doesn’t consider himself persistent by nature, but he recognizes that God used his ability to dig in when he has a knack for something. He believes that when God calls you to operate in an area where you’re already good, He’ll equip you to accomplish the purposes He has.
Dan encourages those who get criticism or caution for being unqualified to listen to others but also try to get a clear message from God. It’s possible for people to walk new paths and leave the status quo if that’s what God intends.
God is a God of intense love, and we can see the pattern of that love through the entire Bible.
Telling God no can make you miserable — accept that God is the star and don’t fight what He asks you to persist with. Even when we doubt ourselves, we can trust in His ability to work through us, and He often prepares us before we even realize that’s what He was doing.
Hold everything loosely — God can change what we do in an instant.
When you don’t get confirmation from the world that you should persist, ask yourself if you are doing the work for your own glory or for God’s.
Dan doesn’t measure success of the project by numbers, instead letting God do the back-end sales work while he does his own job — creating the content.
Working on the project helped Dan realize that he’s part of the Biblical line — he’s just telling his family story.
Thanks to completing the new translation, Dan is filled with ideas for even more potential projects.

CTAs:

Explore Dan’s work, perhaps starting with his translation of Luke.
Identify some of the elements of the Bible that have been difficult for you to understand, or where you’ve gotten “stuck” understanding the Word. Consider what might happen if you got clarity in those areas.
Test a few other translations of the Bible to see if any “click” with you. Try to be specific about why a translation works for you, such as the rhythm, specific word choices, etc.

What’s coming up next:

All of us like finally being rewarded for our effort. But what if you work…and the rewards don’t come? Episode 144 of Faithful on the Clock explores.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Getting Productive for the Right Reasons with Mark Struczewski

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Getting Productive for the Right Reasons with Mark Struczewski

https://faithfulontheclock.com/getting-productive-for-the-right-reasons-with-mark-struczewski

We all want to be productive. But are we being productive for the good things God calls us to? Mark Struczewski (Mister Productivity) helps us figure it out in Episode 142 of Faithful on the Clock.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:37] - Secondary intro and Mark’s background

[03:15] - Getting happiness from productivity

[05:24] - Quitting excuses and making productivity choices

[11:31] - How to practice patience with ourselves in a way that honors God while being productive

[15:23] - Addressing distractions and differentiating them from God’s movement on us

[20:52] - Productivity is not easy, but fun breaks are fine

[27:34] - Not sharing a bad mood when trying to be productive

[25:45] - The Scripture story Mark offers as a final takeaway

[31:18] - Prayer; Mark’s closing freebie offer

[32:54] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Productivity can be a joyful thing!
We might not always be in a situation where we love what we’re doing. But we can make intentional choices to get there and be productive in the way we want.
There’s often more than one path that’s viable to get to what we love, so we shouldn’t be afraid to look at multiple “how”s to do something. But each path we explore deserves due diligence before we move on.
Most of us need to develop our patience muscle when it comes to productivity. Doing so can help us appreciate the hard work involved in our productivity.
Making a list of the distractions we encounter for a brief period of time can help us grasp how much other elements pull our attention away. But we can mitigate most distractions quickly and be intentional about our scheduling.
When God calls us to do something in the day, that’s a good distraction!
Productivity is not necessarily easy, but we can ask ourselves how God is shaping us through the difficulties in the work.
It’s OK to give yourself grace and take breaks as you work — that’s important for keeping productivity joyful.
We need to be careful not to spread a poor mood as we work. But sharing our trials in the right way can help others be empathetic and learn from what we’re going through.
God will mold us into the person He wants us to be as we work.

Home - Mister Productivity

CTAs:

Visit misterproductivity.com to take the productivity scorecard quiz and assess your productivity.
Challenge yourself to be more selective about the work you opt to do, clarifying whether it connects to your calling and purpose. Set boundaries where you can to prioritize the work that aligns with what God wants you to do.
Try adjusting your technology settings or environment to reduce the number of distractions that creep into your work.

What’s coming up next:

Episode 143 of Faithful on the Clock welcomes publisher and narrator Dan Parr for a discussion of what it takes to persist in working for God for the long haul.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Joy by a Thousand Jolts

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Joy by a Thousand Jolts

https://faithfulontheclock.com/joy-by-a-thousand-jolts

Want to feel more joy that strengthens your faith? Episode 141 of Faithful on the Clock looks at how small, consistent joy experiences can reshape our neurology for better happiness and connection to God.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:44] - The cultural view and pursuit of big joy experiences

[02:20] - Key neuroscience — many small joy experiences can strengthen the neural pathways involved in feeling happiness, and we don’t need huge joy experiences for that to happen

[03:09] - Why small jolts of joy is realistic for the modern workplace

[04:56] - The Joy Reset principles and how small joy experiences can retrain the brain’s neural architecture

[06:09] - The connection between joy and faith; why neurological training might make it easier to connect to God and religion

[07:16] - Neurology as a physical component of faith

[08:36] - Encouragement to address underlying physical challenges that might interfere with neurological training for joy

[10:27] - Prayer

[11:13] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Contemporary culture — including work — often trains us to seek out big lightning bolts of joy.
Neuroscience research confirms that emotionally strong events deeply encode, making them more memorable. But we also know that repeated small experiences strengthen neural pathways. This means that the more small joy moments we have, the easier it becomes to access feelings of happiness.
The way small moments of joy build good architecture in the brain means that we can learn to be resilient even if our work environment isn’t the greatest at offering a lot of big elements to be happy about.
Dr. MaryCatherine’s book, The Joy Reset, outlines how trauma can block the brain’s ability to access joy. She argues that small, consistent joy experiences can reset the neurological architecture necessary for happiness and resilience.
Joy and faith intersect. When we intentionally do neurological training toward joy, we might also make it easier to connect to our faith, since joy is a core teaching of Christianity.
Neuroplasticity is a long game. We might need to practice intentionally seeking small jolts of joy for many months or even years before we really see results in our brain architecture.
It’s wise to address potential underlying physical issues that could interfere with building a healthier neurological architecture.

Relevant Links:

The Joy Reset - Amazon

CTAs:

Review The Joy Reset to better understand the mechanisms that inhibit our ability to feel joy.
Practice mindfulness around small jolts of joy by writing down the tiny things that feel good for you through the day. Use your list to increase your awareness about what gives you the most joy and how you can more intentionally seek it out.

What’s coming up next:

Episode 142 of Faithful on the Clock welcomes Mark Struczewski — better known as Mister Productivity — for a look at how we can be productive for the right reasons in our faith.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Redeeming Time with Lissa Figgins

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Redeeming Time with Lissa Figgins

https://faithfulontheclock.com/redeeming-time-with-lissa-figgins

Feel frantic because you don’t have enough hours in the day? Time-scaling strategist Lissa Figgins joins us in Episode 140 of Faithful on the Clock to redeem your time.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:51] - Lissa’s bio and background for Redeem Her Time

[07:07] - Busy-ness as a sense of obligation; doing things WITH God

[09:10] - Why busy-ness is the Devil’s #1 distraction tactic

[11:57] - Busy-ness as a superficial mask that interferes with connection; the perception of availability

[13:38] - Why time management is the problem, not the solution

[16:11] - ROI versus ROTI

[18:20] - Time and opportunity costs; advice for those who don’t feel like they can reinvest time elsewhere because of the way they’ve already invested (the four “shuns”)

[21:04] - The importance of Selah pauses and the value of time with God

[25:00] - The practice of time anchoring; the balance of pouring out and taking in

[29:49] - Shifting from managing time to multiplying it; how multiplying time is a testimony that sets believers apart

[39:54] - Scriptures and resources Lissa wanted to share

[44:29] - Prayer/thank you to Lissa

[45:24] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Lissa relates to being a busy-ness owner, having shifted away from always cramming her calendar after her doctor helped her see how her anxiety around time management was influencing her body and health.
Busy-ness is a tool of Satan because it keeps us distracted from all the good work we might do for God. It prevents people from seeing who we really are, as it can become a superficial mask that hinders real connection.
Time management is not a solution — it’s the problem. Time management is based on the need to control and maintain, which means it’s not focused on growth. Instead, it’s based in a feeling of lack or fear.
ROTI — return on time invested — is a spin on the traditional idea of financial ROI (return on investment). It helps people to focus on whether they are getting a good return from the time they are investing, keeping them aware of how they are stewarding their 24 hours. ROTI can include assets, but it also can include intangibles oriented around the fruit of the Spirit.
Lissa names four “shuns” that get in the way of good time stewarding — expectations, obligations, interruptions, and distractions. She asserts that we CAN pivot away from activities that do not have a good ROTI, just as we pivot away from financial investments that aren’t producing a good yield.
Selah pauses are intentional breaks we can put into our schedule or day to refresh ourselves, reflect, and spend time with God. They help us to both take in what we need and pour out to others, which connects to Lissa’s larger concept of time anchoring.
When we multiply time and get good ROTI, others tend to notice. Our ROTI becomes a testimony that opens the door to sharing Jesus.
2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us that God is our multiplier and supplier.
Lissa’s podcast (Productive and Profitable CEO) and planner are both good resources for those looking to steward time well and get better ROTI.

Get Back 5 Hrs THIS Week (+ get back more from your time)

CTAs:

Identify the top 3 things you would like to accomplish with God or what you’d like to improve most in your life by properly stewarding your time.
Review your calendar and ensure you have included some Selah pauses for rest and reflection.
Sign up for Lissa’s private podcast to keep learning more time stewarding insights and strategies!

What’s coming up next:

In the Christmas season, we rightly focus on the massive joy held in the birth of Jesus. Episode 141 of Episode reveals how He continuously renews us with joy by a thousand jolts.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Gratitude, God, and Perceiving Proper Value

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Gratitude, God, and Perceiving Proper Value

https://faithfulontheclock.com/gratitude-god-and-perceiving-proper-value

Most people consider gratitude during the Thanksgiving holiday. But Episode 139 of Faithful on the Clock asks: Are you grateful for God as He is, or just His blessings?

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:42] - My experience of feeling inferior walking past nice houses; how a sense of material items, gratitude, and the sense of self can get wrapped up together

[03:53] - The futility of trying not to want what you want; the white bear problem

[04:38] - What’s better than the things we covet; the relationship between the value we perceive and the amount of gratitude we have and how it influences our ability where gratitude gets directed

[06:22] - God sees us as the most valuable and is grateful for us, so much that He gave His Son, Jesus

[7:18] - The need to honor the reciprocity in our relationship with God; why we need to be grateful not just for God’s blessings, but for God as He is; how Job’s story shows reciprocal value and gratitude between God and Job and God correcting the Devil about what love is

[10:47] - Prayer

[11:43] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

When I was walking my dog, seeing expensive houses made me feel inferior and sad, despite what I know about God’s provision and instruction not to store up treasures on Earth. My sense of worth was jumbled up with the worth of material items and perceived blessings.
Gurus will tell you to learn to be more grateful for what you have, but the best way to abandon something is to find something better to replace it with. Because gratitude is proportional to the value we place on something, we have to learn to put value on the right things to be grateful for them. This includes God!
Our relationship with God is reciprocal. He sees value in and is grateful for us. In return, we should see value in and be grateful for Him, not just the blessings He might offer to us. God doesn’t want to be appreciated just for what He gives, but rather, for Who He is.
This Thanksgiving, challenge yourself to tell the Devil that your love and gratitude is for God, not just stuff or conveniences. This replays the story of Job, where Job put the Devil in His place by loving and appreciating God even when all of the blessings God had given to him were stolen.

CTAs:

If you identify specific blessings God has given to you, express gratitude, but then also identify the points of His character behind that blessing you can appreciate.

What’s coming up next:

Most of us never feel like we have enough time. But in Episode 140 of Faithful on the Clock Lissa Figgins explains why stewarding our hours is better than managing them.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
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episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos,
exclusive audio,
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

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Announcing Grace in the Grind, the Faithful on the Clock Devotional

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Announcing Grace in the Grind, the Faithful on the Clock Devotional

https://faithfulontheclock.com/announcing-grace-in-the-grind-the-faithful-on-the-clock-devotional

Need a resource to connect more deeply to God each week of the year? Episode 138 of Faithful on the Clock shares the Grace in the Grind devotional for Christian professionals.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - Grace in the Grind origin in weekly Faithful on the Clock challenges

[02:04] - Review #1: Jeff Meyer

[03:15] - Review #2: Peggy Bodde

[04:07] - The intentionality of the devotional offering both hope and an encouragement toward repentance

[07:15] - Version options available

[08:30] - Official launch date, preorder, and extra value within endnotes

[10:16] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Grace in the Grind is a devotional that expands the weekly challenges available each week from Faithful on the Clock. It’s designed to help professionals truly take action in addition to improving their mindfulness around God.
Initial reviews from Pastor Jeff Meyer and Sacred Work founder Peggy Bodde point out the practicality, honesty, and warmth of the devotional.
The goal of the devotional is to encourage, but also to reveal where you can change your life, in the spirit of Jesus’ call to repentance.
Grace in the Grind will be available in all major formats — softcover, hardcover, ebook, and audiobook. Thibodeaux recorded the audiobook herself to ensure the book felt personal to listeners.
The official launch date for Grace in the Grind on Amazon and Ingram Spark is November 5, 2025. The book is priced to reflect the additional value and uniqueness of the more than 50 endnotes included.

CTAs:

Place your order for Grace in the Grind now, for yourself, a friend, or both!
Share the purchase page links with anyone you think might benefit from the devotional and help get the word out.
Leave a review once you’ve had a chance to get your copy of Grace in the Grind!

What’s coming up next:

In the Thanksgiving season, Episode 139 of Faithful on the Clock invites you to explore the relationship between gratitude, God, and perceiving proper value.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Following God's Call with Matthew Terry

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Following God's Call with Matthew Terry

https://faithfulontheclock.com/following-gods-call-with-matthew-terry

Feeling a little scared to answer God’s call? In Episode 137 of Faithful on the Clock, special guest Matthew Terry offers encouragement through his story of being called to teach in China.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:45] - Welcome and Matthew’s background

[04:27] - Matthew’s initial feelings entering his new job in China

[08:37] - How Matthew’s reception assisted his transition into the classroom, recount of breaking the ice with the students

[13:32] - Matthew’s advice on entering situations where you don’t know what’s going to happen

[16:56] - Matthew’s experience of getting to know the students and being open to teach more than English; seeing beyond your role title to serve God

[24:02] - Matthew’s advice on how to handle people who put you on guard

[25:58] - Matthew’s largest takeaway from his China experience; the importance of trusting in God and accepting that He knows the “why” behind everything that happens

[32:10] - Discussion of “English Corner” and Matthew’s creative projects

[36:14] - Matthew’s advice for people who feel called but who have a mentality that they are x, y, and z, maybe not having the skills necessary; trusting God to sell you

[41:13] - How to find about more and connect with Matthew

[42:44] - Matthew’s guiding scripture and relevant student teaching story

[44:47] - Matthew’s advice to people on keeping your work, calling, and relationships going for the long haul

[47:00] - Prayer

[47:57] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Matthew received the call to go to China after being laid off and serving as a substitute teacher. After his time in China, he continued to serve, teaching in the United States as a special education classroom assistant (SECA).
Matthew felt some initial nerves when first arriving in China, but seeing a familiar beer brand, having no wait at the airport, and being warmly welcome helped put him at ease.
As Matthew tried to break the ice, he used play acting about himself and how he met his wife to get an initial connection with students. Simply asking God “What’s next?” got him through the rough moment and demonstrates what can happen when we surrender and trust God.
Matthew used scripture to clarify with his students that he was going to be a helper and counselor for them. This helped the students feel he truly cared for them. It began Matthew’s unintended journey of teaching the students about God, not just English. In the same way, we can try to see beyond the role title we are given to see how else we can serve.
Matthew did get some pushback from fellow teachers, and a particular student put him on guard. But Matthew trusted that God would deal with it all, even as he didn’t necessarily get answers about what God’s purpose was. He advises based on the experience not to be anxious about anything, even though he acknowledges that’s not easy. Trust in God was not wasted, and He always answers prayer in one way or another.
Matthew is using his time in China to fuel creative projects, including “English Corner,” which is being developed into a mini-series. His goal is to use the project to bring more people to believe in God. If you have the mentality that you are x, y, and z and maybe shouldn’t respond to what God is asking, be prepared for God to show you some wonderful things!
We need to have discernment around language and how we represent the scenes in our stories.
Matthew’s guiding verse is Psalm 91:11 — “God will command his angels concerning you to watch over you and guard you in all your ways.” Take heart that God is using his angels to take care of you.
Accepting God’s call and nurturing others for God is a long-term effort.

CTAs:

Consider some alternative pathways you have been curious about for your career. Note why you feel drawn to them and how they might reflect a new calling from God for your life.
Imagine yourself in at least three different regions or careers that are totally different than what you do now. Talk with a friend, family mentor or counselor about the feelings those regions or careers bring up for you. Why do you have those feelings?

What’s coming up next:

Faithful on the Clock is releasing a brand new devotional, Grace in the Grind. Episode 138 of the podcast highlights the publication of the book.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

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Jacob, Leah, and Rachel: Laboring for Worth

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Jacob, Leah, and Rachel: Laboring for Worth

https://faithfulontheclock.com/jacob-leah-and-rachel-laboring-for-worth

Do you attach what you produce to your worth? Episode 136 of Faithful on the Clock uses the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel to expose if you might be.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:48] - Summary of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel’s story

[01:31] - The fact Jacob, Leah, and Rachel didn’t want or plan the kind of life they lived; how we also can be thrown into undesirable circumstances we have to deal with

[02:04] - The sexual dynamics and competition between Leah and Rachel in the context of how important motherhood was

[03:56] - How Leah and Rachel attached worth to output, and how we still do — particularly in Western cultures; the importance of attaching worth to our identity in Christ rather than to what we produce or do

[07:24] - Leah and Rachel’s scarcity mindset; how scarcity mindset influences teams today to be more competitive and self-protective and the role of leaders in conveying that dignity is a given

[08:53] - How culture delivers a sense of where worth comes from

[12:25] - God’s use of the overlooked and his elevation of Leah; identifying what we’re still trying to earn

[14:14] - What we name our work exposes hidden wounds or desires; the importance of naming from faith rather than pain

[16:56] - Prayer

[17:40] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Jacob, Leah, and Rachel didn’t have a relationship they wanted or planned on. Like them, many of us are thrown into work or personal circumstances we didn’t expect and don’t enjoy.
Jacob was physically intimate with both wives for complex legal and cultural reasons. But when God saw Leah wasn’t loved, he opened her womb. But both sisters were desperate to prove their worth through childbearing — that is, by producing what the culture considered to be of value.
Many women in the world still use childbearing to gain a sense of internal and community worth. But in the corporate space, many woman also have simply transferred their sense of worth to different modes of production. Instead of building your values based on what you can do, build them based on who you are, because what you can do is not static.
Workers can have a scarcity mindset around pay, opportunity, etc., just as Leah and Rachel had a scarcity mindset around love. And just as it did for them, a scarcity mindset can lead to conflict. Leaders can step in to stop this undercurrent of fear and communicate that dignity is a given.
Cultural norms are not neutral. They can shape our concept that production and worth are connected and dictate what to produce to matter. It’s better to chase what God values instead of what the culture preaches. What the world needs most is often what the world values the least.
God doesn’t just choose the top performers. He picks the outcasts and those who are second-class. Asking what we’re still trying to earn can reveal where God needs to work in our lives.
The way we name things often exposes hidden wounds or desires. Leah named her first sons based on hurt, but she eventually pivoted to naming things based on faith. We can pivot this way, too.

CTAs:

Have a conversation with a trusted friend, mentor, or family about how you would feel if you couldn’t produce anymore. Would you still feel confident in your worth? Why or why not?
Conduct a survey in your workplace through the appropriate channels to assess whether people feel like dignity is a given regardless of their production.
If you have to name something — e.g., a new project — give it a name that honors God and shows a positive perspective, rather than a name that simply characterizes the project

What’s coming up next:

Episode 137 of Faithful on the Clock welcomes guest Matthew Terry for a discussion about courageously stepping into a new calling.

Support the show!

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Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

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Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
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episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
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Mastering Meaningful Storytelling with David Alford and Joseph Stam

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Mastering Meaningful Storytelling with David Alford and Joseph Stam

https://faithfulontheclock.com/mastering-meaningful-storytelling-with-david-alford-and-joseph-stam

Storytelling is central to success and connection, but how can you do it with heart, power, and influence? Episode 135 welcomes David Alford and Joseph Stam for insights.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:44] - Guest introductions

[02:05] - Background and start of Cross Purposes Productions

[09:36] - Business lessons David and Joseph learned from the process of starting the studio

[11:11] - Thoughts on the surge of Christian films, genres, and the direction of the Christian of the film industry

[17:04] - What David and Joseph look for in stories they choose to pursue

[18:53] - Summary of Searching for the Elephant

[22:38] - Advice about taking time, being authentic, and embracing life’s messiness in storytelling in a rushed world

[25:19] - Balancing authenticity against formulas and patterns for marketing

[31:37] - Being authentic while producing from the subconscious; the subjectivity in art

[34:10] - The role of the audience in helping artists discover who they are and what their calling is

[36:30] - Being passionate about what you do and being fulfilled

[41:23] - David and Joseph’s biggest takeaways

[44:21] - Advice on asking for help against a culture of independence and grit

[47:39] - What’s ahead for Cross Purposes

[49:40] - Prayer

[50:30] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Cross Purposes got its start with submissions to multiple film festivals, which led to the production of initial feature-length films and allowed David and Joseph to start collaborating professionally.
Working in something like film means the work is speculative — you don’t know if a project is going to hit or not, but you hope it will.
“Christian” film isn’t just inspirational stories. It can include all genres (e.g., mystery, thriller, comedy) and be challenging in many positive ways. This means there’s a huge spectrum of creative possibility in it, reflecting God, and that we should be careful not to allow “Christian” film not to become a caricature.
Cross Purposes Productions looks for stories that take people places they’ve never been with people they want to travel with.
Searching for the Elephant, Cross Purposes Production’s latest release, is a neo-Western story about addiction. But it is also a messy story of familial estrangement and relationship repair.
Searching for the Elephant demonstrates that real life isn’t neat and perfect. In telling our own stories, honoring this imperfection and slowing down to be more authentic is beneficial. People can spot stories that manufactured or formulaic and respond better to stories that are jagged around the edges.
Authenticity connects to the way you market your story. It’s okay to appeal to a niche rather than to everyone. If you listen to your audience’s initial feedback well, they can help you figure out what direction to take in your next marketing steps.
People can integrate elements into stories subconsciously. Audience feedback can reveal where those integrations are and the influence they have.
Feedback in film doesn’t come right away, which means you have to rely more on your experience and instinct. Many other businesses are the exact same way. But a good rule of thumb is to make something you’d want to have yourself.
Passion plays a big role in being satisfied in work. Aim for something you love but would also suffer for.
It’s never too late to pursue your passion — if you feel like God is calling you, go for it. Be brave and talk to people without allowing bias and superficialities to get in the way, because you never know what you can get if you just ask. It takes community and sharing your vision to make it reality.
Cross Purposes Productions has multiple films in the works. You can learn more and stay updated on social media or crosspurposes.productions.

Support the show!

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Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

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Bleeding Need: The Woman with the Hemorrhage

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Bleeding Need: The Woman with the Hemorrhage

https://faithfulontheclock.com/bleeding-need-the-woman-with-the-hemorrhage

Ever felt like you couldn’t ask for what you really needed? Episode 134 of Faithful on the Clock uses the story of the woman with the hemorrhage to show how leaders can be compassionate even with quiet asks.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:47] - Summary of the story of the woman with the hemorrhage (based on Matthew)

[01:56] - Expansion of the story based on the gospels of Mark and Luke and Levitical law

[04:27] - The significance of Jesus asking who touched Him and the pain of the woman’s full confession

[06:40] - Most of us are like the woman with the hemorrhage, afraid to ask for what we really need — how it shows up in the work context

[07:49] - Example from personal friendship

[09:02] - Why the story of the woman with the hemorrhage holds personal meaning for me in terms of healing and leadership effectiveness

[09:55] - Challenge #1: Ask yourself what invisible needs are reaching for you and whether you’re willing to stop the crowd to find them — slowing down doesn’t have to cost you

[12:12] - How to show down your culture to create safety and trust

[13:15] - Challenge #2: Instead of just stopping the bleeding (the small fish), look for the deeper needs people have and restore the whole person (the big fish)

[14:45] - Prayer

[15:30] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Through multiple accounts of the story of the woman with the hemorrhage in the gospels, we can see that the woman didn’t need just physical healing — she needed to be fully seen and reconnected to God and others.
Many of us — in our personal lives or work — are like the woman with the hemorrhage. We try to “make do” and take the bare minimum because we are too scared to come forward with direct asks for help. I lived that way for many years but have learned that the boundaries we often imagine around God don’t have to be there.
As leaders, we can ask what invisible needs are reaching for us. We can make sure we are willing to stop the crowd to find them, and we don’t have to assume that one person deserves mercy any more than anyone else.
Part of bringing this into everyday operations is addressing culture — slow things down, really notice people, and make space for people to feel safe enough to come forward.
As leaders, we need to go after the big fish — that is, instead of meeting small needs, our job is to restore the whole person.

CTAs:

In your next meeting, allow extra time for more relaxed, intimate conversation where people can be more open.
Look for signals that people have deeper needs they might not be asking for (e.g., sudden withdrawal or decreased engagement, reacting intensely to minor stressors, deflecting, drop in work quality). Ask open, non-pressuring questions with those you sense might be in distress.

What’s coming up next:

Episode 135 of Faithful on the Clock welcomes David Alford and Joseph Stam of Cross Purposes Productions. Learn about their latest film and how to make your personal and professional storytelling more effective as you serve God.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

David, Saul, and Handling Toxic Leaders

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

David, Saul, and Handling Toxic Leaders

https://faithfulontheclock.com/david-saul-and-handling-toxic-leaders

Saul was a toxic leader as David rose to the top. Episode 133 of Faithful on the Clock offers takeaways from their relationship to help you be more effective.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:51] - Summary of the story of David and Saul

[06:17] - Anointed but not appointed

[07:43] - What’s motivating the toxic leader under the surface

[09:25] - Don’t compromise your values to match the dysfunction

[10:02] - The importance of allies and advocates

[11:47] - Self-protection as wisdom

[13:07] - Being developed even where you didn’t plan to be

[13:55] - Avoiding “fixing” the leader

[14:57] - Seeing the leader’s humanity despite their mistakes

[16:56] - Prayer

[17:49] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Saul was God’s anointed king, but He disobeyed God and was not respectful to Him. His relationship with David began as Saul sought music to calm and heal his spirit. But once David was anointed himself and started to gain fame as a warrior, Saul’s insecurity tore him apart. He plotted against and tried to kill David for the rest of his life because he feared David would take his kingdom and exceed his own greatness.
You can be anointed but not yet appointed. Trust God to bring you into authority in His perfect timing.
Toxic leaders often feel threatened by the gifts of others. Try to understand what’s activating them underneath the surface.
Don’t compromise your values to match a toxic leader’s dysfunction. David kept his focus on God, rather than playing tit-for-tat games and seeking to harm Saul for his own benefit.
Find wise advocates and allies. They will protect and affirm you through the chaos a toxic leader creates. You don’t have to survive alone.
It’s not disloyal to protect yourself. Self-protection is wisdom, not rebellion.
God can still develop you in the wilderness. Just as David grew in the cave, you can grow wherever God sends you for safety.
Let God handle vengeance and timing. Your job isn’t justice, but rather humility, obedience, and to be ready for what God asks of you.
See the humanity the toxic leader has. Grace is emotional maturity.

CTAs:

Who’s your Jonathan? Think about who helps you stay grounded when leadership gets hard. Reach out and thank them this week — or intentionally look for someone who can be that kind of support.
Reflect with God on your timing. Take 5 minutes today to ask, “God, am I in a cave season like David? Or are You preparing me to step forward?” Write down what you hear or sense.
Share your own Saul experience. If this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs encouragement in a tough work relationship — or post your own story and tag #FaithfulOnTheClock.

What’s coming up next:

Episode 134 of Faithful on the Clock looks at the woman with the hemorrhage — what she teaches about naming our needs and responding wisely to quiet cries for help at work.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
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exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

How to Have the Hard Conversations You Dread

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Have the Hard Conversations You Dread

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-have-the-hard-conversations-you-dread

Not every discussion is easy to have. Episode 132 of Faithful on the Clock combines psychology and Scripture to get you through even the hardest conversations.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:37] - Difficult conversations for redemption and clarification

[02:00] - Speaking the truth ais kindness; the benefit of reframing hard conversations as opportunities

[04:14] - Active listening as a key tool for navigating difficult conversations; giving sufficient space to the conversation and the role of prefrontal cortex load

[06:54] - Anchoring bias as a conversation tone setter

[07:54] - The illusion of transparency and the need to be explicit about our feelings and intentions.

[08:40] - The SCARF model (introduction)

[09:36] - The SCARF model (real-world application)

[11:11] - Kingdom communication and its intentionality defined

[12:48] - Call to action: Pray for your posture.

[13:14] - Prayer

[13:59] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Hard conversations can pave a positive path. — Difficult conversations might challenge us, but they can be redemptive and clarifying.
Truth is protection and kindness. — Even though you might dread them, honest conversations that deliver truth in love can guard others and everything you’ve built. Reframing transforms hard conversations from moments of confrontation into opportunities to build trust and clarity.
Regulate the tone early. — Because of anchoring bias, whatever you lead with sets the emotional tone for everything that follows. Lead with compassion and shared purpose.
Be explicit. — The illusion of transparency means people don’t automatically know your intent. Say what you mean clearly.
Use active listening with enough space. — Slow down, ask questions, and allow time for feelings. It helps keep everyone calm and prevents miscommunication. If emotions are running hot, step back. Don’t force a conversation when someone’s prefrontal cortex is offline due to stress.
Apply the SCARF model. — People resist what doesn’t feel safe. Addressing the core social needs of status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness helps make a tough conversation more digestible. If someone is especially sensitive to one SCARF domain (e.g., fairness), address it early to build trust.
Be deeply intentional and reflect God’s character. – True Kingdom communication is assertive in humility, balancing truth and compassion. When you choose clarity, gentleness, and righteousness in how you speak, your words witness for God.

CTAs:

Think of one conversation you’ve been avoiding. This week, take one small step toward having it. Pray over it, script your opening line, or set the time. Just move forward with intention.
Download your free SCARF checklist PDF.

What’s coming up next:

Ever struggled under toxic leadership? Want to avoid creating that situation for others? Episode 132 of Faithful on the Clock helps you spot the red flags and navigate those dynamics with courage and faith.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

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Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
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episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
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Leadership, Meaning, and Making Space for Questions

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Leadership, Meaning, and Making Space for Questions

https://faithfulontheclock.com/leadership-meaning-and-making-space-for-questions

Ever feel scared to ask a question? Episode 131 of Faithful on the Clock welcomes Catherine Cowell to help you see the freedom and power of reclaiming inquiry.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:47] - Catherine’s welcome and bio

[01:50] - How Catherine came to work in communication and leadership

[05:54] - Catherine’s involvement with initial question groups

[14:23] - The need for guidelines in groups designed for question facilitation

[18:31] - Types of questions people brought to Catherine’s groups

[20:23] - Confronting the idea that questions mean weak faith or that you’re just starting your Christian journey

[29:28] - The importance of learning to consider your core passions and of asking other people about theirs

[35:50] - Catherine’s definition of leadership; the importance of holding space to help people find their gifts

[46:44] - Catherine’s two guiding philosophies

[49:47] - How to connect with Catherine

[50:38] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

In leadership and communication, how you listen is more key than how you get your message across.
People can have all kinds of questions they’re afraid to ask. Modeling true vulnerability gives them permission to engage in full, authentic exploration — people are motivated to open up when they know we will sit in the space we create with them.
As people begin to explore the questions they have, it can be helpful to establish guidelines around values. It reduces the mismatch of expectations — and subsequent uncomfortable situations — that can sometimes happen as people make inquiries.
Questions can happen at any point of life, not just when you are just beginning your Christian journey. Having them doesn’t mean your faith is weak.
People often hesitate to ask questions if they feel others will find them lacking for it. There’s a tendency to squash feelings down, believing we ought to be able to bring them under the authority of Scripture. This can leave us stunted, because we never really work through what’s in our hearts.
God understands we are going to have questions on our faith journey. There’s nothing we could ask that could put us outside of His love.
Asking questions helps us to become more settled as human beings because we stop hiding ourselves and don’t worry about our image so much.
People often don’t stop to question what their core passion and calling is. Leaders also often fail to help them discover that God might have gifted them to do. To address this, it’s necessary for us to focus less on what the immediate, perceived needs of the organization are and more on what people could contribute. This allows the organization to see all the resources it truly has available and, as a result, potentially expand and develop beyond its original vision into something even better or greater.
Helping people to ask questions helps them discover who they are. That enables them to go out and take action for God. People can take action in Christian environments or roles, but many can express themselves well outside of the traditional church. We don’t have to dismiss our gifts just because they aren’t normally associated with spirituality or faith (e.g., math).
Because we are called to live by the Spirit rather than the law, we have a lot of freedom to be creative. Asking questions and really listening can be more than a tool for productivity — it can be an act of love.

Loved Called Gifted

Get in touch with Catherine: lovedcalledgifted@gmail.com

CTAs:

Consider at least one area of your work, faith, or personal life where you’re confused or need more information. Pinpoint the core question you need to ask.
Find a safe, trustworthy person to ask your core question. Set up an informal time to meet, text, or have a call about the question.

What’s coming up next:

Difficult conversations can be necessary despite how challenging they are. Episode 132 of Faithful on the Clock explores Scripture to form a playbook on how to navigate them well.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

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Loose Leash Leadership

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Loose Leash Leadership

https://faithfulontheclock.com/loose-leash-leadership

What does a well-trained dog who’s able to walk with a loose leash teach you about leadership? TONS! Episode 130 uses that picture to explain why obedience is a gift that’s earned.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:30] - Observations of dogs and handlers in the park

[01:33] - What makes dogs stay by their handlers with a loose leash; concepts of negative and positive reinforcement

[03:24] - Obedience as a response to feeling safe and taken care of

[04:49] - Training people to stay next to you; example of my friend offering consistent kindness

[06:25] - Importance of asking if your rewards are appropriate for the situation; goal of building expectation of reliability and consistency in how you show up

[07:09] - The connection between training, trust, and being led into new tasks or circumstances

[8:07] - The need to see God’s full story to understand how He disciplines; why He is worthy of trust

[11:45] - God as a consistent, ever-present trainer; the need to show up every day for those you lead and to be patient within appropriate expectations

[15:15] - Summary of key concepts

[15:38] - Prayer

[16:00] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Dog handlers can use either negative reinforcement (e.g., hitting with a stick) or positive reinforcement (e.g., offering a treat) as they train their dogs. A loose leash combined with a confident posture from the dog as they stay next to the handler is a sign that the dog is choosing to stay and obey because they trust the handler.
The training principle for dogs applies even to people — if you try to force people to follow, they might stay, but only out of fear, not a sense of safety and loyalty.
To earn obedience from others at work, you need to discover what reward is appropriate for the situation and build the expectation that you will be reliable and consistent in how you show up.
When people learn that they are safe with a good leader, they will follow them even into new situations and tasks, just like dogs who enter different courses and spaces in competitions.
We need to look at the entirety of the Bible to understand God’s complete character and the way he consistently and appropriately disciplines and rewards us. His discipline is not random and is always protective.
All of us are in training. But as a leader, we have to be an ever-present help and keep showing up to reinforce what people need to learn. We also have to be patient and give people time to adjust to the expectations we have.

You Don't Win By Trying

CTAs:

Identify one material or non-material thing someone could reward you with that could motivate you to take action.
Identify one material or non-material thing you could give to a person you’re trying to motivate toward action. If you’re not sure what would motivate them, ask!

What’s coming up next:

Have questions sometimes? We all do. Episode 131 of Faithful on the Clock welcomes Catherine Cowell for a discussion of why making space for all kinds of inquiry is so critical to good leadership.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

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Finding Your Tribe for Maximum Influence

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Finding Your Tribe for Maximum Influence

https://faithfulontheclock.com/finding-your-tribe-for-maximum-influence

Episode 129 of Faithful on the Clock explores what finding your tribe means in the Christian context, and how finding your people as you work can help you feel seen, known, and valued.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:36] - “Finding your tribe” defined

[01:49] - The 12 tribes of Israel would have understood the modern idea of finding a tribe in terms of fitting into a certain place.

[02:42] - Finding a tribe isn’t just about fit — it’s also about function and calling.

[03:45] - When you think about finding your tribe, think about collective mission and how you and your tribe contribute to the bigger picture.

[05:22] - Once you figure out your calling, ask yourself who else is called like you are.

[05:54] - We’re wired for meaningful connection, not just collaboration. Finding a tribe is about placement, not just validation or getting a sense of safety.

[06:33] - What finding your tribe feels like

[07:45] - The difference between the Biblical application of finding a tribe and how most organizations function

[09:35] - Calls to action

[10:19] - Prayer

[11:04] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

“Finding your tribe” is a positive phrase related to a deep sense of purpose, community, and belonging.
The 12 tribes of Israel demonstrate having a feeling of fitting into a certain place. But they also each had their own focus or calling. Finding your tribe is not just about fit — it’s also about where you function spiritually, emotionally, and communally.
Instead of focusing on who is like you, focus on what you and your tribe contribute to the bigger picture and where your gifts are welcome. Then concentrate on finding people who are wired with the same spiritual DNA.
Finding a tribe in the Christian context is not about popularity, validation, or safety. It’s about knowing where God has placed you to serve and what unique elements you bring to the table.
The feeling of finding your tribe is visceral — you’ll know it when it happens!
Most of us don’t work in a tribe because companies are focused and organized around profit-driven goals, not spiritual identity or calling. The question thus is how to refocus and reorganize to honor the need people have to be known and contribute meaningfully.

CTAs:

Pray about your placement so God will show you where you are meant to function and with whom.
Look with intentionality for relationships that are appropriate to invest in that can contribute to your sense of having a tribe.

What’s coming up next:

Is your leadership tight- or loose–leashed? Episode 130 of Faithful on the Clock shows how to build trust so people naturally follow without pulling back against you.

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social media archives,
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The Comparison Trap: Working With Confidence in Your Calling

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

The Comparison Trap: Working With Confidence in Your Calling

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-comparison-trap-working-with-confidence-in-your-calling

Comparison can be a huge stumbling block as you try to serve God. Episode 128 of Faithful on the Clock explains the value of not comparing as you find and step into your calling.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:41] - How our business environment and culture sets us up for comparison

[01:57] - How comparison functions as a measure of safety and security

[04:27] - Comparison distracts you from your calling. It makes you put value and attention on what doesn’t matter and doubt your own worth.

[05:00] - Joseph, Mary’s husband, as an example of someone who resisted comparison

[06:49] - The Bible shows that great things happen when you defy expectations. If you compare all the time, you prepare for what’s not even relevant.

[09:03] - David as an example who, instead of comparing himself to others, only compared the job to do to his previous experience

[10:59] - How to get clarity about your calling

[14:30] - Safety and security come from God

[15:01] - Prayer

[15:38] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Comparison can happen on multiple levels, such as within a culture and then within an industry. We often do it as a way to be reasonable in setting tasks and objectives.
On top of having a pragmatic purpose, comparison also helps us gauge our sense of safety. We compare to make sure we haven’t deviated too far from expected norms, which would harm our chances of survival. Going after wealth is a way to answer the question of safety and, if desired, gain the power to alter the norms that are in place.
Comparison is detrimental to us as Christians because it distracts us from the calling God has for us. It can cause us to devalue who we are and think we’re not capable of effective service.
Joseph, Mary’s husband, serves as an example of someone who went against norms to serve God. Many stories of the Bible show that good things happen when people are willing to stop comparing and respond to God in a way that defies worldly expectations.
The story of David and Goliath shows the confidence and success that can come when we focus on the training we have and the job to be done, rather than what the expectations of others are.
You can get clarity about your calling (which helps you stop comparing) by just asking God for direction. But it often comes as a “slow burn” of consistent signals that you’re headed in the right direction.
Security comes from trusting in God, not from adhering to or controlling the status quo. Focus on where God wants you to be instead of what other people do or have.

CTAs:

For the next week, try to pay more attention to what feels “warm” to you, as described in the show. It’s OK if nothing does — the goal is just to practice and try to improve awareness of whether the signal is present.

What’s coming up next:

Having a sense of belonging in a “tribe” is said to contribute heavily to mental health and overall wellbeing. Episode 129 of Faithful on the Clock explores the “tribe” concept as it applies to work.

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social media archives,
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Procrastination, Precrastination, and Ditching Anxiety

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Procrastination, Precrastination, and Ditching Anxiety

https://faithfulontheclock.com/procrastination-precrastination-and-ditching-anxiety

Procrastination and precrastination might seem like they’ve got nothing in common, but they’re two sides of the same anxiety coin. Episode 127 helps you refocus on God, conquer them, and find some peace.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:42] - Why both procrastination and precrastination are problematic

[01:54] - How procrastination and precrastination both tie to anxiety; the underlying fears and rationales

[03:14] - Tactic #1 — Pause and refocus

[05:10] - Tactic #2 — Lean on God’s understanding and control

[07:38] - Tactic #3 — Focus on progress and break things down

[09:55] - Tactic #4 — Release the shame that comes from pacing poorly

[11:12] - Tactic #5 — Ask why you are doing the work and who you are doing it for.

[12:50] - Personal story of procrastination/precrastination conflict

[15:32] - Prayer

[16:19] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Procrastination gets most of the attention in business because of the way it can slow operations down and negatively influence the speed necessary to compete. But precrastination can be just as damaging and poses an equal threat to mental health and confidence.
Procrastination and precrastination are both coping strategies for anxiety. In both cases, the goal is to feel safer and more comfortable — procrastinators feel safer through avoidance, while precrastinators feel safer through action.
Tactic #1 — Pause before you react and refocus on God’s truth over your emotion.
Tactic #2 — Lean on God’s understanding and control instead of your own.
Tactic #3 — Accept that God looks for progress rather than perfection and break down what has to be done into smaller, manageable steps.
Tactic #4 — Release the shame that comes from pacing poorly, knowing that in Christ, you don’t have to carry it.
Tactic #5 — Ask why you are doing the work and who you are doing it for. Make sure you are giving authority to God and let Him help you.
When procrastinators and precrastinators come up against each other, there can be serious conflict. But you can resolve this conflict by reminding yourself that the other person has the same problem you do. In empathy, seek to discover why they are anxious and deliver what they need.

CTAs:

Reflect on whether your overall tendency is to procrastinate or precrastinate.
Over the next week, make a note to yourself when you are tempted to procrastinate or precrastinate. Do patterns emerge where you engage in the behaviors under certain circumstances or environments? Ask yourself why those circumstances or environments are sources of anxiety for you.

What’s coming up next:

It’s common for professionals to compare themselves to others and feel envious, jealous, or behind. Episode 128 of Faithful on the Clock helps you escape the comparison trap to better focus on your unique calling.

Support the show!

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The Difference in David

Mon, 19 May 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

The Difference in David

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-difference-in-david

There are leaders, and then there are leaders. King David proved himself to be the best of the best. Episode 126 highlights his key differentiator.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:46] - Characteristic #1 — repentance

[03:43] - Characteristic #2 — humility

[06:37] - Characteristic #3 — appropriate application

[08:38] - Characteristic #4 — compassion

[10:55] - Key differentiation — David’s posture was to seek glory for God, not himself, and to intentionally keep pursuing Him no matter how many times he made mistakes.

[14:03] - Prayer

[14:51] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

David showed a remarkable ability to repent — he felt regret deeply when he sinned against God, and that genuine emotion led him to seek God’s forgiveness and keep trying to do better.
David was humble. He was able to use humility as both brakes and gas, showing restraint and speed with an understanding that God held the ultimate authority.
David was able to take previous practice and apply it to new, “similar enough” situations or environments. Leaders often have to do this as their companies and markets change. Leaning on and trusting in the ways God has previously prepared you can help you replace fear with confidence.
David showed extreme compassion, asserting that it was the gentleness of God — not his own skill as a warrior — that made him great. His kindness reminds us to do our best to imitate the heart God has as we lead.
All of the above points are the result of David’s key differentiator — his posture in front of God. He always led for the glory of God and pursued Him with a true desire for a deep, personal relationship. He never stopped seeking God’s direction no matter how many times he got into the weeds.

CTAs:

Identify one way in which you can more deeply pursue God as a consistent, practical habit, whether it’s more prayer, seeking counsel from other believers, reading scripture, or studying what He’s made.

What’s coming up next:

Procrastination and pre-crastination might seem like totally different animals, but they’re often two faces of the same coin — anxiety. Episode 127 of Faithful on the Clock looks at how addressing your fears can help you ditch both bad habits to be more effective and successful.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
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Stop Achieving, Start Accomplishing

Mon, 05 May 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Stop Achieving, Start Accomplishing

https://faithfulontheclock.com/stop-achieving-start-accomplishing

What’s the difference between achievement and accomplishment? The world probably has you conditioned toward achievement, but Episode 125 of Faithful on the Clock shows that it’s accomplishment that really counts.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - Story about my 4th grade teacher, Mr. Lang introducing the achievement concept through showing off spelling bee trophies

[01:19] - Influence toward achievement starts early and sets us up to orient ourselves around it in work.

[03:14] - Martin Moran differentiates between achievement and accomplishment, noting that accomplishment is based on the external and tangible, while accomplishment is based on the internal and resilience. Olga Khazan notes that people are hiring coaches to achieve more because they don’t think normal is OK. They’re also letting coaches stand in for friends.

[04:49] - People are connecting based on achievement, rather than forming more intimate relationships.

[05:47] - Why a focus on achievement is dangerous

[07:20] - My personal differentiation of achievement and accomplishment — achievement is pragmatic and you-focused, accomplishment is visionary and God-focused.

[9:17] - Focusing on accomplishment naturally will lead to achievement.

[9:45] - Prayer

[10:29] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Conditioning toward achievement rather than accomplishment starts very early and is common within the school system. It sets us up to work in a way that prioritizes leveling up and getting personal rewards.
Achievement is associated with tangible outcomes and external validation. Accomplishment is more about intrinsic reward and personal development.
Today’s culture is seeing a massive growth in the coaching industry. This is symptomatic of a malfunctioning looking glass self and the fact people are focused on achievement as a substitute for the connection they’re not getting.
Focusing on achievement rather than accomplishment is dangerous because it convinces you that you can grow, save, or protect yourself by your own merit. It tempts you to stop looking to Jesus for help and guidance and makes loving your neighbor and glorifying God more difficult.
Your aim should be to accomplish and live a life full of purpose that God will be proud of you for.
The more you try to accomplish, the more you naturally will achieve.

CTAs:

When you are tempted toward a tangible achievement, identify how that reward would serve others and God before you move forward.
For every tangible achievement you pursue, pursue one accomplishment.

What’s coming up next:

King David was a great king, but he was also a major sinner. Episode 126 of Faithful on the Clock discusses the differentiator that made him successful despite his blunders.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

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Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
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exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
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Heeding Balaam's Donkey

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Heeding Balaam's Donkey

https://faithfulontheclock.com/heeding-balaams-donkey

Episode 124 of Faithful on the Clock unpacks the story of Balaam’s donkey, revealing why leaders should pay attention during resistance and why being willing to sacrifice to keep others out of danger matters.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - The story of Balaam’s donkey, part 1 — King Balak sends for Balaam, who angers God by prematurely going with Balak’s messengers.

[02:54] - The story of Balaam’s donkey, part 2 — Balaam’s donkey saves him from death by veering away from God’s angel three times.

[05:27] - We often treat others who try to warn us as Balaam treated his donkey, not seeing what they see.

[06:45] - If good workers or loved ones veer away from you in a way that’s out of character, that’s a cue that you might be missing something huge.

[08:09] - If you are in the position of Balaam’s donkey, pay attention to God instead of worrying about the rod. Endure in love to protect others, as Jesus did.

[09:40] - Prayer

[10:19] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

In the story of Balaam’s donkey, the donkey tries to turn Balaam away from danger (i.e., the angel of the Lord) three times. Balaam initially beats the donkey, thinking it is being disobedient, but he later sees the angel and understands that the donkey was protecting him.
People often ignore others who try to warn them of danger because they are biased, greedy, ambitious, etc. But if we take their resistance as a cue to humble ourselves and look for what we might be missing, that’s wise.
If people abuse you for trying to protect them against what they can’t see, instead of taking it personally, remember that they simply cannot see. Offer forgiveness, as Jesus did when we could not see Who He was and put Him on the cross.

CTAs:

Tell someone who has protected you against your own blindness thank you, even if the protection they offered was a long time ago.
Consider the resistance you’re currently meeting. Instead of immediately accepting that others are wrong, ask yourself why they’re coming to the conclusions they are and what the ramifications might be if they’re right.

What’s coming up next:

What’s the difference between achievement and accomplishment? Episode 125 of Faithful on the Clock shows why pursuing accomplishment strengthens Christian faith.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

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Not a Polymath? You're Still OK

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Not a Polymath? You're Still OK

https://faithfulontheclock.com/not-a-polymath-youre-still-ok

The corporate world tells you to learn all the things, all the time. But being a specialist is 100 percent OK in the service of God, as Episode 123 of Faithful on the Clock highlights.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:37] - Origin of the concept of Renaissance (wo)man

[01:24] - The modern viewpoint of multi-disciplinary learning

[02:13] - Clarification of definitions: (modern) generalist polymath versus (traditional) genius polymath

[04:00] - Inquiry — Do you need to be a genius polymath to succeed?

[04:29] - The story of building the tabernacle, highlighting the difference between Bezalel and the other workers

[06:43] - Emphasis on the value of specialists in the service of God

[08:52] - Prayer

[09:30] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Today, we still maintain the idea of a Renaissance man or woman who seeks multidisciplinary learning and skills. But when we talk about being a polymath, we consider the term to mean someone who is a well-rounded generalist, rather than to mean a genius who has the capacity to specialize across many areas.
Even though we have shifted the definition of polymath, we still strive toward constant learning hoping to rise to the traditional definition.
In the story of building the tabernacle, only Bezalel is described as having all kinds of skills across many areas — that is, as a genius polymath. Other workers have skills, too, but the fact their skills are not listed out suggests they are probably specialists, and that Bezalel was given his abilities to ensure that he could oversee the others to a detailed degree as they completed the tabernacle work.
Most of us want to be Bezalel, but the tabernacle could not have been built without the specialists. It’s OK to focus on the area God has gifted you in and to collaborate with others for the larger whole. Doing that can allow you to slow down into the peace God wants for you.

Being a Genius Polymath Is Nice, But Specific Expertise Serves God, Too - faithfulontheclock.com

CTAs:

Look at a variety of job listings. Don’t worry about whether you’re qualified or have trained for specific positions. Instead, simply identify which type of position you’d be willing to go into depth with. Be specific about why!
Consider all the components of your current job. What components would you need to eliminate or delegate so the position is more concentrated toward one specialization or spiritual gift?

What’s coming up next:

Do you heed the warnings others try to give you in your work? Episode 124 of Faithful on the Clock uses the story of Balaam’s donkey to show you why you should.

Support the show!

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Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

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social media archives,
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How to Keep Others From Abusing Your Best Christian Traits

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Keep Others From Abusing Your Best Christian Traits

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-keep-others-from-abusing-your-best-christian-traits

Sometimes, the best traits Christians have make them a target for abuse in the workplace. Episode 122 explains some of the main characteristics people take advantage of and how to protect yourself.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:40] - Your Christian characteristics set you apart and are not something you ever should feel ashamed about.

[01:27] - Abuse of Christian characteristics routinely gets tied to the idea of being a team player in the workplace. But it is never acceptable, including on the job.

[02:35] - Generosity can be abused by people who expect Christians to give both time and money.

[04:02] - People who expect Christians to be forgiving might pressure you to look the other way and let things go when people hurt you or behave unethically at work.

[04:30] - Patience gets abused at work when people string you along with no clear time deadlines. It also can get abused in the sense of forcing you to tolerate annoyances or bad behavior from others.

[05:54] - Compassion is one of the most intentionally abused traits. People make you think you are not loving enough if you don’t sacrifice or if you go after your own needs and goals.

[06:33] - Abuse of integrity often shows up as exclusion, but people also can ask you to take the fall (or set it up so you do). It can tie to their desire to continue with the bad behavior status quo.

[08:23] - People can abuse humility by urging you not to brag or credit, only to then step into the quiet space you’ve left to intentionally promote themselves.

[08:57] - Boundaries is your first and best defense against abuse of your Christian traits.

[09:21] - Good communication can ensure people don’t make presumptions that can worsen their abuse.

[10:38] - Stepping back and distancing yourself from abusers is a viable option, but be mindful that redemption is often a long game. Don’t stick around bad people at the risk of corrupting your own character.

[12:34] - Self-care is a valuable way to combat others taking advantage of you because it energizes you spiritually and makes you more confident and consistent. That’s often attractive to others and can open the door to conversations about your faith.

[13:53] - Prayer

[14:40] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The traits Christians typically exhibit as they follow the guidance of God sets them apart. But you shouldn’t be ashamed of being different!
Abuse of Christian traits in the workplace often ties to the idea of being a team player. But it’s not OK to have others abuse you.
The main Christian traits people tend to abuse on the job include generosity, forgiveness, patience, compassion, integrity, and humility.
Setting and holding good boundaries, communicating well, keeping your distance from abusers, and engaging in self-care all are excellent defenses when others try to take advantage of your Christian characteristics.

CTAs:

Consider the Christian traits you demonstrate most often in your workplace. Pinpoint at least one boundary you might draw for each of those traits.

What’s coming up next:

Professionals see learning and being a polymath positively, but do you REALLY have to know a ton in many areas? Episode 123 confronts the preference for well-rounded genius in the context of spiritual gifts.

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patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

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Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
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episode teasers and replays
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Escaping George Bailey Syndrome to Save Your God-Given Dream

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Escaping George Bailey Syndrome to Save Your God-Given Dream

https://faithfulontheclock.com/escaping-george-bailey-syndrome-to-save-your-god-given-dream

Fictional character George Bailey helped everyone succeed and struggled for it. Episode 121 of Faithful on the Clock shows you how to not make the same mistake as you love others.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:36] - It’s a Wonderful Life relevant plot points, What George Bailey syndrome is

[03:13] - Why painting George Bailey as a doormat likely isn’t accurate or appropriate

[07:06] - Tip #1 — Look at all the people around you and the resources you have. This will help you see that others might be able to step in in a way that means your sacrifice isn’t even necessary.

[10:19] - Tip #2 — Play the track to the end. Considering the long-term, big picture of how everyone might be influenced by your sacrifice can prevent initial emotions you might have from leading you to a poor decision.

[12:49] - Tip #3 — Look for patterns. Seeing what happens just before you sacrifice can help you see where your habits lead to problems. When you identify the pattern, communicate about it and be clear if there are relationship imbalances involved.

[15:36] - Always being the one to sacrifice can lead to resentment, which opens the door for the Devil to create larger issues. For that reason, see seeking greater reciprocity and balance in your relationships as protective and loving.

[16:19] - Prayer

[16:49] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

George Bailey syndrome references fictional character George Bailey, who sacrificed to a fault. Addressing your rate of sacrifice and keeping it appropriate is important because eventually you reach a point where you cannot make up your losses, and because it can lead you to mistrust the calling God gave you.
Many people who use the term George Bailey syndrome mean that a person is being a doormat. But a closer look at It’s a Wonderful Life shows that George wasn’t a doormat at all. Rather, he suffered from being unable to balance two very good value systems. The reasons people can overly sacrifice to their detriment can be complicated and go much deeper than simple people-pleasing.
Tip #1 — Look at the other people and resources around you. This can help you understand that others could bring solutions, talents, etc. to the table and that you might not have to sacrifice in the way you originally thought if you allow others to help. Trusting others to follow through, however, is sometimes difficult.
Tip #2 — Play the track to the end — that is, look at the long-term consequences of what is likely to happen if you sacrifice. This can help you ensure that your decision is not based on the emotions you feel in the heat of the moment. It can reveal that the sacrifice you want to make in the immediate present might not be beneficial for the long haul. Brainstorming with other people as you try to play out the track can help you address potential blind spots and find paths where both you and the other person win.
Tip #3 — Look for patterns. You might have to sacrifice eventually because you’re setting yourself up for that through specific habits. Back up and look at what happens before you sacrifice, and use your awareness of patterns to seek greater reciprocity in your relationships.
Giving all the time with no reciprocation can breed resentment, which can create larger problems. So treat seeking reciprocity and reasonable sacrifice from others as a protective and loving thing to do.

CTAs:

Identify something you have sacrificed or put off so others could move forward. Make a list of next steps you reasonably could take to achieve that goal. Alternatively, list the values behind the goal and clarify how they conflict or align with the values related to helping others.

What’s coming up next:

Others at work can take advantage of the virtuous character traits sincere Christians often display. Episode 122 identifies some of the most commonly abused traits and explains how to protect yourself in a loving way.

Support the show!

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Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid-access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Getting a Job Even Without Experience

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Getting a Job Even Without Experience

https://faithfulontheclock.com/getting-a-job-even-without-experience

You need a job to get experience. But you can’t get experience without a job. Episode 120 of Faithful on the Clock addresses this classic Catch-22 for new workers and those seeking career changes.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:35] - Comparing yourself to others can make a job search more stressful because when you see all the accomplishments of others, it can make you feel like you’re even more out of your league. Remembering that many people are faking it can help you keep perspective, as can looking at how people started and the journey they walked.

[03:29] - Tip #1 — Worry less about the title or type of position you’re applying for and more about whether the work offers the opportunity to build the skills you need. Keep your focus on soft skills that build your character and faith.

[06:06] - Tip #2 — Be aggressive about the networking you do through internships, volunteering, certifications etc. Connecting with others is often key to building trust and finding the resources or opportunities you need, and it gives you the chance to serve as you go along.

[08:33] - Tip #3 — Get as much feedback as possible. It helps you improve weaknesses but also provides motivating evidence of capability until you get more experience. Apply speculatively where you can to get even more feedback.

[11:21] - Tip #4 — Put together a portfolio that can show employers and clients you’re capable of doing the work. You do not need to have sold the items in the portfolio so long as you clearly label them as sample-only. They only have to demonstrate your abilities.

[15:09] - Tip #5 — Practice for the interview not by rehearsing canned responses, but by striving to become more comfortable just having a conversation. Being able to stay at ease and think on your feet communicates tons to the hiring manager about who you are and why you might be a good fit.

[16:10] - See getting hired as a long game and don’t be shy about asking for support as you get on your feet.

[17:13] - Prayer

[18:02] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Much of the anxiety around finding a job when you don’t have much experience comes from comparing yourself to others, especially those who are the most impressive in your field. Looking at where those impressive people started and understanding that many people do not present themselves honestly can keep you grounded and take the pressure off during your job search.
Instead of focusing on specific job titles, select jobs that will deliver the skill growth you need to advance. If you cannot find a traditional job for this, consider internships, volunteering, or getting some education or certifications. Because so many hard skills are covered by technology, it can be more worthwhile to develop your soft skills. These can connect to your character and Christian values and give you the opportunity to build your faith.
Networking is critical when looking for a job without much experience because people can give you references and introduce you to other people. Don’t be intimidated to reach out — people are human!
Feedback is helpful when seeking an initial job because it shows you where your gaps are so you can improve and stay motivated. Consider applying speculatively, but always apply with intentionality.
If possible, build a portfolio to show others. It doesn’t have to be work you’ve been paid for. It simply has to demonstrate high-quality skills and results.
Practice for your interviews so you don’t panic and freeze. The goal is to be comfortable and at ease. Treating the meeting like any other everyday conversation will help you to show how you think and who you really are, which the hiring manager has to see to determine whether you are a qualified good fit.
Trying to find a job without experience can be a long game. Be patient and don’t be afraid to take help to get on your feet — you can repay the kindness later, and the professional world is well-versed in the concept of loans and investment for success.

CTAs:

Ask at least three people what they believe your strengths and weaknesses are, or request that they introduce you to someone to expand your network.
Explore job listings to discover the full range of positions that contain the skills you want to be able to put on your resume.

What’s coming up next:

Fictional character George Bailey constantly sacrificed his own dreams to help others. Episode 121 of Faithful on the Clock helps you confront this internal conflict, which is common for Christians.

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Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

Rewards Beyond Money

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Rewards Beyond Money

https://faithfulontheclock.com/rewards-beyond-money

If money was gone from your job as a reward, what would you look for as a motivator? Episode 119 of Faithful on the Clock suggests four cornerstones that aren’t the green stuff.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:55] - Thibodeaux’s background; why money hasn’t been (and continues not to be) a sufficient motivator

[03:05] - Reward #1 — a sense of freedom

[04:49] - Reward #2 — the ability to influence and change others and the world

[06:25] - Reward #3 — opportunity

[09:30] - Reward #4 — learning

[11:56] - Prayer

[12:40] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

My upbringing and current career choices have led me away from money as a work motivator.
A sense of freedom is a major reward in work because it connects to your sense of your authentic self, which connects to your relationship with God and the understanding of what’s coming in eternity with Him.
The ability to influence and change the lives of others is an important non-monetary work reward because it confirms that you matter — things really would be different if you were not here.
Opportunity is the third major non-monetary work reward. It’s significant because it demonstrates that others believe in your potential, not just what you’ve already done.
Learning is the final non-monetary work reward. It can make life seem less chaotic and stressful. Instead of seeking learning solely as a deliberate means of self-development, which is directed toward yourself, seek learning with an external focus to understand God, the world, and others. Accepting that God is in control of your learning means you can allow your internal change to happen more organically and don’t need to force it.

CTAs:

Have an honest discussion with your supervisor about what fills your cup, or ask your team what they get fired up about outside of pay. Come up with at least one way to ensure the work satisfies those needs.

What’s coming up next:

Without experience, you can’t get opportunities. Without opportunities, you can’t get experience. Episode 120 of Faithful on the Clock confronts this classic work Catch-22.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

Give a one-off tip or donation on our Captivate support page. You can become a member there with the same great tier options you'll find at Patreon, too.

Support Faithful on the Clock

Visit our sister site! Faithfulonthclock.com features additional free, free-with-registration, and paid access content to grow your faith, including

social media archives,
previously published faith-based articles,
original blogs,
inspirational videos,
episode teasers and replays
exclusive faith-based essays and articles,
exclusive videos
exclusive audio
exclusive in-depth devotionals.

Share the show! Like these episodes? Share them on social media, in texts or emails, or in person.

The Neuroscience of Shaping Your Brain for Success

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:45:00 -0500

Faithful on the Clock is a podcast with the mission of getting your faith and work aligned. We want you to understand Who you're serving and why so you can get more joy and legacy from every minute spent on the clock. Thanks for joining us and taking this step toward a more fulfilling job and relationship with God!

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In this episode...

The Neuroscience of Shaping Your Brain for Success

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-neuroscience-of-shaping-your-brain-for-success

The brain has incredible neuroplasticity — it can change over time. Episode 118 of Faithful on the Clock explains why intentionally directing the way your brain shifts contributes to your professional and spiritual effectiveness.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:42] - The ideas that you can become better and hack the brain are widespread in the professional world. But you can intentionally shape your brain to be better, not just hack it.

[01:54] - What neuroplasticity is and how it works

[03:33] - God’s brain and neuroplasticity design is not accidental

[04:26] - The inherent neutrality of neuroplasticity and why we have to intentionally choose to direct it

[06:13] - Most people don’t make the best use of their time, which negatively influences their brain development.

[06:58] - Why continuously thinking about God and behaving according to His will is necessary to develop our brain for good professional and spiritual work

[08:48] - The importance of repetition in neuroplasticity

[09:35] - The need for “mental dirt shovelers” (supportive people) who can help you through the neuroplasticity process

[10:58] - Prayer

[11:45] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The concepts of improving yourself and “hacking” the way your brain works are widespread in the professional world. But you can do more than just hack — you can intentionally shape the brain.
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change over time. Neural cells will build stronger, faster connections the more they fire together. It’s similar to the way a path gets built up over time into a faster highway.
God’s brain design is intentional. Romans 12:2 can be viewed in the context of neuroplasticity and our responsibility to direct our own brain development to be able to serve God well.
Neuroplasticity is going to happen regardless, influenced by our everyday micro-experiences and micro-elements. Unless we want negative development that’s not helpful to us, we have to be intentional about shaping the brain toward good health and function.
The intentionality required in neuroplasticity means that we have to be constantly training the brain toward God and what’s good so we don’t get buried by the dark of the world and Satan.
Repetition is your best friend when trying to shape your brain. Building new pathways takes time. Seeking out mental dirt shovelers — counselors, friends, etc. who can help you break old pathways and build new ones — is essential.

CTAs:

Identify one habit or thought you engage in frequently that isn’t helpful. Find at least three verses you can call to mind when you are tempted toward that habit or script.
Identify 1 - 3 motivating reasons for maintaining neural-building practices (e.g., reading Scripture). Repeat these to yourself when you encounter challenges.

What’s coming up next:

We all have bills to pay — paychecks matter. But Faithful on the Clock Episode 118 shares some nonfinancial elements to seek from your job when it comes to finding purpose and meaning.

Support the show!

Visit the Faithful on the Clock Patreon page to choose a tier plan and become a supporting member. You'll gain access to goodies like early episode access, newsletters, and more based on the plan that's right for you.

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

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Shattering Negative Thoughts With Biblical Truths

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Shattering Negative Thoughts With Biblical Truths

https://faithfulontheclock.com/shattering-negative-thoughts-with-biblical-truths

We all have negative thoughts, but if you don’t want them to hold back your success, you have to learn how to control them. Episode 117 of Faithful on the Clock offers strategies and Biblical concepts to help.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:47] - You don’t have to be ashamed of the negative thoughts you have. There’s nothing that could scare God off or stop Him from wanting to heal you.

[02:07] - What negative thoughts sound like

[03:38] - Understanding where negative thoughts originate — or, at a minimum, acknowledging they always have a source — can help you appropriately assign responsibility for the thoughts you’re having and take appropriate action.

[05:47] - One of the main concepts from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) — that more than one thing can simultaneously be true at the same time — means you can leave room for “also” and get out of the black-and-white thinking that’s common with negative thought patterns.

[08:38] - Many negative thoughts revolve around your identity. It’s critical to center yourself around who God knows you to be, rather than to accept what the Devil whispers you are.

[12:21] - Because human beings are flawed and imperfect, our thoughts include biases and gaps. We can lean on God’s complete understanding of who we are instead of leaning on our own understanding.

[14:11] - Negative thoughts often are anticipatory. But remember that the future is God’s and focus on staying present in the moment.

[16:26] - Making changes to your environment can be incredibly helpful in stopping negative thoughts because it makes it easier to have different experiences, which changes what you focus on and prevents you from playing the usual mental scripts that are familiar.

[17:38] - Prayer

[18:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Negative thoughts often bring shame, but there’s nothing you could think that God doesn’t know or that would scare Him off. You won’t be trapped in your negative thoughts forever.
Negative thoughts can take a lot of tones, being both explicit or subtle.
Negative thoughts always have a source. If you can figure out where the thoughts originate, you often can take more appropriate responsibility and let go of the shame you might be carrying.
Negative thoughts typically tend to involve black and white or absolute thinking. Concepts from DBT therapy might help you learn to accept that multiple elements can be true at the same time. Looking for the alternatives in this way can ensure that your negative thoughts have proper counterweights.
Many negative thoughts distort your sense of identity. Reassuring yourself of who God says you are can keep you from accepting that you don’t have high worth.
When trying to combat negative thoughts, remember that your perception and understanding is flawed. God’s is perfect. So, seek to gain His understanding, based on Proverbs 3:5.
Many negative thoughts are anticipatory. Reminding yourself that the future belongs to God thus is helpful. Try to stay present by conversing with God and using other grounding strategies.
Changing up your environment can make it easier to break the mental patterns you have.

Living Free From Anxiety | Louie Giglio

CTAs:

Keep a journal to note the negative thoughts you have through the day. Continue this for at least a week. Then review the journal and look for patterns that might offer clues about changes you can make that would help your mental state.

What’s coming up next:

Our brains have an incredible capacity to change over time. Episode 118 discusses why it’s critical to direct our neuroplasticity through our use of time to serve God effectively.

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Finding New Leadership Power in the Old Testament With Sandra Richter

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Finding New Leadership Power in the Old Testament With Sandra Richter

https://faithfulontheclock.com/finding-new-leadership-power-with-the-old-testament-with-sandra-richter

We don’t always associate the leaders of the Old Testament with excelling in our modern careers or businesses. But in Episode 116 of Faithful on the Clock, Old Testament scholar Sandra Richter makes the connection clear.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:46] - Sandra Richter’s biography and welcome

[01:44] - What sparked Richter’s interest in the Old Testament

[04:54] - Rejecting “stuffy” and reclaiming the energy of the Old Testament

[12:36] - How Richter’s studies have influenced her view of the world, what we need, and what we’re going through

[17:00] - Richter’s biggest Old Testament leadership takeaways

[26:24] - How leaders should respond when they want to repent as David did but the cancel-culture world won’t let them

[33:53] - Richter’s recounting of the story of Deborah and why she is so significant as a leadership model

[43:53] - How to find Richter and her work

[45:05] - Prayer/Interview close

[46:09] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Richter did not intend to study or get a degree in the Old Testament. But after encountering pushback within her denomination and taking advantage of academic opportunities, she fell in love with the first half of the Bible and decided to specialize in it.
Richter describes the Old Testament as the “unfortunate preface” to the New Testament. But she gets people reenergized for it by comparing it to reading Harry Potter — if you start in book five, you won’t have any sense of the story. She notes that it is illogical to ignore two thirds of God’s self-revelation of character. But she also impresses on others that they are part of Israel’s epic story as heirs of Abraham.
Acknowledging the state of the world, Richter recounts a story involving some of her former students and asserts that God’s people have always suffered. We should not be surprised by the wrongness in the world, and we should expect to have difficulties as Christ’s followers.
One of the key places to study leadership in the Bible is 1 and 2 Samuel, which holds the story of Saul and David. Saul represents the paradigm of foolish leadership, while David represents Kingdom leadership. David’s three call narratives — Samuel anointing David as king, David serving as a musician and man of worship for Saul, and David and Goliath — all offer lessons in faith-oriented leadership. But the story of Bathsheba is also important, showing how foundational it is to simply repent — not rationalize — when you’ve sinned. The pathway to success is honest repentance.
Psalmists communicated two main sources of suffering — physical suffering, such as disease or injury, and slander. In other words, what others have to say has always caused heartache. When a person has to step forward today and admit they failed, it’s going to result in a social feeding frenzy just as it did in Biblical times. But the Old Testament leaders who found success despite their difficulties are the ones who repeatedly chose integrity. David’s years in exile are a good example that we can thrive after trouble.
Deborah stands as one of the key matriarchs of Israel, serving as both prophet and judge. In her early years, she can be likened to the modern, busy career woman juggling her job and a baby. In her seasoned years, she’s more like Margaret Thatcher. She exemplifies challenging the status quo, using her exceptional earned credibility to defend God and Israel against outrageous worldly odds. Like other key Biblical leaders, she was able to go into battle with courage because she did it for God’s honor rather than her own. Differentiating whether we’re working for ourselves or God is powerful.
People can find Richter on Facebook and Instagram, as well as on Amazon.

CTAs:

Choose at least one chapter from the Old Testament to read each day for at least a week.
Select a well-known Old Testament story. Use Bible footnotes or other references to find where that story can connect to other scriptures, particularly scriptures in the New Testament.
Reflect on an Old Testament story you’re not familiar with or don’t know very well.

What’s coming up next:

We’re often our biggest enemies, with our own negative thoughts cheating us out of our potential success. Episode 117 of Faithful on the Clock highlights some of the most common negative thoughts professionals fight and shows the Biblical counter-psychology for each.

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Ethics, Innovation, and Controversies: The Line Between Can and Should

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Ethics, Innovation, and Controversies: The Line Between Can and Should

https://faithfulontheclock.com/ethics-innovation-and-controversies-the-line-between-can-and-should

Businesses are innovating today in ways that are more controversial than ever before. Episode 115 of Faithful on the Clock explores some of the ethical issues surrounding ventures and shows how to ensure you break the rules in a God-honoring way.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:41] - People in business accept the idea that big change usually requires changing what people expect entirely — that is, you have to push limits.

[01:16] - Technological advances mean that more concepts are feasible than in the past. People think about innovation differently and don’t automatically dismiss ideas anymore as a result.

[02:24] - Despite the positive connotations of being more willing to try challenging things, we’re reaching a point where we’re challenging ethics and having difficulty slowing down before proceeding.

[03:23] - SpaceX is an example of a controversial company for the way it dismisses our obligation to steward the planet.

[04:24] - Bio is another example of a controversial company. Based on reanimating the human body, it distorts the sacrifice and miracle of the cross.

[06:52] - We are asking ourselves whether we can, but we ought to ask whether we should.

[07:44] - Humility is the key to innovating ethically.

[09:52] - When you have to explain why you are or are not pursuing a venture, that’s an opportunity to share the Good News, even if that’s a process rather than a one-time interaction.

[10:55] - Prayer

[11:43] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The idea of pushing limits is foundational to modern business. We are entering an age where, especially due to technology, we can do more and not reject concepts as quickly. But we also are approaching and crossing ethical lines, with more startups pursuing more controversial ideas.
SpaceX and Bio are companies that demonstrate ethical dilemmas within innovation. They call into question areas like stewardship and distort some of the most critical elements of Scripture.
The big question around innovation isn’t whether you can, but rather whether you should.
Humility is a key to ethical innovation. Humility ensures that your ventures keep God at the fore and that you don’t innovate just to build your own fame or reputation.
Ethically innovating is a challenge. But it also presents an opportunity to minister and spread the Good News.

CTAs:

When you have the opportunity to pursue a new innovation, seek counsel from other Christians to stay grounded. Let them help you weigh the Scripture-based pros and cons and come to a conclusion about whether the innovation is something that honors God.
Practice saying no more often in small, everyday ways when it is appropriate. This will help you hold your integrity when you must make a bigger decision related to a venture.

What’s coming up next:

Ever wonder how the Old Testament can help you propel your career or company? Biblical scholar Sandra Richter shows you why the Old Testament matters to modern business and chats about her latest work in Episode 115 of Faithful on the Clock.

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Godly Marketing in an UnGodly World

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Godly Marketing in an UnGodly World

https://faithfulontheclock.com/godly-marketing-in-an-ungodly-world

Intro teaser paragraph:

Marketing is essential for personal or company brands. Faithful on the Clock Episode 114 guides you through doing it in a Godly way.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:44] - The need for good marketing

[01:16] - Don’t chase trends, as those are often world-focused rather than God-focused. You’ll stand out by NOT getting on the bandwagon.

[03:05] - Be authentic. This means CLAIMING the identity you already have, not crafting one.

[05:12] - Cling to truth. Be mindful of what’s actually in your claims, images, etc. Spin has consequences.

[08:15] - Serve others and God, not yourself. Don’t use tactics that simply appeal to ego, greed, etc.

[11:03] - Summary

[11:27] - Prayer

[12:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Marketing is essential for both personal and company brands.
Tip #1 — Don’t chase trends. Trends often reflect what is popular in the world, not what is right according to God.
Tip #2 — Lean into your authenticity. Instead of copying others or trying to create an identity according to trends, claim the identity you already have and don’t muddy your calling by expanding into too many areas.
Tip #3 — Stay truthful. Consider whether you are exaggerating, misleading, spinning, overpromising, omitting, etc.
Tip #4 — Ask yourself who you are truly serving; keep others and God as the priority.

CTAs:

Review your current marketing practices. Identify which of them adhere to the character of God and which ones do not.

What’s coming up next:

Entrepreneurs and innovators are pushing limits — and ethics in the process. Episode 115 of Faithful on the Clock looks at some of the most controversial ventures and practices in the Christian context.

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10 Christian Books and Podcasts to Grow Your Leadership

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

10 Christian Books and Podcasts to Grow Your Leadership

https://faithfulontheclock.com/10-christian-books-and-podcasts-to-grow-your-leadership

Looking to grow your leadership? These books and podcasts offer some of the best insights for Christian professionals.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:36] - Book Recommendation #1 — God Is My CEO, Larry Julian.

[01:41] - Book Recommendation #2 — The Wounded Healer, Henri Nouwen.

[03:55] - Book Recommendation #3 — Holy Habits, Noah Herrin.

[04:41] - Book Recommendation #4 — Boundaries for Leaders, Henry Cloud.

[06:04] - Book Recommendation #5 — Great Commission Companies, Steve Rundle and Tom Steffen.

[07:28] - Podcast Recommendation #1 — The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

[08:57] - Podcast Recommendation #2 — Don’t Mom Alone, Heather MacFayden.

[10:10] - Podcast Recommendation #3 — The Bible for Normal People, Pete Enns and Jared Byas.

[10:56] - Podcast Recommendation #4 — Christianity in Business, Archie Dunham.

[11:51] - Podcast Recommendation #5 — Faith Driven Entrepreneur, Faith Driven Movements.

[12:33] - Call to support the authors and podcasters

[13:09] Prayer

[13:42] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Book Recommendation #1 — God Is My CEO, Larry Julian. Connects Biblical principles to some of the most common but difficult issues facing Christian leaders.
Book Recommendation #2 — The Wounded Healer, Henri Nouwen. Explains the role of Christian ministers as taking their suffering and using it as a jumping off point for helping others; conveys the idea that people need at least one person to persist and succeed through challenges.
Book Recommendation #3 — Holy Habits, Noah Herrin. Identifies 10 practical, small habits that can make a big difference in being able to live in a Godly way.
Book Recommendation #4 — Boundaries for Leaders, Henry Cloud. Explains why boundaries help organizational operations and how to establish them.
Book Recommendation #5 — Great Commission Companies, Steve Rundle and Tom Steffen. Examines case examples of companies serving in less-developed regions to show how business can both serve God and make a positive economic influence.
Podcast Recommendation #1 — The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, Craig Groeshel. Shares real-world, practical anecdotes and analogies about leadership. Leans on Groeshel’s marketing background and extensive time as a pastoral leader of a national church network.
Podcast Recommendation #2 — Don’t Mom Alone, Heather MacFayden. Directed at moms, but applicable to everyone. Features highly relatable interviews that demonstrate Christian growth, leadership, and support.
Podcast Recommendation #3 — The Bible for Normal People, Pete Enns and Jared Byas. Helps decode scriptures to be more understandable for the modern world, which can help when applying the Word to your business, career, and everyday decision-making.
Podcast Recommendation #4 — Christianity in Business, Archie Dunham. Interviews with real-life leaders who share what they’ve learned about God and running a business.
Podcast Recommendation #5 — Faith Driven Entrepreneur, Faith Driven Movements. Similar to Christianity in Business, but focused on innovators and founders. Helps clarify how entrepreneurship can be an extension of service in the mission of God.

CTAs:

Pick one book and one podcast from today’s show and get started taking in the messages! Take notes if desired as you go through the text or episodes. If you find the book or episode helpful, share it with someone you know.

What’s coming up next:

The world tends not to operate on Godly principles. So, how do you market to it as a Christian business leader or professional in a way that will resonate? Episode 113 of Faithful on the Clock has tips.

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7 Massive Misconceptions About Bosses (and God)

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

7 Massive Misconceptions About Bosses (and God)

https://faithfulontheclock.com/7-massive-misconceptions-about-bosses-and-god

Bosses all stink, right? Episode 112 of Faithful on the Clock debunks this idea by confronting the biggest misconceptions people have about managers — including THE manager, God.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:40] - God is the boss of everything, including businesses

[02:09] - God Misunderstanding #1: God is angry

[03:07] - God Misunderstanding #2: God doesn’t care

[05:57] - World Boss Misunderstanding #1: Bosses don’t have imposter syndrome/are always confident

[07:16] - World Boss Misunderstanding #2: Bosses aren’t concerned with their workers

[09:20] - World Boss Misunderstanding #3: If people leave, it’s because the boss is bad

[10:27] - World Boss Misunderstanding #4: Good bosses don’t manipulate you

[12:53] - World Boss Misunderstanding #5: Bosses are always experts

[15:08] - Prayer

[15:49] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

God is the ultimate sovereign boss, overseeing everything in the world, including the businesses and successes we have.
God is often seen as angry. But He is a God of joy and sent Jesus to ensure He could always love on you and have peace.
People often think God doesn’t care. But the stories of both Job and Jesus show that it’s the Devil who tests us. God allows it so that the Devil can’t gain ground. But like a war general who loses soldiers or sees them in pain, that doesn’t mean He enjoys the battle or the hurt we have.
Bosses often are far less confident than people think they are. They feel just as unprepared for their jobs and have to figure things out along the way as much as the rest of us do.
Good bosses care deeply about their teams. But it can be hard to deliver due to lack of resources, roadblocks from others, and the general way work is structured.
People don’t leave jobs just because bosses are bad. They leave bosses for a myriad of other reasons, such as financial opportunity or curiosity.
Good bosses manipulate the people on their team, but they do it in the right way at the right time for the right reason. Their intent with this positive manipulation is to guide you to your best, not to gain for themselves.
Good bosses often are not experts. But they are exceptional at directing and encouraging the people who are. They can see components and grasp where those parts need to be and move in the larger strategy.

CTAs:

Invite your boss for an informal lunch or walk to unpack some of the perceptions you’ve had about them. Use the conversation to clear the air and welcome more open communications for the future. If they share their perceptions of you, be open-minded and honest in your responses.

What’s coming up next:

Faithful on the Clock isn’t the only great resource out there for Christian professionals. Episode 113 shares books and other podcasts that can inspire you as you get your faith and work aligned.

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David and Goliath: Not an Underdog Story

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

David and Goliath: Not an Underdog Story

https://faithfulontheclock.com/david-and-goliath-not-an-underdog-story

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:31] - David and Goliath summary

[02:41] - How most pastors preach David and Goliath

[03:25] - We are not David, as we like to portray ourselves, but rather Israel, which needed a savior; the David and Goliath story parallels Jesus’ selfless defense of all of us

[04:52] - Takeaway #1: Don’t think you’re the savior when you’re the one who needs rescuing.

[05:43] - Takeaway #2: Remember God is merciful and don’t get so caught up in shame that you become ineffective for Him.

[07:41] - Prayer

[08:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

David and Goliath is a story in which a teenage boy uses only a slingshot to defeat a much more experienced, larger warrior. Most pastors preach it as an underdog story, emphasizing how God gave David the victory in battle despite the incredible odds.
Pastor Peter Wotkowski proposes that there is a parallel between the championship of David for Israel and the championship of Jesus for all of us. In other words, David and Goliath is a story about intercession. Just as David made Goliath his problem and fought on behalf of Israel, Jesus made our sin his problem and defeated it for us.
Wotkowski’s interpretation of David and Goliath encourages you first to avoid seeing yourself as a savior when, in fact, you’re the one who needs saving.
Wotkowski’s interpretation also allows you to remember God’s mercy. Even though you cannot fight sin alone and win, you don’t need to be overwhelmed by shame. You still are loved and can do good things to glorify God.

Why You Got David and Goliath Wrong – Witkowski Blog

CTAs:

Reread the story of David and Goliath. What additional parallels can you see between this story and the story of Jesus?

What’s coming up next:

Think you know what’s on your boss’ mind? Episode 112 covers some of the biggest boss misconceptions and how they influence workplace interactions.

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The 5 Ws of Servant Leadership

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

The 5 Ws of Servant Leadership

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-5-ws-of-servant-leadership

Servant leadership has become increasingly popular, but it’s still rare and misunderstood. Episode 110 of Faithful on the Clock gives you the 5 Ws of servant leadership to help you get it right.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - What servant leadership is (and isn’t)

[02:18] - Who and what — where your stewardship gets directed

[02:51] - When and where — identifying your timeline and locations for action

[03:51] - How — the nitty-gritty logistics of what your stewardship

[05:10] - Why — the reason someone or something deserves your stewardship and the anticipated outcomes of your protection and service; clarifies your values, which enables integrity and consistency

[06:24] - Learning and growing might demand you change your stewardship over time.

[08:00] - Prayer

[08:30] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Servant leadership isn’t about giving others autonomy or whatever they want and, as a result, losing control. It’s about maintaining control when it’s necessary to ensure people get what they need. Servant leadership and stewardship are connected — if you’re not stewarding something or someone, you’re not serving.
The first two Ws of servant leadership are who and what. They identify where you’re going to direct your stewardship.
The third and fourth Ws are when and where. They allow you to pinpoint the timeline and location for your stewardship. Both take significant discernment due to market variables.
The fifth “bonus” W is how. It tackles the logistics of what you need to do, including design, innovation, and task assignment. Whenever possible, choose the how that does the least damage, so as to love as Jesus loved.
The last W is why. In servant leadership, why is external, not internal. It identifies the reason whoever or whatever you’re stewarding deserves your stewardship, and it clarifies the anticipated or desired result of your protection and service. All of this lays out your values, which helps you maintain integrity.
As you learn and grow with God’s help, you might find that your why and corresponding values shift. That is normal, and it is acceptable to move on when God says you are ready to do so.

CTAs:

Identify one person, group, or asset you feel it is important to steward at this point in your life.
Pinpoint each of the Ws involved for the person, group, or asset you’ve identified in the first step.

What’s coming up next:

Traditionally, David and Goliath is the story of an underdog who wins. But Episode 111 of Faithful on the Clock helps you yourself not as David, but as Israel, connecting it to the sacrifice of Jesus.

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The Hidden Lesson of the Good Samaritan

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

The Hidden Lesson of the Good Samaritan

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-hidden-lesson-of-the-good-samaritan

The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us that love can come from those we don’t expect it to come from. But as Episode 109 of Faithful on the Clock shows, it’s also about continuing care for as long as healing takes.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:31] - Summary of the Good Samaritan story

[02:25] - Most preaching on the Good Samaritan focuses on expectations around who is going to help/who is our neighbor. That’s still highly relevant today given how many conflicts there are.

[03:19] - The last part of the Good Samaritan shows that the Good Samaritan was willing to let being a help to someone else derail his plans. This detail is important for professionals, who place high importance on control and planning.

[04:29] - The last thing the Good Samaritan does is come back to the inn to check on the man he helped and take care of his bill. Like him, we need to return to check on others who are in need.

[05:48] - In the work context, consistently checking on people over and over builds trust, which is essential to relationships that support success.

[06:36] - In The Wounded Healer, Henri Nouwen makes a point about being willing to wait for people as they heal to give them hope. We need to be willing to wait and keep coming back for those who need us.

[07:59] - Assaults can be many types of things. There’s carryover from work to personal life, and boundaries around helping and the time healing takes are messy.

[08:53] - The idea of checking in on people is not new in business — we have heard it many times in the context of following up on prospects. But following up out of love is selfless.

[10:00] - Helping others can be disruptive, but it can earn a priceless loyalty. Showing up over and over to check in on what people need is the core of servant leadership. To ensure you do not suffer burnout, however, you must teach others to follow up in love, too.

[11:21] - Prayer

[12:00] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Most people teach the story of the Good Samaritan as a lesson in loving your enemies. It is that, but the end of the story also teaches a lesson in what good care looks like.
The Good Samaritan pivoted his plans to help the man on the side of the road. Similarly, you should be willing to pivot your plans to care for others. The concepts of planning and control that are common in the professional world can make this challenging.
Just as the Good Samaritan stayed with the injured man and came back to the inn later to make sure He was okay, our care of others needs to be a long game. Don’t just swoop in once, leave, and then assume everything is fine.
Extended, consistent care builds trust that fosters strong relationships, which then facilitate success. Henri Nouwen hits on the responsibility we have to keep waiting for others in his classic book, The Wounded Healer.
Because work life and personal life affect one another, don’t assume that your responsibility is in only one of those areas. There are no nice, neat boundaries to good care.
The concept of follow-up is familiar in the business world. But in the office, it’s usually self-centered for your own gain. When you truly follow-up in love, it’s self-centered and might gain you nothing financially at all
Good servant leadership is essentially the ability to show good extended care. But because no one can help everyone, good servant leaders must tap others they trust to go out and serve in the same way they do.

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? | GotQuestions.org

CTAs:

Carefully observe those in your workplace. Take whatever opportunities you can to see what they need, and follow up through text, email, or just stopping by their desk at an appropriate time. If you don’t get an initial response, persist within respectful boundaries.

What’s coming up next:

What’s really involved in servant leadership? Episode 110 of Faithful on the Clock breaks down the five Ws.

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Debunking the Prosperity Gospel

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Debunking the Prosperity Gospel

https://faithfulontheclock.com/debunking-the-prosperity-gospel

All that “name it and claim it” stuff? Run away from it. Fast. Episode 108 of Faithful on the Clock explains why the prosperity gospel is a dangerous movement.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - The prosperity gospel definition and origins

[02:48] - Problem #1: The give to get concept perverts the purpose of Jesus.

[03:44] - Problem #2: Verses used to support the prosperity gospel are misinterpreted to mean that God can’t say no because He wants good things for us.

[05:19] - Problem #3: The prosperity gospel neglects the context in which Jesus was speaking to people about the new relationship with God that was coming through Him.

[06:50] - Problem #4: The prosperity gospel allows people to focus on living their best life in the world, turning God into a vending machine. People can say that the poor are poor because they don’t have enough faith, which causes division in the church and lets the rich say they are favored by God.

[08:13] - How the prosperity gospel connects to the manifestation by mindset ideology

[08:56] - How the prosperity gospel connects to toxic positivity

[10:09] - If a person is prone to one mindset (prosperity gospel, manifestation by mindset, or toxic positivity, they likely are prone to the others.

[10:57] - How to prevent yourself from slipping into the prosperity gospel and related ideologies

[12:49] - Prayer

[13:28] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

With roots in Pentecostalism, the prosperity gospel originated in the Healing Revival movement following WWII. Oral Roberts was the individual who first connected the concepts of blessing and investment in the church. His influence appears today in leaders like Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer.
A main belief of the prosperity gospel is giving to get — blessing is dependent on how much you give to the church. This warps the purpose of Jesus, who eliminated the need for any kind of material payment for God’s blessing or attention.
Prosperity gospel follows often distort scripture. The end result of the poor interpretation is that people believe God can’t say no to what they ask because He desires good things for them. It causes people to forget the context of Jesus’ teaching, which was intended to show that the people could have a different type of relationship with God going forward.
The prosperity gospel is problematic in that it paints God as a path to all the material pleasures of the world. It causes people to focus more on enjoying life on Earth than on serving, and it can divide the church by painting the poor as causing their own plight through insufficient faith.
The prosperity gospel ties closely to both the manifestation by mindset and toxic positivity. If you’re prone to one, you’re at risk for the others.
You can keep yourself grounded against the prosperity gospel by asking God what He wants, reflecting whether you love the gift or the Giver, and reminding yourself that money is always the means rather than the goal.

CTAs:

Read or watch some material by prosperity gospel leaders. Note their key points and search for scriptural support or contradictions.
If church leaders ask you for money, assess whether they directly or indirectly appeal to your own desire for blessing. Do they stay focused on what you can help achieve and how it aligns with the character and instruction of God? Or do they talk more about the return you’ll personally get?

What’s coming up next:

The story of the Good Samaritan reveals that we ought to love and help everyone. But Episode 109 of Faithful on the Clock shows it also teaches an important lesson about how risk increases for people the more time passes without help.

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How to Avoid Cat-Poster Christianity

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Avoid Cat-Poster Christianity

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-avoid-cat-poster-christianity

Relaxing, inspiring images coupled with Scripture — cat-poster Christianity — is everywhere. Episode 107 of Faithful on the Clock explains why it’s harmful and how to get past it on your journey to success.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:27] - Cat-poster Christianity definition

[01:38] - Cat-poster Christianity Problem #1 — removal of context

[02:33] - Cat-poster Christianity Problem #2 — facilitation of toxic positivity

[05:51] - The big question — how to stay grounded and avoid toxic positivity when cat-poster Christianity is everywhere

[06:14] - Tip #1 — Go get context for the scripture.

[07:07] - Tip #2 — Look at as many translations as you can.

[08:14] - Tip #3 — Ask yourself why you are attracted to the verse’s promise or concept (i.e., “What need does this verse trigger for me?”

[09:58] - Tip #4 — Ask yourself how many times you’ve heard the verse in many different contexts. Look for verses that are more specific to your situation.

[13:17] - Summary

[14:31] - Prayer

[15:09] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Cat-poster Christianity combines inspiring or beautiful images with Scripture as a motivational tool.
The first problem with cat-poster Christianity is that it makes it difficult to understand the context of the selected Scripture. People do not see the big picture that is necessary to make good choices and behave well consistently.
The second problem with cat-poster Christianity is that it plays into the toxic positivity mindset where people ignore and brush negative points of life under the rug. It ignores that Jesus didn’t just preach what was warm and fuzzy — He preached repentance and was clear that being His follower would bring suffering.
Tip #1 — Go after context. Read the full chapter around a verse. Seek commentaries, read blogs, etc. to see how others interpret the verse you’ve read.
Tip #2 — Look at many translations that can help you understand the scripture in a more holistic way. This includes looking at original languages and the culture of the time/region.
Tip #3 — Ask yourself why you are attracted to the cat-poster verse you see. Try to identify the unmet need in you that it speaks to.
Tip #4 — Ask yourself how many times you’ve heard the verse in completely different situations. Then find other verses that are more direct to the situation you currently are in. This doesn’t just confirm God’s character. It gives you proof of why the popular cat-poster verse is true. It also gives you clear advice on how to move forward logistically and in your heart.
We don’t pick out only the small, feel-good parts of other books and say that’s good enough, so we shouldn’t do it with the Bible, either.

CTAs:

When you see cat-poster Christianity all by itself online, ask the person who posted it for context or their own insights.
If you would like to post a popular Scripture verse, share why it’s meaningful to you or how others might apply it. Summarize the story around the verse so people who might not have heard it can be sure to understand.

What’s coming up next:

What’s the prosperity gospel? Episode 108 of Faithful on the Clock offers a working definition and explains why it’s so dangerous for professionals seeking ethical, God-oriented success.

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Goals, Expertise, and Huge Hauls of Fish

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Goals, Expertise, and Huge Hauls of Fish

https://faithfulontheclock.com/goals-expertise-and-huge-hauls-of-fish

Trust a lot in your own goals and expertise? Episode 106 of Faithful on the Clock uses the miraculous catches of fish to put your trust back in the provision and understanding of God.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:34] - Luke 5 tells how Jesus got into Simon Peter’s boat and provided a haul of fish so big they could barely handle it. The catch helped Simon Peter recognize Jesus as Lord.

[02:57] - There was something about Jesus that made Simon Peter set aside his own expertise and trust Him. One lesson from Luke 5 is that you can trust God to have you start using new expertise you might not even realize you have.

[05:21] - In the second miraculous catch story in John 21, which happens after the crucifixion, Simon Peter tells the other disciples he’s going to go fish.

[05:52] - Simon Peter might have gone fishing after the crucifixion to provide a meal, but also because in the chaos, he needed a familiar job to feel calm. Be careful that in trying moments, you still move forward if needed, rather than defaulting back to what you know.

[07:50] - Jesus appears to the disciples as they fish on the Sea of Galilee and provides another miraculous catch. The number of fish might be significant, indicating who Jesus is. But the catch helped the disciples realize it was Jesus on the shore.

[09:53] - Jesus prepared a meal for the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in advance. He might have been trying to send a message not just about His identity, but also about trusting in His provision.

[10:58] - We often trust our own expertise and provision rather than God’s. But God is very clear we do not need to do this and that we should not worry about our lives. This includes elements like getting certifications, landing clients, etc.

[12:44] - Recap

[13:24] - Prayer

[13:49] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

In the first miraculous catch of fish where Jesus calls His first disciples, Simon Peter learned it was OK to leave all of the expertise and investment he had to learn from and do the work of Jesus. He allowed Jesus to take control and reset His path. In the same way, sometimes you might have to let go of the expertise and goals you have for yourself.
After the crucifixion, Simon Peter defaulted to his old area of expertise (fishing), likely as a way of finding calm and orienting himself. If you find yourself needing to step into something new, be careful not to let what is familiar hold you back from where you need to go.
The second miraculous catch of fish reminded the disciples Who Jesus was. It showed the growth in their faith, as well as the planning and provision God does on our behalf.
We do not need to rely only on our own expertise and provision. Rather, we can lean on the expertise and provision of God.

CTAs:

Name the areas you consider yourself an expert in. What would you feel if those areas suddenly could not be part of your life?
Seek at least three experts to talk to. Let your conversations with them increase your humility. Apply your learning in a way that can testify for God.

What’s coming up next:

Professionals today stress being positive. But Episode 107 of Faithful on the Clock explains how to prevent that advice from lapsing into accepting cat-poster Christianity as you study Scripture.

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Learning to Speak Up: The Samaritan Woman at the Well

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Learning to Speak Up: The Samaritan Woman at the Well

https://faithfulontheclock.com/learning-to-speak-up-the-samaritan-woman-at-the-well

Ever feel too bound by imposter syndrome or embarrassed by the things you’ve done to speak up? Has it kept you away from opportunities and other people? Episode 105 of Faithful on the Clock uses the story of the Samaritan woman at the well to help you find your voice.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:44] - Because the Pharisees had taken notice of Jesus because of the baptizing his disciples had been doing, He went from Judea back to Galilee. Along the way, He met a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well. The woman came to the well in the heat of the day because she was of ill repute, having had five husbands and being in a relationship with a sixth man.

[03:26] - At the well, Jesus tells her about the living water He can provide. She does not fully understand Him but asks for the water so she won’t have to keep coming back to the well.

[04:53] - Jesus reveals He knows all about the Samaritan woman. Seeing He is a prophet, she comments about how Jews and Samaritans have different ideas about where to worship. Jesus tells her worshipers must worship in the Spirit and truth. This foreshadowed His death on the cross and the ripping of the curtain in the temple.

[07:55] - For the Samaritan woman, Jesus’ promises of peace and the ability to worship anywhere from her heart would have meant everything.

[08:41] - Jesus’ disciples meet up with Jesus but do not comment about how He is conversing with the Samaritan woman. You have the same defense.

[09:39] - The Samaritan woman is so happy and awed by what Jesus tells her that she suddenly leaves her jar behind and starts testifying about Jesus in the town. Because of her, people begin to have faith in Him.

[11:13] - The meeting of Jesus and the Samaritan woman was a divine appointment. It was God’s intention that, through her, people would come to believe.

[12:39] - You have a right to speak, especially when it comes to testifying for God. Your voice, like the voice of the Samaritan woman, absolutely matters.

[14:15] - Prayer

[14:54] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

With Jesus’ preaching gaining the attention of the Pharisees, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. She came in the heat of the day because the other women didn’t want to associate with her due to her history with men. She was used to being ostracized and having no one to talk to.
When the Samaritan woman requests that Jesus give her the living water He talks about so she doesn’t have to come to the well every day, she might be looking for peace from the pain she feels from drawing water alone.
The Samaritan woman might have simply thought Jesus knew her story because he’d been talking to other people, but she instead recognized Him as a prophet. That recognition prompts her to note the difference between what the Jews and Samaritans believe about worship. Jesus explains to her that God is spirit and that where people worship isn’t going to be a concern — what matters is the heart people have for Him. That message likely would have meant everything to the Samaritan woman, who knew what it was like to feel cut off and bound by rules.
When Jesus’ disciples came back, they didn’t challenge Him about the fact He was talking to the Samaritan woman. From that, you can take that Jesus will stand as protection for you, ensuring that God doesn’t see you as people see you.
Having been told that Jesus is the Messiah, and having been given His lesson about living water and the ability to come to God wherever you are, the Samaritan woman suddenly finds her voice. She testifies for Him in the town, and because of her lifting her voice, others come to believe in Jesus.
Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman was not an accident. He was meant to meet her at the well so she would be able to speak up as an instrument of God.
Like the Samaritan woman, you can speak up for God. You can glorify Him through your gifts and by modeling what it’s like to live a redeemed life. Your voice matters.

CTAs:

Challenge yourself to tell at least one other person about Jesus. This can be indirect, such as leaving a note on someone’s windshield, but communicate His message however and wherever He prompts you.

What’s coming up next:

When Jesus had his disciples cast their net on the opposite side of the boat, they got a miracle. Episode 106 of Faithful on the Clock connects that experience to how you set goals and trust your expertise.

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Trusting God for Provision

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Trusting God for Provision

https://faithfulontheclock.com/trusting-god-for-provision

Ever feel like the only one who’s going to provide for you is…you? Episode 104 of Faithful on the Clock reminds you of the importance of trusting in God’s provision rather than your own.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - People get the message they have to provide for themselves from many sources within broken systems, and the message gets delivered extremely early in life.

[02:33] - Believing you have to provide for yourself cuts God’s provision out of the picture. It leaves you with a choice between trusting yourself and trusting God.

[04:11] - The choice of trusting God over yourself can be especially difficult because the world is good at generating fear around what will happen if you let go of your own control. Fear makes it difficult to use logic and what you know about God to trust Him and make good decisions in faith.

[06:12] - If negative emotions can push you away from trusting God, positive emotions might push you toward trusting Him. The way you have a good experience and feel good about what God has done and will do is to look backward at His follow-through. He consistently has done exactly all He has promised, and His plans are clear if you connect the dots of Scriptural stories backward.

[09:16] - You are part of God’s ongoing story! Look to see where God is connecting the dots in your own life. You might not recognize those connections in the moment, but they are there.

[10:16] - People tend to make some presumptions about how God is or will treat them based on their experiences with people. Trusting in God thus means uncoupling Him from our Earthly experiences so we can understand His perfect love and grace. We might feel anxiety through that process because our brains are trying to protect us against more pain, but with God, the alarms we feel firing are false.

[12:41] - Prayer

[13:15] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Most people work to provide for themselves and those they love. People usually learn this concept very early in life and learn over time that no one else has their back.
Believing you have to provide contradicts what Scripture says God will do. You have to choose whether you will trust yourself or trust Him.
The choice about whether to trust yourself or God is difficult because there is so much emotion (mainly fear) around it. The emotion shuts off our ability to be logical about whether God is trustworthy.
One of the best ways to learn to trust God for provision is to look backward. Connect the dots about how God’s plans worked out and see how He always follows through. You are part of God’s continuing story and can look for how He is faithful to you, just as you look for how He has been faithful in the Bible.
Trusting in God’s provision often requires uncoupling our experiences with people from God. We can run into trouble if we presume that He will disappoint us like people have disappointed us.

CTAs:

Identify at least one area where you haven’t been fully trusting God for provision. Set up one new habit that can help you break away from trusting only in yourself.

What’s coming up next:

Ever get scared to share Jesus at work or elsewhere because of what you’ve done in your past? Episode 105 of Faithful on the Clock uses the story of the Samaritan woman at the well to remind you you’re worthy of sharing the Good News.

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How to Handle Disappointment

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Handle Disappointment

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-handle-disappointment

Ever feel disappointed at work? Yeah, thought so. Episode 103 covers how to handle it when you get less than expected or are betrayed in some way on the job.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:34] - Definition of disappointment

[01:54] - Step #1 — Ask if your expectations are appropriate.

[03:14] - Step #2 — Understand which of the three areas of disappointment (things/rewards, relationships, values) have been violated and seek scriptural guidance.

[05:10] - Scripture reminds us not to store up our treasures here on Earth. Be careful that you don’t try to use things/rewards to feel important. You are already valuable to God. Trust His timing with provision.

[07:55] - Scripture is filled with stories of people disappointing others. But remember through the story of Jacob and Esau that reconciliation is possible. Be careful that you do not transfer your expectations around how other people will treat you onto God, because He will not ever leave you.

[10:07] - Handling disappointment around your values might be the most difficult because it connects to the core of who you are. But reframing your situation can help you. You have a choice how you interpret what is going on.

[12:16] - Practical applications

[13:28] - Prayer

[14:08] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Disappointment is what happens when there is a negative gap between what you expect and what you get — i.e., it is a betrayal of expectation.
The first step in handling disappointment is assessing whether your expectations were appropriate.
Disappointment can be around material things/goals, relationships, or your values.
When you face a disappointment around things/goals, remember that you’re not supposed to store up treasures here on Earth, that God will meet any needs you have, and that you already are visible and have worth to God without trying to puff yourself up through assets or accomplishments.
The Bible is full of relational disappointments. But reconciliation often is possible. If it isn’t, be careful that you don’t project your disappointments from people onto God. He will never leave you or forsake you.
Disappointments around values can be especially difficult because they connect to your core sense of self. But just because you are the “odd man out” in what you believe doesn’t make you wrong. Reframing your experience can help you stay focused on God when the rest of the world is going in a direction different than you.
Practical suggestions for disappointment include allowing yourself to grieve what didn’t happen, getting supportive people around you, practicing self care, and using the disappointment as a learning experience.

TikTok - Make Your Day (Steven Bartlett on Happiness)

CTAs:

Pray blessings for someone in your life who has disappointed you.

What’s coming up next:

The business world is fantastic at telling you that you must provide for yourself (and that you’re a winner if you do). Episode 104 of Faithful on the Clock aims to get you trusting in the provision of God instead, even as you work hard with the gifts He’s given you.

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How to Deal with Naysayers

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Deal with Naysayers

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-deal-with-naysayers

Got a few naysayers in your life? Episode 102 of Faithful on the Clock gives pointers on how to deal both with them and the feelings they ignite inside of you.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - Supportive people versus naysayers

[02:22] - The main emotions that come up when naysayers get down on you

[03:18] - How to handle the sense of loss, mistrust, and loneliness naysaying causes

[06:09] - How to handle the sense of frustration and anger naysaying causes

[07:17] - How Jesus reacted to His naysayers on the cross

[09:01] - Why responding to naysayers with a barrage of facts isn’t helpful, and why following through is the best weapon for changing minds

[10:58] - The story of Noah shows a healthy way to deal with naysayers — he listened to what God said, not what people said. Paralleled with the story of the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee with Jesus, we are reminded that we can get in the boat and weather any storm because we have a capable captain at the helm.

[16:07] - You have the power to walk away from naysayers because you have all the strength of Jesus within you.

[16:38] - Prayer

[17:09] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Not all of what you might perceive as naysaying actually is. Sometimes people just want to protect you and know you see the risks you face.
Naysaying usually brings up a sense of loss, mistrust, and rejection, as well as frustration and anger.
Finding others who have succeeded with goals similar to yours can help you feel like you’re not alone. Understanding the brain’s tendency to make assumptions and categorize can keep you from thinking that everyone will be a naysayer like others were. You can remember that God is trustworthy and will never leave you no matter how many naysayers you might have.
God’s prophets experienced high frustration and anger. But David gives an example of how pouring your heart out to God is helpful. Jesus is the ultimate example of handling anger and frustration appropriately — he responded with love and forgiveness for those who didn’t believe in Him or His mission. Remember as you try to let go of anger and frustration that results often speak better than trying to convince others with information, and remember that others might come to believe in both you and God through seeing you follow through.
On a practical level, the best way to deal with naysayers is just to keep going and focus on God, who gives you your directives and keeps you safe. The story of Noah and the ark and Jesus calming the Sea of Galilee both demonstrate what can happen when you focus on God as your captain instead of letting naysayers win.
Because you have the power of Jesus with you, you have the strength to walk away from anyone who doubts you. Don’t let them choke your faith.

CTAs:

Identify one or more work projects you haven’t pursued because of naysayers. Find one or more scripture verses that counter what was said to you and identify the first step you could take to make the project happen.
Consider whether you have shot down someone else’s ideas or dreams and, if so, why. Offer an apology for distress you might have caused them, and, if appropriate, ask if there is a way you could help them.

What’s coming up next:

Disappointment hitting you at work? Episode 103 of Faithful on the Clock discusses a scriptural approach to feeling better and setting yourself up for future wins.

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patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

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4 Positive Signs It's Time to Leave a Job

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

4 Positive Signs It's Time to Leave a Job

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-know-its-time-to-leave-a-job

Most people will leave a job multiple times over their career. Episode 101 of Faithful on the Clock reveals some of the positive signals it’s time for you to move into a new role.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - Common signs others have covered that it’s time to leave a job

[02:34] - Whereas most people cover negative signs it’s time to leave, I want to share the positive clues it’s time to go.

[03:02] - Sign #1 — People keep recommending you for other things.

[04:03] - Sign #2 — You don’t have any confusion about the gifts and passions God has given to you.

[05:45] - Sign #3 — Little things line up in a way that make it hard for you not leave or act. THe story of Joseph in Egypt is a great example of how even negative things can accumulate for a good result.

[08:52] - Sign #4 — Your ability to serve the Lord and minister to others would go up.

[10:25] - How to take your exit from a job in a compassionate and respectful way

[12:21] - Signals to leave a job can be positive or negative, but always remember you represent Jesus right to the end.

[13:20] - Prayer

[13:59] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Much of the guidance around quitting a job focuses on negative signs, such as poor compensation or a feeling of dread going into the office. But there are positive cues God has new plans for you, as well.
Positive signal #1 — Others recommend you for other things because they believe in you, your knowledge, and your skills.
Positive signal #2 — You have no confusion about what your gifts and passions are. As a result, you either have a clear sense of comfort in your job (the gifts and passions already match) or of being pulled away from your current role and into a new environment that matches the gifts and passions God’s given to you.
Positive signal #3 — Many small things line up that make it hard to stay where you are or not to act. Those things might appear to be positive or negative as you experience them, but it should be clear that the result they collectively bring is good.
Positive signal #4 — The new job in front of you would enhance your ability to serve God and minister to others.
When you decide to go, taking your exit can be difficult. Conducting yourself in a way that maintains connections and offers forgiveness will demonstrate you are a follower of Jesus well.

Paul and the Praetorian Guard – Theopolis Institute

CTAs:

Analyze whether you see any of the signals mentioned in the show around your current job situation.
Journal about what frightens and excites you about the potential for a new job. Identify the honest reasons you have stayed or want to go.

What’s coming up next:

When naysayers try to hold you back from going after your dreams and what God wants you to do, don’t quit. Episode 102 of Faithful on the Clock helps you deal with those people.

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patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

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Celebrating 100 Episodes of Faithful on the Clock

Mon, 20 May 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Celebrating 100 Episodes of Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/celebrating-100-episodes-of-faithful-on-the-clock

We’ve officially hit 100 episodes at Faithful on the Clock! In this milestone episode, you get to celebrate and learn about our wins, losses, and upcoming goals.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - Thank you to listeners

[00:56] - The struggle of growing the show; learning to show up for the people who are supposed to get His message from me, rather than obsessing over big numbers

[02:43] - The settling of the Faithful on the Clock brand and the importance of being willing to continue to develop over time

[03:28] - Seeing people as people; not limiting where the conversation goes and focusing on their struggles so you can serve instead of getting intimidated

[06:28] - Time limitations; learning that doing my best can be more important than reaching the goal I set, as sometimes the goals are overshoots and are not based on the greatest data

[09:03] - Goals for the show

[09:59] - Invitation for feedback and connection/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

I’m grateful to everyone who listens to the show!
It’s been a struggle not to succumb to the pressure to use quantifiables (e.g., downloads) as measures of the show’s success. I’m rethinking my approach and trying to focus more on just showing up for the few people God wants me to deliver His message to.
The Faithful on the Clock brand has clarified over time. I’ve learned that patience is important and that you have to keep adjusting your vision as you learn.
People are just people. Concentrating on the fact everyone has suffered can keep you from getting lost in imposter syndrome. It reorients you toward service, rather than allowing you to focus on impressing others.
It’s OK to admit when you’ve overshot or been impractical with a goal. Focus on whether you’re trying your best and understand your perception of what’s possible can be skewed, making good planning difficult.
Goals for the show include getting episode messages out in other formats, having more regular guests, and being more proactive about making it possible for people to find the show.

CTAs:

Pick one or more episodes of the podcast and identify what you’ve learned. Share that insight with someone else. Alternatively, reflect on your own work for the week, month, or year in a similar way.

What’s coming up next:

Sometimes, moving on from a job is best. Episode 101 of Faithful on the Clock helps you identify when it’s time to look for a different position and guides you through the transition.

Support the show!

patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

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The Real Meaning of Passion

Mon, 06 May 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

The Real Meaning of Passion

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-real-meaning-of-passion

What does it mean to be passionate about what you do? Episode 99 of Faithful on the Clock challenges the traditional definition of passion to encourage you toward more meaningful work.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:38] - I’m NOT arguing against the advice to find work you’re passionate about.

[01:02] - The traditional definitions of passion and the link to positivity

[02:04] - The old-school definition for passion and the link to suffering

[02:44] - You can still look for work you are excited about, but the real question is what you would struggle or even give your life for.

[03:24] - Many jobs, such as astronaut, require passion because they carry significant risk. The people who do those jobs have an internal drive that tells them to keep going even through tough times.

[04:12] - Any job will have bad times. It’s the people who are passionate that will persist and get uncomfortable in noticeable ways.

[05:05] - God gives everyone gifts, and your gifts and your passion should connect.

[06:12] - Passion doesn’t necessarily mean you should go out and make yourself a martyr. But it does connect to high tolerance. It is also different than fear in that passion is about fighting the good fight — fear is just about self-preservation.

[07:19] — If you are not willing to suffer for something, you probably are not passionate about it. Passion is also not a guarantee of money.

[08:13] - Passion is bigger than dollars and cents. Focus on whether your passion allows you to serve God and spread His joy. Be thankful and authentic.

Key takeaways:

People often talk about passion in terms of excitement, energy, or long-term interest. But passion also can mean suffering — that is, it’s not always enjoyable!
Because passion can mean suffering, the question around work isn’t just what will make you happy. It’s also what you’d be willing to struggle to finish or give your life for.
Passion is what gives you the ability to persist even when things get tough. It ensures you don’t quit and that you can go the extra mile in ways that get you noticed.
Your gifts and passion should connect. Genuine passion feels natural but goes along with sacrifice.
Passion doesn’t necessarily mean making yourself a martyr — you still should take care of yourself even as you work hard because of the vision you have. It merely means you have a level of tolerance that lets you push further than others might. Passion is different than fear in that passion fights the good fight; fear is about self-preservation.
If you are not willing to suffer a little for what you do, you’re probably not truly passionate about it. Passion and money also don’t necessarily connect — you can be passionate about an area that doesn’t pay well, despite the fact that gurus might tell you that passion opens the door to big money.
When thinking about passion, keep Matthew 6:19-24 and Hebrews 13:5 in mind as encouragement. Just be your authentic self as God made you to be regardless of what others think of your passion.

CTAs:

Journal about your current job. What do you see as the limits of what you would tolerate in your current position?
Imagine you were not in your current position. What jobs would you be willing to struggle through, even if they don’t pay well? Clarify for yourself what’s holding you back from pursuing those types of positions.

What’s coming up next:

Faithful on the Clock turns 100! Join host Wanda Thibodeaux for a celebration episode full of reflection, lessons learned, gratitude, and future plans.

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patreon.com/faithfulontheclock

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Why Small Things Matter with Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Why Small Things Matter with Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth

https://faithfulontheclock.com/why-small-things-matter-with-charlie-peacock-and-andi-ashworth

Intro teaser paragraph:

In Episode 98 of Faithful on the Clock, I chat with an incredible husband-and-wife team — 4x Grammy winner Charlie Peacock and author Andi Ashworth. Join us for almost a full hour where we cover their careers, faith, and outstanding new book.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[01:05] - Introducing Charlie and Andi

[01:30] - Career summary request

[02:00] - Career summary (Charlie)

[07:22] - Career summary (Andi)

[11:23] - Book introduction

[12:03] - Why Charlie and Andi wrote their new book (Andi)

[13:30] - Why Charlie and Andi wrote their new book (Charlie)

[16:50] - Wanda’s response to the book

[18:50] - Charlie’s take on labels (Christian AND and musician)

[26:20] - A mindset to approach work through a Christian lens (Andi)

[29:45] - Hospitality as Andi’s calling

[30:35] - What hospitality looks like in a traditional office setting (Charlie)

[37:23] - Self-care and the Sabbath (Andi)

[41:03] - Charlie’s struggle with adhering to the Sabbath and the problem of “never enough”

[47:42] - Success versus fruitfulness (Andi)

[53:38] - Scriptures that have been meaningful for Charlie and Andi

[56:17] - Prayer

[57:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Charlie views himself as a maker who puts a strong value on imagination and the creativity that comes out of it. He is clear that is also the foundation for his writing, which he loves in addition to music.
Andi has been successful as a writer and editor. But she has always cared about people and wanted to address their loneliness. But she realized that all of the small ways she tended to people — cooking, cleaning, offering conversation, etc. — was the life God was giving to her.
Charlie and Andi developed their new book concept from pieces of writing they had already done. The book speaks to people at different points in life but addresses anyone who is thinking about the world, their life, and the different pieces of it. Charlie sees the book as a peek into their creative process and emphasizes there’s something for everyone in it. I found the book warm, full of gems, and full of humility.
Charlie takes issue with the idea of being pigeonholed as a “Christian musician.” He is a Christian AND he is a musician. He wants people to live their gifts to the fullest, rather than be confined by labels. He stresses that if a small box is taking away his faithfulness to God, then he has to oppose it. He also notes that the box connects to cultural ideas of what faithfulness means or is. I note that his view can help professionals see new opportunities.
Charlie and Andi approach their work under the phrase, “The Lordship of Christ over all life,” meaning that because all life matters to God, all life matters to us. Seeing that our work matters and has intrinsic value of its own helps us avoid feeling “blank” (without purpose or worth) and steers us toward a more correct theology of God.
Andi notes that her calling has been hospitality, but that we are all called to some hospitality as part of neighbor love in the spirit of Jesus. Charlie explains how they developed the physical elements of the Art House in Nashville (e.g., the gardens) and asserts that the imagination and creativity essential to life have the power to create a mood and tone by which everything else happens. He encourages companies to create workplaces that feel as though they were created for people to do their best work.
Andi explains the importance of the Sabbath mindset where you recognize that you are not big enough to keep pressing and pushing through everything all the time — you take one day out of seven to rest. Charlie tells his story of how his internal pressure to “do” physically wore on him. He points out that the world will reward never shutting off and that that’s part of why he didn’t get well sooner.
Andi lays out the difference between success and fruitfulness. She doesn’t relate to the word “success” because it is so linked with measurable metrics. She wants people to think instead of fruitfulness — that is, what God is doing. He often does small, quiet things with big value, and fruitfulness is not our worry. It is entirely up to Him.

CTAs:

Consider what your gifts are and whether you are using them to the fullest, as Charlie encourages.
Identify your current definition of success. Journal about that definition and whether it aligns with fruitfulness, as described by Andi.

What’s coming up next:

Experts often tell professionals to be passionate about their work. But what does passion even mean? Episode 99 of Faithful on the Clock resets the definition.

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How to Develop Your Personal Brand

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Develop Your Personal Brand

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-develop-your-personal-brand

Just like a business, you should have a personal brand to develop your career. Faithful on the Clock Episode 97 explains how to build one in a Christian way.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:34] - Personal branding vs. reputation (definitions)

[01:24] - Your reputation will suffer if your behaviors contradict what you communicate for your brand. You have to have consistency in different environments if you want a good personal brand with good visibility.

[02:21] - Personal branding is about authenticity, meaning you have to figure out what your values are before you can do personal branding work.

[02:52] - There are many reasons you might not know what your values are.

[03:37] - Key beliefs provide the anchor that allows you to do personal branding work. Developing those beliefs can take months or even years. You also might need to do slight rebranding as you learn and develop.

[04:21] - Dangers of personal branding (charisma becomes more important than character, not saying anything that would damage the brand, fame isn’t morally neutral, the lure of monetization toward greed, increased fear and pressure around the need to make yourself a commodity to be successful)

[06:50] - Benefits of personal branding (branding allows you to communicate and use the gifts God gave you, the ability to be your authentic self all the time, intentionally setting yourself apart as a Christ follower)

[08:38] - Personal branding done to glorify God is fine. Personal branding done to draw attention to yourself is not.

[09:12] - The first step to developing your personal brand is to figure out your values, but this includes evaluating your story. Identify your defining moments and figure out the solutions you’re able to offer to people. Develop a statement that sums up the core of the narrative.

[10:49] - Step two of personal branding is to create and implement your game plan for how to communicate your narrative and how to engage with others. Because each individual is unique, you should have your own unique plan — don’t worry about comparing yourself to anyone. Good boundaries will help you maintain control over your plan and narrative, and having a way to measure what you’re doing allows for accountability.

[13:06] - The third and final step of personal branding is analyzing feedback and other data. Use the feedback not to change your path, but rather to make sure your brand narrative lands and that people understand it.

[14:11] - Summary

[14:26] - Prayer

[14:58] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Personal branding is similar to company branding. It is not about reputation, but rather about intentionally influencing how people see you. You must behave according to your brand message — that is, match what you do to what you say — or your reputation will suffer.
Personal branding depends on authenticity, which means you must figure out what your values are to do personal branding work. Your values give you something to anchor to so your message doesn’t waver and is trustworthy. But because people grow and learn over time, identifying your core values set and developing a personal brand is an ongoing process.
Developing a personal brand comes with some risks. These include charisma becoming more important than character, not saying anything that would damage the brand, and the lack of moral neutrality around fame that can bring temptations. But personal branding allows you to become visible through your gifts so you can evangelize. As long as you are authentic and keep God as the focus, personal branding is acceptable for Christian professionals to do.
Personal branding starts with figuring out your core beliefs and the solutions you can offer that others will see value in.
The second step to personal branding is developing and implementing a unique game plan, which includes elements like deciding which platforms to engage in. Developing boundaries is essential no matter what your personal branding plan looks like, because boundaries ensure you have control over the consistency and reach of your message. It’s also important to have clear measures of success.
The third step of personal branding is analyzing feedback and other data. This step ensures that your personal brand message lands well and makes a difference.

CTAs:

Look back at videos, journals, etc. or talk to friends and family to better understand the story that will be at the heart of your personal brand narrative.
Ask others what they consistently take away from you. Their feedback will offer clues about what should be part of your brand message.

What’s coming up next:

Episode 98 of Faithful on the Clock features 4-time Grammy winner Charlie Peacock and author Andi Ashworth, who share why the small things in life matter and how they’ve sought Jesus throughout their careers.

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How (and Why) to Be More Visible in a Competitive World

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How (and Why) to Be More Visible in a Competitive World

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-and-why-to-be-more-visible-in-a-competitive-world

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:30] - Visibility defined

[01:32] - Why visibility matters for getting good jobs (to glorify yourself)

[02:01] - Why visibility matters from a Christian perspective (to glorify God)

[02:48] - The common approach to increasing visibility is to “out-more” competitors — just do more than the next guy to win. But this approach is not sustainable. Winning requires service.

[03:51] - Service defined; connection to presence

[05:10] - Why people struggle to increase visibility (increasing stamina is hard in an instant gratification world, maintaining humility is difficult in a culture that promotes winning and independence, etc.)

[06:29] - Showing up requires understanding holding to integrity is about small maneuvers that add up. Humility, which is required for service, also is about seeing yourself as equal to others, not less than or better.

[08:09] - It’s possible to serve with your heart in the wrong place. Make sure you have God as the focus and remember He has entrusted your brothers and sisters to you.

[10:01] - Summary

[10:42] - Prayer

[11:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Visibility refers not to reach, but rather to the degree of attention you have from those within your reach.
Visibility can get you into a great job and let you get your ideas out, so it’s professionally advantageous. But from a Christian lens, you boost your visibility to increase the influence you have for God and to up the odds your work can use the talents He gave you to do His will.
Most people try to increase visibility through “out-moring” or “biggering” against their competitors — i.e., they try to get more certifications, skills, or experience than other candidates. But this is not sustainable, as people will eventually burn out trying to outdo each other.
Service is better than out-moring. It can take many forms, but being present to fill needs is key. If you are consistently present to serve, it becomes habit in the minds of others to trust and think of you before anyone else when jobs need to be done.
Most people are not consistently present to serve because it takes effort and patience, and because the world promotes instant gratification. Serving also takes great humility, which is difficult to maintain in the corporate environment that promotes achievement through one’s own merit and independence. Some people also struggle with targeting their service only at certain people, which becomes divisive and is symptomatic of poor leadership.
Treating others well and holding onto integrity is about completing many small gestures that add up. Humility also isn’t about thinking less of yourself. It’s about loving others as yourself (the second commandment) and allowing individual and social responsibilities to balance each other.
It is possible to serve others but not with a focus on God. Stay focused on Him! Serve because He has entrusted your brothers and sisters into your care, not for your own benefit.

CTAs:

Ask God to reveal the genuine needs of others to you.
Think about what you feel is most important to convey to others about God as people give you their attention.

What’s coming up next:

The consensus is that personal branding is essential now. Faithful on the Clock Episode 97 explores if Christians should do it, and if so, how.

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Biblical Decision-Making

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Biblical Decision-Making

https://faithfulontheclock.com/biblical-decision-making

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:38] - The biggest mistake people make when it comes to Biblical decision-making is putting scriptures on the table and God in a closet.

[02:04] - Make sure you are bringing the One who gave the Word on board. Make sure you are glorifying Him in your choices, rather than just yourself. Real-time prayer is one of the best ways to do this.

[03:14] - People tend to cherry-pick scriptures. Use the whole Bible and see the big picture of your situation, too (get all the facts!).

[04:29] - Be open to the idea that God will fly in the face of your facts or data sometimes.

[05:48] - Avoid black-and-white thinking and accept that God might reveal more to you. Even if things are cloudy to you, trust that they are clear to Him.

[07:06] - Scripture often will contradict what the world tells you. Don’t be afraid to listen to the Word rather than the world.

[09:26] - Don’t get overly controlled by time. Trust that God will allow you the time necessary to make the best decision and that His timeline is correct, regardless of what the world barks at you.

[11:07] - You might be asked through scripture to make a decision that puts you out of your element. Embrace that challenge and see it as an opportunity to grow.

[12:25] - Consider should versus can any time you are consulting the Word for a decision. Should must always precede can — just because you have the technical ability to do something doesn’t mean it is the right choice.

[15:21] - Prayer

[15:57] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The biggest mistake people make with Biblical decision-making is using scripture but leaving God out of the picture. It’s critical to step back and ensure you are including and glorifying Him and that you are not simply serving your own ego. Real-time prayer can be enormously helpful for this purpose.
Good Biblical decision-making means seeing the entirety of the Word rather than cherry-picking the scriptures we like or agree with. We must get all the facts and consider the entire context around the choice to be made. But there might be times when you have to simply listen to God rather than the available data — even experts don’t know everything He does. We must also be careful not to lapse into black-and-white thinking, which can prevent us from interpreting the Word properly during the decision-making process. Remember that even when things aren’t clear to you, they’re clear to God.
What scripture tells you to do can directly contradict what the world tells you to do. Don’t allow cancel culture, fear, etc. to stop you from fighting for the right thing. Remember that different action is a good thing — your fruit will distinguish you to others as a follower of Jesus.
You likely will be tempted to hurry through decisions given the competitive, rushed nature of the business world. But remember that God’s timing is both different than ours and perfect. He will reveal what you need when you need it. Focus on making the best decision, not necessarily the fastest one.
As you strive to use scripture to make choices, try to lean into what will challenge or grow you. Aim for what will allow you to serve in new ways.
Should and can are very different things. Should involves values, ethics, or morality, whereas can involves capability. Don’t do something just because you can. Do it because you should. Many scripture stories, such as the tale of Elijah and Jezebel, offer a warning that moving forward just because you have the ability can bring dire consequences if you are not seeking what is right in the eyes of God.

CTAs:

Identify the three most important decisions you need to make in the upcoming week.
Find at least one Bible verse that’s relevant to the decisions you identified.
Pray and seek counsel from at least one other person on the three decisions you have to make.

What’s coming up next:

If skills and knowledge are equal, it’s increasing visibility that helps you win out. Episode 96 of Faithful on the Clock explains how to make selecting someone else over you unthinkable.

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How to Find a Dream Job That Matches Your Spiritual Gifts

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Find a Dream Job That Matches Your Spiritual Gifts

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-find-a-dream-job-that-matches-your-spiritual-gifts

Want a fulfilling job? Find and apply the gifts God gave you instead of chasing skills trends. Episode 94 of Faithful on the Clock shows you how.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:38] - Doing something successfully doesn’t necessarily mean it is your gift. The first step to finding a dream job is admitting that where you are might not reflect the gifts God gave you.

[02:44] - The mantra to do what you love is not always helpful when it comes to finding a dream job. You can love something and not be good at it.

[03:51] - Finding a dream job means paying as much attention to what comes naturally as you do to what you enjoy. We often dismiss what comes naturally and don’t think those things are gifts specifically because they are simple for us to do.

[05:31] - Looking at previous successes can help you figure out the common thread that’s let you do well. But don’t just look at your work successes, because those often allow you to pull on learned skills more. Look at all areas of your life, because it’s the unscripted areas where you usually end up pulling on more of your real gifts.

[06:46] - Feedback can help ensure you see the gifts you have. But if you wear masks all the time and hide what you’re good at, thinking your gifts aren’t acceptable, others might not give you accurate feedback. So, you have to be honest with yourself about the parts of you that need to be free.

[08:26] - When you review job listings, make sure that you can apply your core gifts to the majority of the responsibilities. Circle back to those gifts during the interview process as much as you can.

[9:41] - Consider the media or mode of expression of your gifts. Public speaking might not feel as good as writing, for example. This approach can help you fine-tune your job search within the gifts you have.

[11:04] - Consider what the jobs you’re considering offer in pay. It’s great if they offer a lot, but because money is just one way to define success, don’t be afraid to select a job with a lower wage if in fact that job is the closest fit to who God made you to be.

[12:19] - Summary

[13:06] - Prayer

[13:47] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Doing something successfully doesn’t automatically mean you are applying your natural gifts. It might just mean that you have worked really hard to improve in an area and that the effort you are putting in has been sufficient to advance you. You thus have to admit that your rank might not connect to your real gifts as much as you think it does.
Because you can be bad at things you have a passion for, you can’t just focus on doing what you love. You also have to focus on what comes naturally to you. That can be difficult because corporate culture teaches us to value what is challenging, not what is easy for us.
Looking at previous wins won’t necessarily show you your true gifts because those wins often are planned (scripted). Unscripted successes in all areas can be a better indicator of your gifts if you look for the common threads between them.
Feedback is essential for understanding where are strengths are and finding the jobs we can do well. But we have to be open for this to work, both with others and ourselves. Wearing masks or denying ourselves can mean we don’t get accurate feedback.
Once you are sure of what your gifts are, make sure you can apply those gifts in the majority of the responsibilities the jobs you apply for have. Use your gifts as a theme for your resume and the interview process.
When applying for jobs, consider the media or mode of expression of your gifts. By fine-tuning the mode of expression, you’ll get an even better job fit.
Pay should be the last thing to consider when looking for your ideal job that uses your gifts. It’s OK to do the math to see if the job will pay your bills, but it’s also OK if the job that uses your gifts the best isn’t the one with the highest pay, because being who God made you to be and trusting Him for your provision also has value.

CTAs:

Look through some job listings and see what immediately appeals based not on your previous work or a specific pay rate, but based on what is easiest for you.

What’s coming up next:

All successful professionals have to make good choices. Episode 95 of Faithful on the Clock lays down the key components of Biblical decision-making.

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How to Cope With Loss, Grief, and Trauma at the Office

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Cope With Loss, Grief, and Trauma at the Office

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-cope-with-loss-grief-and-trauma-at-the-office

Employees cope with tough stuff every day. Episode 93 of Faithful on the Clock outlines how workers and employers can get through personal difficulties in the office.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - This episode relates to Episode 91 about handling chaos in the world. But handling the chaos of the world and personal difficulty require a slightly different approach.

[01:33] - Employees need to be honest with employers as much as possible about what they’re going through so the employer knows how to support the employee. The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur in the battle against the Amalekites is a good example of being willing to admit a weakness to get necessary help.

[03:11] - Resetting boundaries, such as asking people to email instead of call, can make the overwhelm of trauma, loss, etc. easier to deal with. It’s OK to make reasonable requests that will help you cope so you can continue to do your work.

[05:12] - Resist taking on more work as a mode of denying your pain. Ultimately, this tactic backfires, because when you finally can’t deny the pain anymore, there’s more on your plate that will crash.

[06:20] - When you are struggling, seek out mentors and others who might be able to lend support. They can relate to you in a way people out of the workplace cannot.

[07:25] - Employers should exercise compassion and respond well to reasonable requests when they see people struggling. People will remember kindness and reward it with loyalty.

[09:02] - Henri Nouwen’s The Wounded Healer makes the point that it’s having one other person you know will wait for you through tough times that makes a person willing to keep going. Employers can be that one person for employees who are struggling.

[11:09] - Being anticipatory about employee needs and offering them as a courtesy — even if the employee does not accept everything offered — goes a long way to convincing employees who are struggling that they are more than just a number at the company.

[12:57] - Employers also can help employees who are going through tough times by encouraging teammates to support the employee in whatever ways they can. This tactic builds a sense of community where all team members know they can count on each other for help, and where no one person has to feel like they must be the only one responsible.

[14:43] - Summary

[14:58] - Prayer

[15:39] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Handling worldly chaos and personal difficulties at work is different in that worldly chaos often provides a rallying point for the entire group.
Being open when you are struggling enables people to better understand and empathize, which enables them to provide better help to you.
Struggles can necessitate the renegotiation of boundaries around work (e.g., communication, working from home).
Avoid taking on more work during struggles, as using work to deny feelings often can backfire. The more you try to pretend like the pain isn’t there by piling on more work, the bigger the risk is that the pain will overwhelm you and lead to personal or team disappointment.
Seek support from others at work even when you have support from loved ones, as those at work will best understand the challenges and demands work puts in your life.
As an employer, being compassionate when someone is struggling is a key way to earn loyalty. Most employees who struggle will more than make up for anything they miss if you give them permission to be more flexible and slow down for a while to cope.
Henri Nouwen’s The Wounded Healer emphasizes that knowing someone is waiting for us provides the courage necessary to keep going even when life is rough. Leaders can show they are willing to be there so that struggles are more bearable.
Leaders can help those who struggle by trying to anticipate what might be helpful. Even if the worker doesn’t accept all the options presented, making some pathways available makes a positive impression.
It’s appropriate for leaders to build a sense of community and social responsibility by encouraging other members of the team to pitch in to care for the worker in need. It’s also necessary from a practical standpoint, because no single person can be everything to someone.

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Getting Through Outsourcing Without Losing Out

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Getting Through Outsourcing Without Losing Out

https://faithfulontheclock.com/getting-through-outsourcing-without-losing-out

Outsourcing is a common way that companies save money, but how can you approach it from a Christian standpoint? Find out in Episode 92 of Faithful on the Clock.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - Outsourcing definition; invitation to review Episode 67 on layoffs

[01:37] - Leaders must value the relationships they have with both the people being laid off and being hired during the outsourcing process.

[02:24] - Honoring relationship means seeing people as your neighbor, starting by praying for them.

[03:05] - God might end up using you to take care of the people you hire.

[03:50] - Leaders should look at the circumstances of the people they are letting go and make sure they have the support necessary to transition to other work.

[05:15] - There is a heavy emotional inflence of outsourcing on those asked to leave. Being asked to train your own replacement can be especially painful.

[06:39] - Have clearity about what’s going on through the outsourcing to avoid worsening an us-versus-them situation.

[07:28] - As a worker being let go during outsourcing, don’t give in to the temptation to be angry or envious. Remember you represent Jesus right until the end and don’t give anyone a reason to doubt your integrity.

[10:27] - It can be helpful to try to see the big picture of the company’s goals. In some cases, outsourcing is not done out of greed, but a genuine desire to be able to continue forward toward a good mission. But leaders need to look far enough ahead that outsourcing does not come as a surprise if it becomes necessary.

[12:03] - Outsourcing is appropriate if you can protect those involved and put relationships first. It’s not appropriate for immediate gains, because the potential drop in quality can cause long-term damage to the company’s trust and reputation.

[13:06] - Prayer

[13:47] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Outsourcing is not something companies do just to expand to another region. Rather it is a money-saving strategy. It is closely related to layoffs, as companies often let local workers go to hire in different areas where costs are cheaper.
Honoring the relationship you have with people is central to handling outsourcing well. It requires you to ask yourself what is loving, both for the local workers being laid off and the new workers being hired. Start by asking God to deliver what they might need, but understand and take accountability for the fact God might use you to take care of them.
Look at the circumstances the people involved have and ensure you transition them through outsourcing properly. A big part of this is giving local workers time to move on or showing other support, such as providing proper severance.
Consider the emotional influence of outsourcing. It’s common for companies to ask local workers to hire their own replacements, but that can make those workers feel devalued and depressed. Make sure that if workers must train others, they have the room to express their feelings about it.
Clarity through outsourcing is essential to prevent an us-versus-them mentality from growing and ensure everyone cooperates in the way necessary for success through the process. Communicate well with solid rationales and be definitive.
Local workers who are being let go might feel angry and envious. If you’re in that position, don’t give in to the temptations those emotions might present. Although it’s important to acknowledge how tough the outsourcing is on you, remember you still represent Jesus and try to see the potential opportunity He has in the situation.
As a local worker being let go through the outsourcing process, try to consider the larger mission of the company. It might be that there is no other viable way for the company to be able to continue its mission if they don’t use outsourcing to lower costs. Understanding that can help you not to take the loss personally. But leaders need to think ahead and be honest about when, if at all, outsourcing might fall into their growth plans. Outsourcing shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone in the business.

CTAs:

Review your company’s financials and trends within your industry to reassess the potential (or lack thereof) for outsourcing.
Talk to your leadership about the conditions under which they would outsource and which departments would likely be involved. Communicate what would be most helpful if the company were forced to outsource.

What’s coming up next:

Personal crises are incredibly common in work teams. Episode 93 of Faithful on the Clock discusses how to get and provide Christian-oriented support through those situations.

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How to Stay Focused When the World Is In Chaos

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Stay Focused When the World Is In Chaos

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-stay-focused-when-the-world-is-in-chaos

Episode 91 of Faithful on the Clock acknowledges the chaotic state of the world. We’ll look at how to stay focused even when surrounded by global or local turmoil.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:36] - The importance of acknowledging how chaotic the world is

[02:25] - Tip #1: Make a list of your top 3 to 5 issues so you can look into more specific coping strategies for those issues.

[04:12] - Tip #2: Legitimize and own the issues you identify. Don’t let others convince you the issues are not important. Yet, zoom out enough that you’re sure the issue is as concerning as you believe it is.

[07:08] - Tip #3: Find some way to take action on the issues you’re struggling with. People tend to be more negatively impacted psychologically when they cannot take action.

[08:57] - Tip #4: Come up with if-then statements for the most likely scenarios with the issue you have (create some contingency plans). But also acknowledge that, because you are in God’s image and can tap His power, you have the strength to address things in the moment.

[10:46] - Tip #5: Stay in the present moment. Worry only about the one immediate thing you have to do and do that to the best of your ability, rather than worrying about the entire journey for your project or other tasks.

[13:30] - Tip #6: Set aside specific time to focus on the larger issues that are bothering you so they don’t mentally show up when you don’t want them to. Acknowledge when you might not be able to compartmentalize and be willing to take a break in those moments.

[15:12] - Tip #7: See the chaos of the world and your work as independent issues. The inherent goodness and value of your work are still present even when other problems crop up.

[16:31] - Tip #8: Limit social media consumption so you have control over whether you are in the mental state to take in information from different platforms.

[17:00] - Encouragement to reach out for yourself and others

[17:33] - Prayer

[18:13] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The chaos of the world presents a large emotional and mental load for workers which should not be brushed under the rug. Acknowledging that turmoil can help us get better results and feel better as we work.
Tip #1 — Make a list of the issues that are the most stressful for you so you know where to put your time, energy, and resources. Connect each issue to the values you feel are being violated so you can be clear in your communication about why you are upset.
Tip #2 — Legitimize your identified issues. Others might try to gaslight you into believing they are not important concerns, but your feelings and thoughts are real. As a leader, use your emotional intelligence to be sensitive to the issues upsetting individuals on your team. Do not compare your worry to anyone else’s through this process.
Tip #3 — Take action on your issues in some way, such as through volunteering, to regain a sense of autonomy and control.
Tip #4 — Come up with some if-then statements that will help you handle the most likely scenarios around your issues. But acknowledge that you have the ability to pivot and handle anything you can’t predict, thanks to God and His strength.
Tip #5 — Stay in the moment, focusing only on your immediate task. This strategy will help you from getting overwhelmed with the work to do as other big issues add to your worry.
Tip #6 — Set aside specific time to address the issues you have so you have a chance to give those issues your full, undivided attention. This strategy can help stop your brain from bringing the issues up at less inopportune moments.
Tip # 7 — See your work and the chaos of the world independently and remember that your work, which was valuable yesterday, is still valuable today, even though a big issue might also deserve attention. Keep good boundaries and avoid letting others convince you that the big issues they worry about need to be the issues you worry about.
Tip #8 — Be intentional about news and social media consumption so you can be in the proper mental state to handle what you learn or are exposed to well.

Wanda Thibodeaux's LinkedIn Profile

CTAs:

Select the news outlets or platforms you will use as you try to cope. Set up specific times to engage with those platforms, rather than letting alerts drive you.

What’s coming up next:

Many companies are outsourcing to save money. Episode 92 questions when this is an ethical practice and guides workers and leaders through handling the outsourcing experience.

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Fitting Faith into Diversity and Inclusion

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Fitting Faith into Diversity and Inclusion

https://faithfulontheclock.com/fitting-faith-into-diversity-and-inclusion

Does faith have a spot in D&I initiatives? If so, where? We’ll tackle that in Episode 88 of Faithful on the Clock.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - As Jennifer Miller highlights in The New York Times, people are now including faith in the idea of bringing your whole self to work (authenticity).

[01:59] - Miller’s discussion shows that we are finally starting to see faith as a part of D&I efforts.

[03:00] - People are starting to take action for their faith as part of larger groups, which you can take as encouragement.

[05:17] - An interfaith approach might be the best way to bring faith into the D&I discussion because, by building trust with others and advocating for them, you allow them the free choice and opportunity to learn what you believe. It helps you understand each other and be compassionate. The first Christians often had to interact with people of other faiths, so we should be prepared to do that, as well.

[08:39] - Boundaries are important in recognizing faith within D&I. We should be careful that, in an effort to be inclusive, we don’t paradoxically prevent everyone from expressing what they believe. Figuring out what the faith landscape looks like in your organization can be a great place to start building appropriate boundaries and communicating well.

[10:40] - You are not alone as a Christian. Go and find the other believers in your business so you have support and can amplify the work that people are doing around faith and D&I.

[11:23] - Prayer

[12:11] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Jennifer Miller highlighted the rise of faith within D&I initiatives in her article for The New York Times. Her piece aligns with the mission of Faithful on the Clock, which is to help people of faith close the gap between what they believe and their work. The work seems to signal a shift toward making faith a larger part of the D&I movement.
People are starting to stand up and take action so they feel more comfortable expressing their faith. This is a reason for Christians to be encouraged!
The best approach for bringing faith into D&I might be an interfaith approach. By being respectful and presenting opportunities, people are more willing to trust and, subsequently, to hear you out about your Christian faith. So we must be tolerant and give others the same visibility we seek for ourselves. We must be brave enough to stand in the midst of those who do not believe as we do.
Even as we are tolerant of others who believe differently, we must be firm enough in our own beliefs to draw and enforce clear boundaries.
In drawing boundaries and seeking D&I, we should not default to recognizing no one in the name of fairness. Rather, we must be clear about what the faith landscape is and be specific about everything that surrounds us. It’s only when we do this that we can proactively address imbalances and fully protect freedom of belief.

What Happens When the Boss Asks You to Bible Study?

CTAs:

Find out what your company is doing to include faith in their D&I initiatives.
Ask for permission to update your faith demographical data.
Identify where you feel most inhibited in the expression of your faith in the workplace.

What’s coming up next:

Many workers, particularly in the United States, take days off during the holidays. But doing so can carry plenty of stress. Episode 89 of Faithful on the Clock offers tips on how to book your vacation without getting lost in anxiety and drama.

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God's 6 Strategies for Innovation

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 05:45:00 -0500

God is the Original Innovator. What can we learn from Him about creating well? This bonus episode pulls out six strategies from scripture you can use right now as a framework for your own innovation.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:37] - Innovation is not an accident with God--it is in His nature to be creative.

[01:16] - Strategy #1 - Know the purpose.

[02:38] - Strategy #2 - Know what you’re doing.

[04:25] - Strategy #3 - Choose and equip the right people.

[05:31] - Strategy #4 - Revise and scrap based on what you observe or realize.

[06:25] - Strategy #5 - Prepare in advance for upgrades.

[07:41] - Strategy #6 - Take time to reflect.

[08:41] - Strategy summary

[09:48] - Prayer

[10:22] - Outro

Key takeaways:

Innovation is not an accident with God. It is in His nature to be creative, and because we are made in His image, it’s in our nature to innovate, too.
When God innovates, He always fills a need. Know the purpose behind what you are creating and don’t create just because you can.
God knows every detail of everything He wants made. While you might have to experiment and learn along the way simply because you’re human, take the time to develop real expertise and know the project inside and out.
God innovates with people He trusts, and He gives them the skills and resources to get the job done. You should do the same.
Even God made adjustments to what He made. Be comfortable making changes based on your results.
When God wanted to change things, He gave warning and sent Jesus to help people prepare. In the same way, when you have to upgrade or make shifts, give people notice and get ready well in advance.
The creation story shows how God took time to assess value, celebrate, and rest after his innovations were complete. After you innovate, look back, appreciate, and recharge.

CTAs:

Apply the six innovation strategies outlined in the show in your operations.
Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member for the show.

How to Commit to Continuous, Year-Long Change

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Commit to Continuous, Year-Long Change

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-commit-to-continuous-year-long-change

You can set all the resolutions in the world, but if you’re not committed, you won’t get far. Episode 89 of Faithful on the Clock shows you how to improve the commitment you have toward any goal you might set.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:41] - Most people understand why resolutions often fail (e.g., lack of accountability, etc.).

[01:25] - Honing commitment is essential for change because it allows you to fix most of the issues that cause resolutions to fail.

[01:55] - Strategy #1: Consider your values. When you focus on the values you are committing to through the change and how those connect to your relationship with God, you can work for a larger purpose.

[03:39] - Strategy #2: Stop thinking of long-term commitment. Break up what you have to do and then just hit repeat so you don’t get overwhelmed and quit.

[05:02] - Strategy #3: Remember you are in the image of God — He follows through. We are imperfect and will make mistakes, but we still should try to do what we say we will, as He does.

[06:29] - Strategy #4: Address black-and-white thinking. Give yourself leeway to learn and understand that change is a progression. Mistakes can happen along the way and do not have to take you out of the game.

[08:22] - Strategy #5: Wallow in the dirt — i.e., face what truly is holding you back. Give yourself time to grieve the way you used to be so that you aren’t tempted to look back and revert to those old habits. The support of others can be enormously helpful throughout this process.

[10:35] - Now that you can commit, dream, and do big things!

[11:05] - Prayer

[11:37] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

People don’t keep resolutions for a host of reasons, but honing your commitment to a goal usually can preemptively address most of those reasons.
Tip #1 — Consider your values. The idea is to erase the dissonance between what you believe and what you do, and to align your values to the values of God along the way. This approach reorients you toward the relationship you have with Him.
Tip #2 — Stop thinking of the long-term commitment. It’s easier to persist if you take the change in small bites, getting through one instance of challenge at a time and reflecting on each success.
Tip #3 — Remember you are in the image of God. Recalling your connection to Him can remind you that you are meant to imitate His consistency and integrity. You do not have to continue on your own merit, but can call up on His strength.
Tip #4 — Address black-and-white thinking. By accepting that commitment doesn’t require a hard line of perfect results, you can quiet your inner critic and keep going.
Tip #5 — Wallow in the dirt for a while and grieve what you will give up to make the change happen. Properly grieving enables you to let go of your old ways and look forward.

CTAs:

Make a list of the top three goals you want to commit to over the next year. Consider what you will need to make each of these goals a reality and investigate how to meet those needs.

What’s coming up next: How does faith connect to the larger discussion on diversity and inclusion? Episode 88 of Faithful on the Clock puts religious beliefs in the D&I context.

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How to Take a Vacation Without Stressing Out

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Take a Vacation Without Stressing Out

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-take-a-vacation-without-stressing-out

Everybody needs a vacation once in a while, but for a lot of people, a break just brings more stress. Episode 88 provides some tips for getting through a vacation without anxiety.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:46] - The majority of people struggle to take vacations without feeling stressed and don’t enjoy them when they take them. They typically don’t know how to resolve the stressors that make their trips distressing.

[02:17] - People often don’t want to take vacations because they stress about the work that will be waiting for them when they return. One good strategy thus is to plan out the transition before and after the vacation so everyone has reasonable expectations about how and when that work will get completed.

[04:58] - Leaving room for some spontaneity is important during a vacation because getting too concerned about squeezing in more or watching the itinerary can keep people from feeling free.

[06:18] - Because most people stress out about being able to take care of details and problem-solve on the fly, doing your homework in advance can reduce anxiety prior to your trip.

[07:00] - Creating a fair balance of power where everyone knows what their responsibilities are can help prevent resentments or situations where one person is able to relax on the trip more than others.

[08:16] - Because your body gets habitualized to your normal behaviors, get ready for your vacation by practicing relaxing activities well in advance to get your nervous system calmed and ready.

[10:15] - You are not weak or flawed for needing a break — you are human! Follow God’s example of resting and reflecting.

[11:26] - Prayer

[12:11] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Most people have trouble truly unplugging and relaxing for a vacation. They experience stress when trying to take time off, not rejuvenation.
Strategy #1 — Talk with your boss and team about the time before, during, and after your break about clear boundaries and expectations. Come up with a game plan up to at least a month ahead of time for how to delegate and get through the transitions.
Strategy #2 — Leave room for spontaneity. We need to let go of the idea that we have to maximize everything and just enjoy our time in the moment.
Strategy #3 — Don’t forget details. By figuring out ahead of time who can help or what resources are available, you can reduce the stress around the ability to overcome unexpected hurdles.
Strategy #4 — Make sure you have a fair balance of power. One person should not have to handle all the logistics, or they can’t relax. This imbalance can lead to resentment.
Strategy #5 — Practice relaxation ahead of time. If you are not used to relaxing, you can stress out in relaxing environments because they don’t feel natural.
Taking a vacation or break is something even Jesus did. It doesn’t mean you are abandoning anyone or are weak. Take the opportunity to reconnect to the Father when you are away, just as Jesus did.

CTAs:

Identify at least three ways you can relax before you go on your vacation.
Schedule time with your boss or team to talk about your upcoming vacation.

What’s coming up next:

Most people who start resolutions quickly fizzle. Episode 89 of Faithful on the Clock walks you through how to find the commitment you need to reach new goals.

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How to Keep AI From Destroying Creativity

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Keep AI From Destroying Creativity

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-keep-ai-from-destroying-creativity

AI can be a powerful tool for good, but how do we stop it from interfering with the creative processes that reflect the fact we’re built in the image of God? That’s in Episode 87 of Faithful on the Clock.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - Call to review Episode 21 on AI and wisdom, clarity of creativity emphasis for today’s episode

[01:27] - All of us have some creative drive because we are in the Creator’s image. We need the struggle within the creative process to be whole and strong.

[02:24] - The selling point of AI usually is to remove the creative process to produce efficiency and economy. But this ignores that “better” is subjective when it comes to jobs and that you cannot necessarily transplant people from one position to another due to the gifts, talents, and skills God has gifted to them.

[03:36] - The creative process gives satisfaction and other benefits to a person. If we take that away under the guise that AI will make us free, AI is potentially damaging.

[05:20] - Using AI well requires asking whether you are interfering with the strengthening creative process. For a doctor, AI might be a support to that process.

[06:31] - For a writer, AI could destroy the creative process.

[07:16] - AI is positive if it supports the creative process someone has, but potentially detrimental if it interferes with that process. We must therefore take the application of AI on a case-by-case basis and try to understand what God has enabled each person to do.

[08:10] - One of the biggest signals that the application of AI is improper is that people will push back on it. The writer’s and actor’s strikes in Hollywood, United States are an example of this.

[10:05] - We must consider what having someone go through the creative process is worth. The debate about whether that is more valuable than profits is likely going to continue for some time.

[11:23] - Prayer

[12:00] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

A previous episode of Faithful on the Clock, Episode 22, focused on AI in a more general context. This episode focuses on how AI connects to the creative process, which is applicable to all industries.
We all have some drive to create, as we are made in the Creator’s image. Creating has some healthy struggle in it, like a chick breaking free of the eggshell.
The selling point of AI is to remove the creative process to create efficiency and economy. The assertion is that it can allow people to get “better” jobs. But the skills, talents, and gifts required for one job don’t necessarily translate to another. When a person properly uses their skills, talents, and gifts, they get a lot of joy and satisfaction from their work. If they don’t properly apply their skills, talents, and gifts, they can lose sight of what makes life meaningful.
When considering the application of AI, we must consider whether the AI interferes with the natural, struggle-inclusive creative process we’re designed to have. A doctor and writer might have two very different experiences with the technology, with the doctor benefited and the writer harmed.
If AI interferes with the creative process, it is potentially detrimental. We must be considerate of the skills, talents, and gifts each person has so as to protect it.
Pushback against AI is one of the biggest signals that the application is not appropriate. The writer and actor strikes in Hollywood in the United States were about pay, but also about getting the studios to understand that the people loved and got joy from the jobs.
Leaders must be careful to consider the satisfaction of a worker against the potential profit margins AI can bring.

CTAs:

Identify the specific components of your own creative process. What do you need to feel energized or get back from the work you do?

What’s coming up next: The holiday season usually sees people booking vacations. But ironically, with the vacation often comes stress. Episode 88 of Faithful on the Clock explains how to take the anxiety out of taking time off.

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How to Say No When Everyone Else Wants Yes

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Say No When Everyone Else Wants Yes

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-say-no-when-everyone-else-wants-yes

Getting ahead at work isn’t always about being a yes (wo)man. Episode 86 of Faithful on the Clock outlines the importance of saying no and explains how to do it in a positive way.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:45] - Most people have instances where they need to say no to others. This skill is essential, even when there might be good reasons to say yes.

[01:34] - No is important because it serves as a boundary word. It keeps people from carrying what they shouldn’t and defines where one person stops and another begins. This definition of the self is important in leadership because it allows you to withstand challenges and build trust.

[03:04] - Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No to Take Control of Your Life is an excellent book to learn more about effective boundary setting that can serve God. The authors explain how good boundaries function like a strong fence with a gate. If you build this type of fence, it is just as healthy for others as it is for you.

[05:20] - John 14:14 must not be misunderstood to mean that God cannot say no. He can and does. Like Jesus’ prayer in Gesthemane, what we ask for must be aligned with His will.

[07:00] - People have two big worries about saying no: They worry that the other person will think badly of them for being a troublemaker, and they worry that saying no will create problems they won’t be able to overcome.

[08:10] - Tactic #1: Offer a rationale for your no to prevent the other person from taking your answer too personally. Paul stressed the rationality of his argument when on trial.

[09:17] - Tactic #2: Tell the other person what you need to make your no a yes. This tactic is helpful for teaching others what’s helpful or satisfying to you.

[10:27] - Tactic #3 - Present a choice between two options. Emphasize what you CAN do as you present the choices. This tactic is excellent for helping the other person learn to prioritize and take accountability.

[12:22] - Tactic #4 - Provide an alternative rather than a choice. This tactic allows you to both enforce your boundary and advocate for others who are capable.

[13:43] - Tactic #5 - Identify the specific commands or characteristics of God you’re upholding by saying no. This tactic helps give you conviction to continue with your refusal because you know with certainty you are working within God’s values.

[15:13] - Being a Christian is difficult. If you must, choose God and continue your no, rather than continuing in a job or other place where you would have to deny Him.

[16:35] - Prayer

[17:09] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Most of us have been in situations where we wanted to say no but felt like we couldn’t. But no is a valuable boundary word. It helps people be authentic, loving, and accountable, and it outlines where one person stops and another begins. That helps you as a Christian and more generally as a leader because it enables you to stand with a powerful backbone.
The book Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend describes the importance of boundaries and how to fix them from a biblical perspective. The authors describe healthy boundaries as a fence with a gate. When functioning properly, boundaries keep the bad out and the good in.
We must not misinterpret John 14:14 to mean God cannot say no. He even denied Jesus when Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, because His plan to save us required Jesus to go to the cross. But Jesus submitted in His prayer to the will of the Father, and so too, must we.
People struggle to say no because they don’t want others to think badly of them and because they don’t want to endure the potential negative consequences that saying no could bring.
Tactic #1 — Provide a clear rationale. This will help people to take your no less personally and keep them from seeing it as a power struggle.
Tactic #2 — Tell the other person what you need to make your no a yes. This helps teach them about what is satisfying or helpful to you, which supports a stronger relationship.
Tactic #3 — Present a choice. When people can choose, their sense of autonomy stays strong. Focus on what you reasonably and rationally can do, rather than presenting your no as just shooting the other person down. It’s helpful here to have the other person look at your schedule to help set the priorities from among the choices.
Tactic #4 — Present an alternative. You might be able to use this tactic to serve as an advocate for someone else.
Tactic #5 — Clearly identify the commands or characteristics of God that you’re upholding by saying no. The more sure you are that you’re upholding what He wants, the easier it is to take confidence in the fact He’ll support you through your no.
Trust that even if your no gets you into some trouble, God will pull you out of it. Remember — there’s no job worth denying Him for.

CTAs:

Choose one of the strategies outlined to practice through the upcoming week.
Identify what onramps or hurdles each tactic presents for you. For example, perhaps you do not feel like you’re good at making rational arguments or that your work situation doesn’t present many good choices.

What’s coming up next:

As writers, artists, actors, and other professionals assert their relevance against AI, Episode 87 of Faithful on the Clock uses a biblical perspective to explain how companies should apply the technology in their creative pursuits.

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Implementing Proactive Business Charity

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Implementing Proactive Business Charity

https://faithfulontheclock.com/implementing-proactive-business-charity

Want to step up your charity game as an individual or organization? Episode 85 of Faithful on the Clock explains why the key is to take a proactive rather than reactionary approach.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - When we think of charity, we usually take the traditional corporate approach, which is simply to look for and fill a large gap.

[01:20] - People should continue to try to help those in dire need.

[02:16] - A recent article about an automotive shop providing assistance to those in need is a good example of proactive charity.

[03:08] - The biggest issue with charitable giving is that it is reactionary rather than proactive, in part because we have heard the same script about what giving looks like or includes for so long. Many companies enter into this trap by looking only at the same charities year after year.

[04:24] - The concepts of personal autonomy, grit, and capitalism all can interfere with being proactive. We tend to think that if someone needs help, they didn’t try hard enough, and so we wait until things are more dire to help.

[05:27] - There is a large number of people in the United States who are in precarious situations and just need a little bit of help to prevent a massive snowball into disaster.

[06:25] - Healthcare is another example where reactionary assistance is common.

[07:09] - People must be constantly on the lookout for signs of initial trouble, because people don’t always want or know how to ask for help. We must be like the watchful good Samaritan, always watching for hints that someone is in trouble, even when they cannot cry out.

[08:22] - Rewinding the tapes allows individuals and organizations to identify the initial common denominators that cause trouble for people. Once those common denominators are identified, we can create teams to target the problem effectively.

[08:54] - Leaders who want to engage in charity should be on the lookout for good talent so they can delegate and fill the logistical needs that are present. They also need to be aware that, if they approach charity well, they will eliminate the need. This requires a mindset shift, because most leaders think in business terms, in which continued need means continued demand and, therefore, profit. They can think like serial entrepreneurs to tackle more than one social issue.

[10:34] - Rewinding the tapes might mean that you have to work harder to connect the dots for people and help them see how your activities align with the core values of your organization.

Key takeaways:

For many people, charity defaults to activities like volunteering or giving change. The focus usually is on people who have the biggest need — i.e., the people who are in the biggest trouble.
Recognizing severe need is a good thing. Keep giving to people in desperate circumstances.
An article about an automotive shop doing work for reduced rates or free offers an example of how to be proactive and address “snowball” points people might encounter.
The main issue with contemporary charity is that it tends to be reactionary rather than proactive.
The concepts of personal autonomy, grit, and capitalism all can interfere with our ability to be properly proactive in charity. People often cannot bootstrap or help themselves and already are doing the best they can, but we tend to believe they should try harder or have dropped the ball if they need help.
Instead of asking “How bad is it?”, we should ask, “What do you need to make sure it doesn’t get work?”
People do not always reach out when they need help, and sometimes they are too disoriented or in danger to do so. As a result, we have an obligation to read between the lines and look out for signs of trouble.
To be proactive, rewind the tapes and get to the root of why people got into trouble. Find the common denominators that lead to big issues. Then create a team that can tackle that issue well, using delegation to make everything work smoothly. Do this well and the need people have will gradually disappear — this is different than in traditional business, which sees continued need as desirable for its connection to continued patronage and purchase. As needs become resolved, think like a serial entrepreneur and pick new ones to tackle.
Charitable giving should be aligned with your core values. Rewinding the tapes properly might mean you have to work harder to make sure others understand why you are targeting the activity you are targeting.

CTAs:

Evaluate the charitable needs of your community.
Research what is causing the needs you see in your community to identify how you might more proactively combat the issue.

What’s coming up next:

Most leaders have a completely different perception of what is happening in their companies or what workers need than their teams do. Episode 86 of Faithful on the Clock offers some ways that people at all levels can get everyone on the same page.

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7 Questions to Identify Fulfilling Goals

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

7 Questions to Identify Fulfilling Goals

https://faithfulontheclock.com/7-questions-to-identify-fulfilling-goals

Setting goals is as common as brushing teeth for professionals. But that doesn’t mean all goals are satisfying. Episode 84 of Faithful on the Clock offers questions that can help you identify the goals that will be truly fulfilling for your life.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - Setting fulfilling goals takes courage. It requires you to do internal reflection and refuse to let yourself be completely validated by external sources.

[02:11] - Question #1: What do I believe in?

[03:07] - Question #2: What energizes or drains me?

[04:31] - Question #3: What skills or resources do I have or am able to acquire?

[06:12] - Question #4: How will the goal influence others and me?

[08:42] - Question #5: How does the goal align with other goals?

[10:55] - Question #6: What do I consistently feel?

[13:05] - Question #7: What messages consistently show up in my feedback from loved ones or mentors?

[14:42] - Encouragement for use of the questions

[15:09] - Prayer

[15:48] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Identifying fulfilling goals requires some courage because it requires us to be self-reflective and honest about who we are, rather than just listening to what everyone else thinks we should do.
Question #1: What do I believe in? This question orients you to your core values, which ideally should align with scripture and God’s character. Goals should not run contrary to core values or you likely will experience stressful cognitive dissonance.
Question #2: What energizes or drains me? Fulfilling goals aren’t necessarily easy or quick. But they should give you a sense of excitement.
Question #3: What skills or resources do I have or am able to acquire? God gives all of us skills and spiritual gifts to work with. The clearer these are for us, the more realistic we can be about our strengths and weaknesses and the paths we could take.
Question #4: How will the goal influence others and me? This question should address the ability of the goal to meet needs.
Question #5: How does the goal align with other goals? Good goals don’t delay or get in the way of goals that you’ve already set. The story of Moses interceding for Israel after the people created the golden calf is a good example.
Question #6: What do I consistently feel? Feelings can be good indicators of trustworthy, stable internal drivers that are going to steer you forward.
Question #7: What messages consistently show up in my feedback from loved ones? Feedback can correct our biases so we see ourselves properly. With a more accurate picture of ourselves, we might change which goals we go after to feel satisfied.

Faithful on the Clock YouTube Channel

CTAs:

Apply this list of questions to at least one goal you are considering setting for yourself this week.
Review Episode 83 on spiritual gifts to better understand how you might approach the goals you set.

What’s coming up next:

Giving back to your community should be part of your business vision. But how do you get charitable initiatives going? Episode 85 provides some basic options and explains why initiatives should be proactive instead of reactive to be effective.

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Understanding Your Spiritual Gifts

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Understanding Your Spiritual Gifts

https://faithfulontheclock.com/understanding-your-spiritual-gifts

You’ll do your best work for God when you apply your spiritual gifts. But what are those? Episode 83 of Faithful on the Clock explains and offers tips on how to discover what your gifts are.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - Spiritual gifts defined; differentiation between gifts vs. skills and talents

[02:11] - Spiritual gifts group 1 (leadership): administration, apostleship, evangelism, leadership, shepherding

[03:18] - Spiritual gifts group 2 (understanding): discernment, interpretation, knowledge, prophesy, teaching, tongues, wisdom

[05:52] - Spiritual gifts group 3 (tactical): faith, giving, healing, mercy, miracles, and service

[07:22] - People can have multiple spiritual gifts. When people know which gifts they have, we can have the right people in the right job in the right ratios for the church.

[08:41] - Options for figuring out your gifts include 1) taking an online test, 2) internal reflection about what you do (activities), 3) paying attention to feedback from others, and 4) looking at what you instinctively do in a crisis.

[11:19] - People often get into the wrong roles because they don’t know what their gifts are. This might be the case if you’re in a safe work environment with good people but still are unhappy or unfulfilled. Make sure there is alignment between your gifts and your roles each time you have the opportunity to advance in your career. Don’t be surprised if your gifts test surprises you, because sometimes we dismiss our gifts or don’t interpret them as assets. As a leader, be mindful of spiritual gifts during hiring rather than looking strictly at whether someone technically can do a job.

[13:47] - Prayer

[14:33] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Spiritual gifts are capabilities that allow you to do work for God in a highly natural and effective way. They keep the church healthy. Within each gift, there can be many skills and talents. Spiritual gifts can be grouped into three broad categories: leadership, understanding, and tactical.
Leadership gifts include administration, apostleship, evangelism, leadership, and shepherding.
Understanding gifts include discernment, interpretation, knowledge, prophesy, teaching, tongues, and wisdom.
Tactical gifts include faith, giving, healing, mercy, miracles, and service.
Gifts do not necessarily have to be isolated. People can have multiple gifts at a time.
People can discover what their spiritual gifts are by 1) taking a test, 2) considering current activities, 3) listening to feedback about how they influence others in positive ways, and 4) identifying what they’re drawn to instinctively do in crisis situations.
People often can get into jobs that are not a match for their spiritual gifts, which can make them unhappy and ineffective servants for God. It’s important to look for alignment between your spiritual gifts and the work you do to maximize your influence. People are not always aware of what their spiritual gifts really are if they continuously have been in a mismatch situation, or if they struggle to see their gifts in a positive way. Leaders should be on the lookout for spiritual gifts to make sure mismatching doesn’t happen in the workplace.

FREE Spiritual Gifts Test - Spiritual Gifts Test - Discover Your Purpose

CTAs:

Take at least one free spiritual gifts test.
Consider the types of practical work you could do in your current organization or a future one, given the results of your gifts test. Strive to take action toward at least one of those areas of work.

What’s coming up next:

Professionals are told to set goals every day, but not every goal is fulfilling. Episode 84 of Faithful on the Clock offers a set of questions anyone can use to identify targets that will bring real satisfaction and purpose.

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What Moses Couldn't Do: A Lesson in the Source of Confidence

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

What Moses Couldn't Do: A Lesson in the Source of Confidence

https://faithfulontheclock.com/episode-82-what-moses-couldnt-do-a-lesson-in-the-source-of-confidence

Intro teaser paragraph:

If confidence doesn’t come from self-development, where does it come from? Episode 82 of Faithful on the Clock unpacks the story of Moses to find out.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - Previous episodes tied to Episode 82 are Episode 56 on fearlessness and Episode 28 on toxic positivity.

[01:17] - Moses’ background story

[02:51] - Almost from the very beginning of Moses’ interaction with God around the burning bush, Moses showed a lack of confidence, repeatedly asking what to do if he encountered specific situations and asking God to send someone else. But God reassured him that He would help, the lesson being that Moses and Aaron would be able to take confidence in Him rather than leaning on only themselves.

[04:16] - Many of us take the mentality of Moses and use all kinds of strategies to boost confidence to get through what we perceive will be challenging.

[05:49] - Part of God’s frustration with Moses is that he was leaning so much on himself. God clarified that He was in charge as the Creator and told Moses he would also send Aaron.

[06:27] - Truly unshakeable confidence comes not from self-development, but from faith and the understanding of the God who is behind you.

[08:33] - The story of David and Goliath is a counterstory that shows what happens when someone relies on confidence in God rather than on self-confidence.

[11:07] - You are a conduit just like David was. If you aren’t where you want to be, it’s OK — lean on God and good things still can happen.

[11:52] - Prayer

[12:33] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The idea that success requires enormous confidence is common in the business world. It ties closely to the concept of being fearless, as well as toxic positivity.
Moses, who had fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian taskmaster, was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. But instead of simply accepting the call, he initially made all kinds of excuses because he was afraid of Pharoah and not confident in himself.
Like Moses, we often play tapes in our minds of excuses. We try to plan in advance (risk management) and work on our perceived weaknesses to build our own confidence up, rather than looking to God and being confident in Him.
Truly unshakeable confidence comes from faith and the understanding God is behind you, not your own self-development.
The story of David and Goliath provides an example of what it looks like when someone trusts in God rather than themselves.
You, like David, are a conduit by which God can do good things. You still can be self-aware of the gifts He gives you, but see God as the greatest gift and source of power of all.

CTAs:

Whenever you feel tempted to lean too much on self-development to feel better, ask God to increase your faith in Him. Then ask Him for guidance on what to learn or do and express gratitude that He is with you.

What’s coming up next:

What are the spiritual gifts? Which ones do you have, and how can you use them to excel in the workplace? Episode 83 of Faithful on the Clock answers it all.

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How to Create Psychological Safety

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Create Psychological Safety

https://faithfulontheclock.com/episode-81-how-to-create-psychological-safety

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:31] - If you had a good experience learning to ride a bike with supportive parents, you have experienced psychological safety and understand it. Psychological safety can be defined as the feeling that you can learn, make an effort, and be yourself without being humiliated or unable to recover if you present ideas or concerns.

[01:24] - Neurologically, psychological safety means you’re set up so you don’t go into fight-flight-freeze.

[01:51] - Considering the neurology related to psychological safety, when you don’t have psychological safety, it can become hard to focus, make good decisions or engage well in relationships.

[03:00] - Organizational behavioral scientist Amy Edmonson proposed three key things people can do to create psychological safety in teams: 1) Frame the work as a learning problem. 2) Acknowledge your own fallibility. 3) Model curiosity and ask plenty of questions.

[5:43] - Distilling Edmonson’s recommendations, making people feel safe is about building trust. But everyone is different regarding what they need to start trusting. So there’s no one way to approach building psychological safety. You just have to spend time with people and figure them out.

[07:09] - Trust requires integrity, which allows for the consistency people need to feel like you’re stable enough to approach.

[08:07] - Trust also requires empathy.

[09:00] - Psalm 91:4 is a wonderful demonstration of the psychologically and physically safe environment God is willing to provide. Moses compares God to a hen who gathers her chicks under her. If you watch chicks, you will see that they will scurry back under the mother’s wings as she moves. They know the consistency of her safety and trust it.

[11:09] - Challenge yourself by asking yourself what you can do to gather others under you, or conversely, what you need to trust them and go under their wings.

[11:48] - Creating psychological safety is critical as Christians because it connects to our ability to draw people to God. If people do not feel safe, they will not experience God as safe and, as a result, will not hear us. Speak up about what you need and about any problems you see.

[13:40] - Prayer

[14:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Most people can relate to the sense of psychological safety in the memory of learning to ride a bike. Psychological safety is the feeling or mental awareness that, despite some risks, nothing seriously bad will befall you. You will not be humiliated or unable to recover.
From the neurological perspective, psychological safety means that you are in an environment or circumstance that doesn’t activate your sympathetic nervous system and the fight-flight-freeze response. This response can shut down the cognitive areas of the brain, activate your emotional reasoning, and make it hard to be productive or connect to others.
Organizational behavioral scientist Amy Edmonson first connected the idea of psychological safety to teams. She came up with statements that can clue people in about how psychologically safe they or others feel, and she recommended three ways to create psychological safety: Frame the work as a learning problem rather than an execution problem, acknowledge your own fallibility, and model curiosity and ask questions.
Psychological safety, on a basic level, is about building trust. But what it takes to build trust will be different from person to person.
Creating trust to build psychological safety requires both integrity, which permits consistency, and empathy, which involves understanding and validating each other.
Psalm 91:4 and Matthew 23:37 both use the image of a hen protecting her chicks. This image portrays God as someone who is capable of providing both physical and psychological safety. Little chicks who learn to trust in the hen will run back under her wings. In the same way, we can learn to trust and come back to God when we need protection or a sense that everything is OK.
Ask yourself what you can do to gather others under your wings. Conversely, ask what you need from others to feel like you could take shelter under them.
Psychological safety is important in being able to serve and represent God. If you want to serve him well in the office or your church, be proactive about building it. Speak up when you see something amiss, both for yourself and others.

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God's Not Disappointed

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

God's Not Disappointed

https://faithfulontheclock.com/gods-not-disappointed

Intro teaser paragraph:

People often stay away from God because they misinterpret Him as angry. But they also can stay away because they think He’s disappointed. Episode 80 of Faithful on the Clock looks at how that connects to our work life.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - People often think that God is either not merciful or doesn’t care.

[01:22] - Scriptures such as the story of Noah reveal that people give up on God, not the other way around. His punishments don’t come out of the blue, but rather after repeated calls to repent.

[02:00] - Most people looking at the story of Job try to see the story from Job’s perspective and to understand why bad things happen to good people. Our sense of justice says God shouldn’t have let him suffer.

[03:07] - In Job’s story, God wasn’t testing Job so much as he was putting the devil back in his place. Job’s suffering was necessary to do that.

[04:04] - Even though Job suffered, God didn’t enjoy that suffering. The bigger picture was to keep the right order of things. Later, Jesus, who also suffered although he had not done anything wrong, would put the devil in his place for the final time.

[04:43] - People tend to transfer their experiences with others to God, comparing what they know of people to how He will be. Our sense of identity can get wrapped up in performance, too, so that if we stumble or don’t do well, we ultimately think God sees us as a letdown like everyone else does.

[06:09] - Not all suffering is to test you or has to do with your performance. Sometimes it is about God teaching the devil.

[06:41] - God is prepared for you to mess up. Like a parent who doesn’t get upset with a child who can’t pull their pants up but who really wants to succeed at it, God doesn’t get upset with us when we fail, either, so long as our hearts are in the right place.

[08:06] - All of us our priceless portraits on God’s gallery wall. There is nothing we can do to erase the beauty we have that comes from the experience He had painting us.

[10:11] - Prayer

[10:54] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

People can get confused about God’s nature, thinking He either doesn’t care or isn’t merciful. But scripture repeatedly shows that it was people rejecting God, not the other way around.
In the story of Job, God wasn’t desiring Job to suffer. But just as Jesus suffered on the cross as an innocent, Job suffered so that, in the big picture of things, the devil would be kept in his proper place.
People often transfer their experiences with people to God. They believe that if others have been angry or disappointed, then God must judge them the same way, and that bad things happening must be a result of their own shortcomings.
Not all suffering is to test you or has anything to do with your performance. And God is prepared for your humanness — He gave Jesus knowing we’d all fall short.
God created us all as unique portraits. Only He gets to decide the value we have, and that value is permanent based on the unique experience He had creating each of us.

CTAs:

Each time you feel like God is disappointed in you, remember Psalm 18:19 and reflect on the fact that your rescue is not an accident.

What’s coming up next:

Psychological safety is a foundational element for a healthy, productive culture. What core elements are necessary to create it? Faithful on the Clock Episode 81 explores.

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Why You and Others Self-Sabotage

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Why You and Others Self-Sabotage

https://faithfulontheclock.com/why-you-and-others-self-sabotage

Not applying for a good job. Staying silent when you should speak up. People self-sabotage like this all the time. Episode 78 of Faithful on the Clock dives into why people self-sabotage and gives advice on how both workers and leaders can dig out.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - The common message about work and happiness is that work is a route to happiness. We don’t consider that some people might not want to be happy, but those people exist.

[01:22] - Reasons why people self-sabotage #1: The concept of happiness is frightening because people aren’t taught how to handle it well.

[02:15] - Reasons why people self-sabotage #2: Previous experience makes happiness feel unfamiliar and, therefore, unsafe.

[02:41] - Reason why people self-sabotage #3: People fear that if they’re too happy, they’re not being empathetic enough to those who suffer and, therefore, are “bad” people.

[03:12] - It might be more accurate to say that people fear getting hurt more than they fear happiness, but they still try to self-protect before they allow themselves to be content.

[03:28] - Self-sabotage is also spiritual warfare. The devil uses it to steal our joy because he knows that if we don’t have joy, we won’t look to God as a provider of that joy. He wants to cut at God by making us miserable and severing our connection to Him. Keeping your joy is the biggest backhand you can give to the devil.

[05:05] - Embracing safety at the expense of your happiness can keep you away from work experience that can help you reach your potential, negatively influencing your finances and relationships.

[05:40] - Given how many people have experienced trauma, the odds are good that, as a leader, you’ll encounter those who self-sabotage. Your job is to lift them out of that habit or reflex.

[06:11] - From the worker's perspective, start taking your joy back by sitting in your stress. You have to train your brain that what creates stress for you (including situations where happiness is an option) isn’t a threat. The only way to do that is by facing the discomfort. You cannot avoid it.

[07:47] - Once you get used to sitting in your stress, ask yourself “why” a few times to dig down to the root causes of your anxiety.

[08:41] - The 5-whys method comes from Sakichi Toyoda. The fact it emphasizes countermeasures makes it good for dealing with immediate overwhelm or temptations.

[09:36] - Once you know where your beliefs come from, challenge them. Ideally, make the challenges actionable with a countermeasure.

[10:37] - When establishing countermeasures, it’s good to lean on your core values. But many people have contradictory values (cognitive dissonance). Finding trustworthy people is necessary to bring you into mental singularity so you don’t keep flip-flopping back and forth in your behaviors. But this can be difficult because people can associate relationship and connection with happiness, which can be triggering.

[12:37] - From the leader side, focus on strengthening your relationship with a struggling worker. Forcing them to take opportunities can increase their stress and make them resent you.

[13:12] - Be a champion for your workers who are struggling.

[13:28] - Affirmations and recommendations that are expectedly and randomly given can communicate to self-sabotaging workers what you think they deserve and are capable of doing.

[13:58] - Operational policies and programs can support self-sabotaging workers on a broad scale.

[14:42] - Prayer

[15:30] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

In the work environment, there’s a strong message that people should go through self-development and improve as a means to become successful and, subsequently, happy. But people often subconsciously or deliberately do things to sabotage their own success and joy.
Being afraid to be happy is a real condition called cherophobia. It can happen because people don’t know how to handle happiness when they get it, expect bad things to happen because that’s been their norm, or because they don’t want to be perceived as unempathetic.
Self-sabotage that keeps you away from joy can be seen as spiritual warfare. God wants us to be joyful and have a happy relationship with Him. But the devil is determined to rob us of that joy so that we don’t understand how much better things are with God and why pursuing Him could help. He wants to deliberately hurt God by keeping us miserable.
Self-sabotage can prevent you from getting work experience that will help you reach your full potential, which can influence you financially and socially. As a leader, the odds are high that you’ll deal with workers who hold themselves back, too. Your job is to help those workers overcome their fear of joy so they can move forward.
Getting comfortable sitting in your stress around happiness is one of the best ways to tackle self-sabotage. It helps your brain stop avoiding situations where happiness could result. You cannot deal with self-sabotage through avoidance.
The five-whys method is a useful strategy for uncovering why happiness makes you uncomfortable.
Once you know where your beliefs around happiness come from, you can actively challenge them. It’s best if you can do this in actionable ways that integrate countermeasures. Countermeasures should attach to your core values, but it’s not unusual for people to experience cognitive dissonance and believe contradictory things. So it’s beneficial to find people who can bring you into singularity about what you think.
As an employer, if you see someone self-sabotage, don’t insist they take shots, as people need to keep their autonomy and sense of choice to avoid becoming resentful. Instead, work on your relationship and build trust. Make recommendations and give affirmations, and on a broad scale, support people through organizational policies.

CTAs:

Watch both the videos mentioned in this episode. Journal about your reaction or discuss them with someone you trust.
Identify one area where you’ve been withholding your own joy. Then identify one action step you can take to break your habits around that area.
Put Psalm 18:19 in a prominent place where you can remind yourself that God wants you to be happy. Meditate on what He sacrificed to ensure you could have joy.

What’s coming up next:

People often stay away from God because they think He's angry. But what happens in your work and overall life if you stay away because you believe He's disappointed? Episode 80 of Faithful on the Clock offers encouragement.

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Visible Grit

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Visible Grit

https://faithfulontheclock.com/visible-grit

The business world puts a high value on grit and perseverance. But what happens if all of your grit and perseverance is invisible? Episode 78 of Faithful on the Clock emphasizes the need to have people see what you’re consistently achieving over time.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - Finishing a big writing project inspired this episode by getting me to think about the idea that grit alone is necessary for success.

[01:05] - There’s value and truth in persevering. But I’ve worked hard on social media only to now see a call for communications to become smaller again.

[02:15] - As my social media visibility has decreased, I’ve realized that it’s not just grit that matters. It’s the visibility of your grit that counts.

[02:51] - Visibility is getting more difficult to achieve even outside of social media, such as with the move to subscriptions that can increase promotional costs.

[03:32] - The big question now as platforms decline and pathways close is how to be visible so that our grit gets the attention and respect it deserves.

[04:17] - Strategy #1: Integrate a lot of channels into your marketing, but be careful to be targeted and use techniques that appeal on those platforms.

[04:54] - Strategy #2: Rely on word of mouth more. People often are afraid to do this because the American ideas of individualism and autonomy make us believe that if we can’t do it alone, we’re failures. But we all need some help.

[06:49] - Strategy #3: Don’t try to do everything within the channels you pick. Instead, laser-focus the light of your talent where it really will kick darkness to the curb.

[08:13] - If you worry that your reach will be smaller using a focused approach, remember the ministry of Jesus. He worked by word of mouth with just a few disciples. But word spread quickly. This shows that you don’t need a lot of channels so much as you need a good message with passion behind it. Allow others to carry your message so your light continues to shine and goes further long after you’re gone.

[10:00] - Prayer

[10:41] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Finishing a large writing project got me thinking about the concept that continued grit will always be rewarded. I’ve been seeing social media visibility decline over the past year, which is further fueling my concerns.
It’s not so much your grit that matters. It’s your visibility around your grit that does.
Other issues aside from social media decline are aggravating the difficulty of achieving visibility.
We are not supposed to hide our light (God-given talent and skills), but rather to make it visible.
Strategy #1 - Integrate different channels in an omnichannel way, but with a good strategy.
Strategy #2 - Work on word-of-mouth connection and let people know what you’re doing in organic ways. Self-advocate naturally through your interactions.
Strategy #2 - Don’t try to do everything within your omnichannel system. Instead, make your light like a laser and focus on where you genuinely have skill or talent. Allow others to spread your message with you and remember that it’s the message that matters more than the messenger.

CTAs:

Select some key channels you can use to interact with others on a regular basis. Analytics tools can help you decide where to put your effort.
Come up with a few elevator pitches, links, or other materials that you can share naturally as you go through your day so you’re not caught off guard when the opportunity to market yourself arises.

What’s coming up next:

Most professionals work hard to be happy and get ahead, but not everyone does. Some workers subconsciously or intentionally self-sabotage. In Episode 79 of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll learn why people self-sabotage and how to prevent the behavior.

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Redefining Productivity

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Redefining Productivity

https://faithfulontheclock.com/redefining-productivity

Most professionals talk on a regular basis about being productive. But what does that word even mean? Episode 77 of Faithful on the Clock seeks to redefine the term toward a more meaningful application that gets you away from dollars and cents and one-upmanship.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - A recent article implied that it’s not OK for people to simply BE—instead, they have to always be doing MORE.

[01:17] - There’s a hierarchy in terms of what is productive and what isn’t.

[02:55] - Defining productivity only in terms of dollars and cents is damaging because it limits the positive ways we could spend our time.

[03:53] - Productivity needs to be defined individually based on goals and personality.

[04:25] - You probably wouldn’t label God’s 6 days of creation as unproductive. In the same way, many other things on Earth are productive but often are not properly assessed as having good value.

[05:40] - Productivity might be defined simply as working toward the completion of tasks. This definition acknowledges that many productive activities cannot be quantified, as well as the fact that results can take a long time to gain.

[07:34] - Productivity ties back to your priorities, which connect back to your values, which always should connect back to God.

[08:00] - Assess what gifts you have and what you feel matters.

[08:48] - All of us need some productivity to yield dollars and cents, but don’t make it a hierarchy. You will know you are using your time productively because you will feel more human. Consider the thesis of Jenny Odell’s book, How to Do Nothing, Resisting the Attention Economy, which is that we have the power to decide where to put our attention.

[10:12] - Prayer

[11:33] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

A recent article offered tips for how work-at-home moms could be more productive, suggesting that productivity is something that attaches only to work or paid time. That concept reveals a bias toward a hierarchy system in which we tend to see productivity in terms of quantifiable metrics and attach it to careers instead of general tasks and goals.
Defining productivity only in terms of dollars and cents or competitiveness limits the positive ways we spend our time. It’s better to define productivity based on how we personally want to prioritize and pay attention.
God was enormously productive during the six days in which He created the world. Yet, He was not paid for it and none of the work was measured. The creation story demonstrates that there are many things that are productive that we’ve pushed aside as not having value.
Productivity can be defined simply as working toward the completion of tasks. It is constructive and always includes improvement, even when innovative destruction is a step in the process. It’s often necessary to play the long game and wait to see results.
Productivity, as a matter of prioritization, should always connect to your values and God’s commandments. It should take His plan for you into consideration, meaning that you should be mindful of the gifts He’s given you and how you could apply those gifts.
Avoid turning productivity into a hierarchy. Many things that are not quantifiable are productive and have a great influence on you, others, or the world. You can know you are being productive when what you are doing makes you feel more human. You can explore this concept more in depth in Jenny Odell’s book, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy.

CTAs:

Identify 3 key areas where you would like to focus your attention and energy and define why you want to be productive in those areas above others.
Read Jenny Odell’s book, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy (or listen to an audiobook version). Note any parts that particularly resonate with you.

What’s coming up next:

One of the strongest ideas in the corporate world is that if you just put in more effort, you’ll get noticed. Episode 78 of Faithful on the Clock uses a recent study to show how pushing too far to get the attention of a group or boss can backfire and make them overlook you. It encourages you to reflect on your current assumptions about fairness and reward, as well as your current work-life balance beliefs.

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How to Know If Someone Is Trustworthy

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Know If Someone Is Trustworthy

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-know-if-someone-is-trustworthy

Trust is critical in building relationships in your career and business. But what are the signs of trustworthiness that you should look for and seek to demonstrate to others? Episode 76 of Faithful on the Clock outlines 15 points that can reveal trustworthiness or be used as goalposts to build it in yourself.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:30] - One of God’s most beautiful qualities is trustworthiness.

[01:47] - Because the company we keep influences our thoughts and behavior, it’s important to find trustworthy people.

[02:22] - Trustworthy people are consistent.

[02:48] - Trustworthy people are compassionate and humble.

[03:01] - Trustworthy people respect boundaries.

[03:27] - Trustworthy people compromise and don’t expect something for nothing.

[04:02] - Trustworthy people are relaxed.

[04:26] - Trustworthy people honor your time.

[04:46] - Trustworthy people show gratitude.

[05:12] - Trustworthy people are truthful and transparent.

[0:5:33] - Trustworthy people keep materialism at arm’s length.

[06:23] - Trustworthy people are right a lot of the time.

[06:46] - Trustworthy people are not gossipers.

[07:20] - Trustworthy people are learners.

[07:58] - Trustworthy people know who you’re connected to and try to connect you to others.

[08:36] - Trustworthy people are there for you and others.

[09:14] - Integrity is everything.

[10:02] - Prayer

[10:58] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Trustworthiness matters in those around you because other people can have such a profound influence on your character and morals.
Trustworthiness matters in you because, as a Christian, you are meant to model the character of God. The heart of God rests on trust and integrity.
There are fifteen key traits that can reveal trustworthiness. These include consistency, compassion and humility, respect for boundaries, compromise, a relaxed manner that puts you at ease, honor of time, gratitude, truthfulness and transparency, vulnerable sharing, lack of materialism, often being right, avoidance of gossip, learning, intentional connection, and being there for others.
Scripture shows that a lack of trustworthiness is common, such as in the stories of Delilah, Saul, and Absalom. As followers of Christ, we should strive to do better and hold our integrity.

Want to Know If Someone Is Trustworthy? Look for These 15 Signs

CTAs:

Review the list of trustworthiness characteristics. Rate how well you show each characteristic.
Based on your ratings, identify which traits you need to improve on the most. Think about what hurdles stand in your way of developing those traits and come up with an action plan to remove them.

What’s coming up next:

Modern offices are obsessed with productivity and measure it in dozens of ways. But what does it really mean to be productive? Faithful on the Clock Episode 75 calls the definition of productivity into question to help workers rethink what’s useful in their professional and personal lives.

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Culture Rules With Mark Miller, Chick-fil-A

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Culture Rules With Mark Miller, Chick-fil-A

https://faithfulontheclock.com/culture-rules-with-mark-miller-chick-fil-a

What does it take to build a healthy, high performance culture? In Episode 75 of Faithful on the Clock, host Wanda Thibodeaux welcomes guest Mark Miller, Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A, to reveal the three rules for creating an ideal work environment.

Want to get in touch with Mark Miller? Give him a call: 678-612-8441

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:51] - Welcome to Mark and summary of his career

[01:59] - How Mark’s perspective is different now than when he started

[03:16] - The three conditions for high performance culture: alignment, performance, and improvement

[06:50] - The three rules for high performance culture: aspire, amplify, and adapt

[09:36] - Three tips for enhancing (adapting) your culture

[11:22] - Recap of three enhancement tips

[12:01] - What leaders can do to fight the tendency to get comfortable and ensure they’re always improving and adapting

[13:37] - What leaders can do for further protection against getting too comfortable (listening)

[15:10] - Statistical discussion of culture ROI and the gap between leader and worker perceptions — what causes leaders to be misaligned

[22:02] - What Mark wants young leaders and workers to understand the most

[23:17] - Advice from Mark about not having a direction to grow in

[24:43] - Mark’s guiding scripture verse and why it’s significant to his picture of leadership

[29:02] - Recommendations for Mark’s books/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

As the Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A, Mark Miller has 44 years of experience with Chick-fil-A. Over those years, he’s learned that leadership is much more complex than he would have thought, and he’s earned an appreciation for those who can lead well.
There are three conditions for high performance culture: alignment, performance, and improvement. To check to see if you need to do better, go back to your cultural aspiration and look for gaps you can close.
There are three rules for a culture to get to an optimal level: aspire, amplify, and adapt. Aspire means to share your hopes and dreams for the future. Amplify means you look for opportunities to put attention on your aspiration. Adapt means you constantly look for ways to enhance the culture.
To enhance your culture (adapt), look for critical gaps or patterns of unhealthy behavior, double down on your strengths, and add new capabilities.
To prevent yourself from getting too comfortable at the top, listen well. There tends to be a massive gap between the perceptions of leaders and the perceptions of frontline employees, which listening can close. Supplement listening with formal methods like surveys and focus groups.
Many leaders don’t invest more time into culture simply because they don’t know what to do. They also can over-inflate the health of their organizations, which can make them think they don’t need to do anything. And finally, leaders often try to build culture from a place of quicksand, where they don’t have a stable footing in other areas of their leadership.
The biggest thing Mark wants young leaders and workers to understand is that their capacity to grow determines their capacity to lead. If you don’t know where to grow, start with trying to improve your leadership.
Mark leans on Psalm 78:72 as a guiding scripture verse. The verse describes King David as shepherding his people with integrity of heart and skillful hands. Mark believes that an iceberg is a good parallel analogy here: 90 percent is integrity, below the surface. 10 percent is skills, above the surface. You need both to be a good leader.

Culture Rules: The Leader's Ultimate Guide to Creating Competitive Advantage

CTAs:

Look at the three culture rules Mark outlines in his book. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 on how well you are doing on each rule, and have your entire team or organization do the same. Try to identify both your strengths and weaknesses around each rule.

What’s coming up next:

Trust builds relationships, and in business, relationships are everything. So how can you tell if someone is trustworthy? Faithful on the Clock Episode 76 provides a full list of traits and behaviors to watch out for.

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5 Physical Techniques To Stay Calm Under Pressure

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

5 Physical Techniques To Stay Calm Under Pressure

https://faithfulontheclock.com/episode-74-5-physical-techniques-to-stay-calm-under-pressure

Work is notoriously stressful. This episode of Faithful on the Clock provides some tactics for physically calming yourself down so you can think and pray clearly during tough times on the job.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:37] - Work is not always easy, which means most of us have to find a way to manage stress in a safe way.

[01:06] - By far the best tactic for managing stress is to give it to God.

[02:05] - Most of us are still working on our faith, and it’s normal for doubt and overwhelm to get the best of us.

[02:27] - Stress and anxiety are very physical things. God, as the Great Scientist, is revealing facts about the body to help us regulate ourselves. Taking a bottom-up approach to self-regulation is often more effective because stress can shut down the rationalization centers of the brain.

[04:37] - Technique #1: Yawning

[06:12] - Technique #2: Square breathing

[08:25] - Technique #3: Widening the gaze

[09:46] - Technique #4: Self hug

[10:54] - Technique #5: Pelvic floor relaxation

[12:11] - Bonus Technique: Brain dump with a cross off of uncontrollables

[13:38] - Recap, reassurance of the Holy Spirit’s intercession

[14:49] - Prayer

[15:43] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The best way to deal with stress is by giving it to God. But many of us are still working on our faith, and sometimes, from the neuroscience perspective, we need to work bottom up rather than top down. This means that we calm the body before we try to rationalize.
Tactic #1 – Yawn. Yawning triggers the vagus nerve, which connects to the parasympathetic nervous system.
Tactic #2 – Square breathing. This tactic leans on the idea that the parasympathetic nervous system connects to breath and heart rate. If you can slow and control your breath, avoiding rushing or freezing, you often can calm down.
Tactic #3 – Widening the gaze. Looking to your periphery helps trigger the vagus nerve and communicates to the brain that there is no threat. It runs counter to the natural response the body has to create tunnel vision in times of danger.
Tactic #4 – Body squeeze hug – Muscles can get stuck in tension when you are stressed. Forcing them to contract and then completely relax can send your brain the signal that it’s OK to let go.
Tactic #5 – Pelvic floor relaxation – The pelvic floor usually tenses during times of stress. Bearing down will relax the pelvic floor and trigger the vagus nerve to lower the heart rate.
Bonus tip – Do a brain dump. Then cross off or reframe what you cannot control. Pick just one thing you CAN control to take action on.

CTAs:

Select one of the tactics from the floor to practice for 5 to 10 minutes a day.
Over the next two months, add the other strategies into your daily practice.

What’s coming up next:

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Real Leaders Are Not Scammers

Mon, 08 May 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Real Leaders Are Not Scammers

https://faithfulontheclock.com/real-leaders-are-not-scammers

Some people genuinely are out to help and provide useful products and services. Others are just scammers in guru clothing. Episode 73 of Faithful on the Clock helps you recognize and avoid scammers, offering some strategies to convince others you’re the real deal rather than a fraud.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:37] - Definition of a scammer guru

[01:20] - Characteristic #1: Scammer gurus play on emotions.

[02:09] - Characteristic #2: Scammer gurus create backstories that make them seem relatable and as though they are good, trustworthy people.

[02:51] - Characteristic #3: Scammer gurus rely on anecdotal evidence that is highly hyped and which pushes a high-cost price point.

[03:40] - Scripture reminds us both that God is a God of truth and that He doesn’t want us to lie, steal, or deal falsely. The Word can comfort us if we are taken advantage us and warn us against doing anything fraudulent.

[04:46] - Good leaders often will manipulate or counsel using psychological tactics. Their intent, however, is to protect, and they do not lie or cheat when they use those tactics. It’s always to ensure the customer or shareholders stay on the path those customers or shareholders need. Scammers, however, manipulate for their own gain.

[05:52] - Tips for how to avoid scammer gurus (e.g., examining the guru’s team)

[07:43] - Presenting Yourself As a Real Leader Tip #1: Present your customer or shareholder with choice.

[08:38] - Presenting Yourself As a Real Leader Tip #2: Make it clear you are as much a learner as you are a teacher.

[09:43] - Presenting Yourself As a Real Leader Tip #3: Open the circle to include other professionals, making recommendations to ensure the customer or shareholder gets what is truly helpful.

[10:22] - Recap

[10:44] - Prayer

[11:20] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Scammer gurus build a reputation for themselves through books or other means. They claim they are going to help you be successful but really just peddle snake oil.
Scammer gurus exhibit some key characteristics and behaviors, including preying on the desire for community and security, promoting themselves inside a moral ideology, providing mostly anecdotal evidence in a flashy show, and tiers in which the most expensive plan is the one most heavily promoted.
Scripture is clear that people aren’t to lie or fraud others. So the Bible provides both solace and a warning in the understanding justice will come.
Good leaders do manipulate, but they don’t lie or get away from the truth, and their tactics are always done with a selfless desire to protect others. Scammer gurus manipulate only for their own personal gain.
To avoid scammers, look for their key characteristics, hunt for details about what you’ll get with them, ask specific questions to get them to engage on a personal level, and check to see how cooperative the team is.
To ensure that no one mistakes you for a scammer, avoid engaging in the behaviors the scammers routinely follow. Present choice — don’t shove anything down the customer’s throat, but rather ask what they want, listen, and try to empower them. Make it clear you are as much of a learner as you are a teacher, and be open, recommending others who can help if you can’t.

Relevant Links:

Real Leaders Are Not Scammers

CTAs:

Identify some scammer gurus in the media or your industry. Pinpoint why they meet the scammer guru criteria.
Call out scammer gurus to those who might be vulnerable to them.
Come up with an action plan to build the three methods of convincing others you are legitimate into your everyday work.

What’s coming up next:

Most of us can get nervous, anxious, or tense at work, especially if the stakes of the tasks are high. Episode 73 of Faithful on the Clock presents some science-based methods to stay calm by triggering your parasympathetic nervous system, highlighting appreciation for God’s physical design and the supplemental power of prayer.

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The Principle from Joseph's Prison

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

The Principle from Joseph's Prison

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-principle-from-josephs-prison

When Joseph went to prison after being wrongfully accused of assault, he maintained his integrity and faith. How did he do it, and how can you hold your own integrity as the business world tells you to change to win? Faithful on the Clock Episode 72 has advice.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:37] - The story of Joseph begins with Joseph being sold into slavery by his own brothers. He ends up in Egypt with Potiphar, Pharoah’s captain of the guard, as his master.

[01:47] - When Joseph rejected the advances of Potiphar’s wife, she lied to Potiphar to have Joseph punished. Potiphar had Joseph sent to prison rather than killed.

[02:42] - Despite being in a horrible place, Joseph held to his integrity. That integrity helped get him in front of Pharoah to interpret dreams, which set Joseph free.

[03:49] - God prepared Joseph for his mission through both his time in Potiphar’s house and his time in prison.

[04:45] - When Joseph was in Potiphar’s house, God blessed Potiphar’s house because of Joseph.

[06:02] - When Joseph was in prison, God helped Joseph find favor in the warden’s eyes, and just as it had been in Potiphar’s house, all the things Joseph did in the prison succeeded. Through all this, Joseph stayed humble and recognized where his help was coming from. He didn’t have to bend or lose integrity because he saw that his faith was still rewarded.

[07:30] - Based on Joseph’s story, when you face times in your career where you are pressured to sacrifice your values, you can remember God already is going to bless you and that you don’t have to be afraid.

[08:26] - Even though Joseph’s time in prison wasn’t a cakewalk, he knew his rewards weren’t coming from people. In the same way, you can trust that you don’t have to play games or depend on others to get ahead. Instead, you can rely on God for your provision.

[09:15] - God is not your vending machine. Be careful that when you come under pressure, you do not get upset when He doesn’t give you what you pray for or offers a different solution than the one you expected. The way to align yourself with His will is to admit your need first, ask for direction, and then walk whatever path He gives you.

[10:51] - Prayer

[11:32] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Joseph went from being the favorite of his father to being sold into slavery. After living in the house of Potiphar, Pharoah’s captain of the guard, he was sent to prison because Potiphar’s wife lied about Joseph assaulting her.
Joseph had integrity and God was with him, but the Egyptian prison likely would have been full of men and beliefs that would put pressure on Joseph to sacrifice his values. Yet, Joseph held firm.
God was preparing Joseph for the mission of saving the people of Egypt through both his time at Potiphar’s house and his time in prison.
What made Joseph able to hold his integrity was that God constantly delivered what he needed as he needed it. This provision didn’t remove him from his bad circumstances, but it allowed him to survive and develop for the mission he had. Joseph had been rewarded for his faith and thus had no reason to believe he needed to abandon what was working.
When you are challenged to change or bend your values within the corporate environment, like Joseph, you can look at the rewards you are granted for your faith and remember that you do not need any provider but Him. You do not have to look to others or bend to them to succeed so long as He is with you.
Be careful as you go through your own prison that you do not treat God as your vending machine. Just because he doesn’t offer the solution you prayed for doesn’t mean He doesn’t have a solution that’s part of His plan. Pray for His help, ask what He wants you to do, and then follow that, rather than getting disappointed that He didn’t deliver what YOU thought would work.

CTAs:

Think about your work environment. What are some of the biggest sources of pressure to conform for you? Come up with at least one way to push back against that pressure.
List out your values and identify how they align with God. The clearer you are on those values, the easier it will be for you to defend and maintain them when others want you to change.

What’s coming up next:

You know the type — the scammer guru promises you overnight success for just $19.99. Episode 73 of Faithful on the Clock helps you identify these types of “professionals,” convince others you’re a legitimate leader, and figure out where to go for real help.

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4 Ways to Support Your Coworkers

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

4 Ways to Support Your Coworkers

https://faithfulontheclock.com/4-ways-to-support-your-coworkers

Most talk about support in business deals with how employers can support employees. But employees can support employees, too. Episode 71 of Faithful on the Clock provides four essential ways to show your coworkers you care.

Timestamps:

[[00:04] - Intro

[00:40] - Most talk about support at work is about employers helping employees, but employees have enormous power to help each other and, subsequently, to influence the work experience.

[02:20] - Recommendation #1: Ask people how they are doing, but in such a way that it’s difficult for people not to deny the reality they’re in.

[03:15] - People will open up if you give them an in to do so.

[05:02] - Recommendation #2: Present yourself as a partner to validate the ideas and concerns your coworkers have.

[06:41] - Give kudos. Don’t wait for the boss to do it.

[0:8:10] - Do what you can to lighten their load. This doesn’t mean be an unpaid doormat. It means that you find small ways to serve that encourage reciprocal kindness.

[09:29] - Bonus Recommendation: Remember that everyone’s perception is unique and verify what people actually think and need.

[10:17] - Recap

[10:30] - Prayer

[11:07] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Most of the discussion around support in the corporate environment hinges around what employers can do to create a safe culture and protect wellbeing. But employees can support each other and have a lot of power in reducing stress for each other, too. God calls us to let our light shine and encourage one another, so there is an opportunity to make a huge difference.
Recommendation #1 - Ask people how they are in a way that makes it hard to stay superficial. You might think they would not respond, but when you give them an “in” to be honest, they usually let down their guard. That creates an opening for real relationship building.
Recommendation #2 - Present yourself as a partner to validate the ideas and concerns they have. Options might be encouraging them to bring an issue to HR with you or even sending a link to an event. The idea is that you provide some next steps for them to take and make sure they understand they don’t have to take those steps alone.
Recommendation #3 - Give kudos. Don’t get caught up in envy or the fear that if you don’t compete in a dog-eat-dog way, you’ll lose out. Don’t wait for the boss to offer the accolades — explain your appreciation and how they have influence.
Recommendation #4 - Do what you can to lighten their load. This doesn’t mean stifling your own needs or being a doormat, nor does it mean shouldering everyone else’s responsibilities with no acknowledgment. It means finding ways to serve and cooperate.
Bonus recommendation - Remember everyone’s perception is unique.

CTAs:

Integrate at least one of the recommendations from the show into your work this week.
Talk to others on your team about what they personally need to feel supported. This effort will help everyone be more aware of how to provide individualized help, and it recognizes the unique nature of personality, experience, and skills.

What’s coming up next:

When Joseph wound up in jail after Potiphar’s wife misrepresented her attempt at an affair, his faith and integrity didn’t waver. He continued to behave in a way that honored God. In recognition that the corporate world can be filled with evils and pressures to conform, Episode 72 of Faithful on the Clock looks at Joseph’s story to decode what you can do to stay true to your values even when surrounded by everything that could erode them.

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Why You Need Craftsmanship and Quality for a Happy Workforce

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Why You Need Craftsmanship and Quality for a Happy Workforce

https://faithfulontheclock.com/why-you-need-craftsmanship-and-quality-for-a-happy-workforce

In recent decades, the trend toward consumerism has gained massive speed. This isn’t great for buyers, but what does it do to the mental health and well-being of employees? That’s covered this week on Episode 70 of Faithful on the Clock.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:33] - Consumerism has led to an influx of low-quality products.

[02:27] - It’s not your imagination — quality really isn’t what it was, and it likely has an influence on the worker.

[02:56] - Mass manufacturing has its place, but skill and craftsmanship go together. Kill the former and you kill the latter.

[03:26] - Reducing skillsets means workers end up with not a lot to feel great about. There’s little legacy, and people know they are more replaceable.

[05:17] - The skills related to craftsmanship are gifts from God. If we don’t keep craftsmanship in our operations, people don’t get a chance to know what kind of craftsman they were made to be. People have to understand that to really know they’re not replaceable, have influence, and stay motivated to work.

[07:08] - Recommendation #1: Become a niche supplier.

[08:16] - Recommendation #2: Invest in apprenticeships and mentorships.

[09:02] - Recommendation #3: Ask yourself what multi-generational value every process ties to.

[09:34] - Recommendation #4: Make friends with the enemy (collaborate to know what’s critical and get perspective).

[10:12] - Craftsmanship has real value. It’s worthwhile to support operational processes that let people discover and use those gifts to glorify God and feel satisfied.

[10:47] - Prayer

[11:31] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The trend toward consumerism has increased over recent years. Products really do not have the quality and craftsmanship they used to. This has a negative influence on the consumer, but also on the employee who makes the products.
Mass manufacturing by nature means that you can take craftsmanship out of the equation much of the time. People do not need to pull in people who have mastered different techniques or skills, but rather can quickly train people to use machines.
When skillsets become reduced and craftsmanship gets pushed aside, there’s less for the worker to feel good about. Other issues, such as the pressure to produce more with less, compound the stress of knowing there’s no legacy behind what they are building.
Scriptures such as Exodus 35-36 and Romans 3:12-8 emphasize that craftsmanship and skills are gifts of God. This includes spiritual gifts. It’s important for businesses to recognize these gifts because it gives people the chance to express themselves as God intended and to have more influence on His behalf.
Companies have multiple options for supporting craftsmanship, including becoming niche suppliers, looking at adjacent markets, investing in apprenticeships or mentorships, evaluating whether operational processes tie to multi-generational values, and making friends with competitors where it makes sense to better understand the big picture of what has to endure in the industry and what it takes to become craftsmen within it.

CTAs:

If you’re looking for a job, ask yourself if it’s a job where you can be a good craftsman.
If you’re looking for a product, as yourself what went into it. Put your dollars behind what really has quality and skill behind it.

What’s coming up next:

Most companies think about how the business can support its employees. But what can the typical worker do to support their coworkers? Episode 71 of Faithful on the Clock provides some practical suggestions for encouraging others and lending a hand to those on your team.

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Demoted? Here's What to Do

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Demoted? Here's What to Do

https://faithfulontheclock.com/episode-69-demoted-heres-what-to-do

Demotions are a weird gray area for workers. Do you still have value? Should you leave? In Episode 69, Faithful on the Clock looks at important actions to take when your employer puts you in a lower position.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - Demotion definition and explanation of the psychological significance

[01:15] - Layoffs aren’t always your fault and can happen due to restructuring, mergers, etc.

[01:50] - The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife shows that people can be wrongfully pushed down from the positions they once held.

[03:05] - A local pastor in my community was demoted from the church he’d helped found.

[04:00] - Neither Joseph nor my community pastor were “done.” They just were starting new journeys.

[05:00] - Don’t quit God during a demotion, especially since the demotion doesn’t remove the skills and talents He gifted to you. Just apply what you have differently.

[05:42] - Demotions require forgiveness, sometimes even of the larger culture indirectly involved. Without that forgiveness, you can get distracted from what God wants you to do and get lost in bitterness.

[06:17] - The story of Apple’s Steve Jobs shows that people’s choices can tie to demotion.

[07:05] - Stories from scripture that show how choice can lead to loss of position include Jacob and Esau and Reuban and his father’s concubine.

[08:12] - You might not have a fairy tale ending and get your position back as Steve Jobs did. But you don’t have to stay stuck. You can take accountability and focus forward.

[09:22] - Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Instead, keep a level head and identify new goals. Consider whether you’ll be happy and what’s most urgent, and take the opportunity to learn and prove you’re still an asset.

[10:50] - Foster relationships well during a demotion. Take accountability and communicate well. Seek mentors who can give your confidence a boost.

[11:55] - Give yourself time to acclimate to your new, lower role. You might find that it’s not as bad as you thought it would be.

[13:11] - Prayer

[14:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Demotion can be hard to navigate mentally.
Demotions aren’t necessarily your fault. They often arise due to mergers, downsizing, etc.
The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife shows that a demotion might arise through no fault of your own. A pastor in my community was also asked to step down when he’d done nothing wrong–like the Israelites with Moses, the congregation just wasn’t happy with his leadership.
Joseph and my community pastor didn’t let demotions stop them. They just took new paths on how to help others for God. You don’t have to assume that a demotion means everything is over for you or that you’ve lost the gifts He’s given to you.
It’s important to forgive where you can during a demotion so you don’t get lost from what God wants you to do.
Sometimes demotions do happen at fault, as the stories of Steve Jobs, Esau, and Reuban all show. But you are not stuck. You can humble yourself and seek to make positive changes.
Don’t let your emotions drive you if you are demoted. Think about where God wants you and how you can learn.
Relationships are important in a demotion situation. Communicate openly and seek to foster good relationships in your new role. Find new mentors who can rebuild your confidence.
Give yourself some time to acclimate to your new role. It might be that you end up enjoying it more than you thought you would. Reassess after a few weeks or months.

CTAs:

Have an open discussion with your management about how the company is doing and what kind of things they would consider worthy of demotion.
Look at your previous performance reviews for at least the past three years. Identify three areas that put you at risk and three areas that you could build on to hedge yourself from a demotion.
Find someone who has gone through a demotion. Talk to them about their experience and discover what they learned.

What’s coming up next:

Craftsmanship and quality connect closely to worker mental health and the ability of a company to last over the long haul. In Episode 70 of Faithful on the Clock, learn how consumerism is driving a deemphasis on these points and what you can do to fight back.

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What's Your Leadership Style?

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

What's Your Leadership Style?

https://faithfulontheclock.com/whats-your-leadership-style

Authoritative. Coercive. Transformative. Which leadership style best describes you? Episode 68 of Faithful on the Clock breaks down some of the most common types of leadership and then introduces a twist to help you think differently about them all.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:37] - Leadership sets the tone for an organization and accounts for as much as 30 percent of the company’s bottom line.

[01:49] - Leadership styles are broken down in different ways, but the most important thing is just to grasp that things are going to look different from leader to leader.

[02:26] - Summary of leadership styles from Corporate Finance Institute

[05:28] - Summary of leadership styles from Daniel Goleman

[07:03] - The labels are not critical in looking at styles. But Goleman likely was on the right track in that he connected the styles to what was happening between people.

[07:37] - You can always go online to take a test to assess your style, but there are other ways to figure out where you lean, such as looking at the people you admire, considering your strengths and weaknesses, thinking of your personality, and getting insights from others.

[09:12] - Goleman asserted people flip-flip in and out of the styles based on their circumstances. You can think of leadership as a spectrum or ratio set, and all of us are capable of displaying any style in that spectrum or set.

[10:29] - Jesus was a powerful servant leader, but was also adept in other styles.

[11:52] - Because God is adept at all leadership styles, He can handle anything and be stable. We have a responsibility to model Him and prepare ourselves for His work by becoming adept in leadership styles, as well.

[12:48] - Prayer

[13:29] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Leadership style influences the company’s line by as much as 30 percent. So paying attention to the characteristics of your leadership is important.
There are multiple ways of looking at or classifying leadership styles. The most important element is to recognize that traits vary.
Corporate Financial Institute recognizes seven leadership styles: Democratic, autocratic, laissez-faire, transformational, transactional, bureaucratic, and servant.
Daniel Goleman proposes six leadership styles: Coercive, affiliative, authoritative, democratic, pacesetting, and coaching.
Options for discovering your leadership style include taking a quiz, looking at the people you admire, thinking of your strengths and weaknesses, assessing your personality, and asking for feedback from others about what style they think you have.
Professionals often think about falling into one type of leadership style. But good leaders flip-flop through the different styles based on their circumstances. We are all capable of being any type of leader, but we might sit on one point of the spectrum most of the time.
Multiple stories from the New Testament reveal that Jesus was adept at using different leadership styles as necessary for His ministry.
Recognizing that God can use many leadership styles means that He can handle anything and is stable. He is therefore worthy of your trust. It also means that, as we are made in His image, we ought to emulate Him and try to use different styles based on what life demands. Learning how to move between styles can equip you to respond better to whatever He might call you to do.

CTAs:

Come up with and implement at least one way to become more adept at moving between leadership styles, whether that’s finding a mentor, signing up for training, or reading about great leaders with different approaches.

What’s coming up next:

Sometimes people aren’t fired or laid off — they’re demoted. Episode 69 of Faithful on the Clock outlines what to do if that happens to you, leaning on the story of a founding pastor who was told to step aside.

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How to Survive a Layoff

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Survive a Layoff

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-survive-a-layoff

Layoffs always have been a harsh reality of the business world, but right now, they’re happening more than ever. Episode 67 of Faithful on the Clock outlines why layoffs are so difficult for both employers and workers and provides some tactics for getting through them well.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:30] - Summary of factors leading to uptick in layoffs

[02:11] - Guilt and self-doubt can come along with a layoff. Leaders can feel like they’ve failed their teams or aren’t skilled. Don’t beat yourself up for what you can’t control.

[03:40] - Employees can feel like they wouldn’t have lost their jobs if they just performed better. But companies often let people go just because they don’t fit the companies’ new strategies. [04:47] - People still can have value and talent even when a business pivots. Try to see how your skills and knowledge could apply to new environments and trust that you have options.

[06:07] - The stories of Elijah and Ruth demonstrate that people in power have done away with workers and created worry for centuries. But God supplied and did not leave things unfair.

[08:33] - Employers should take care that they are as open as possible about what is happening. They also should not be afraid to cut deep, as repeated rounds of layoffs only worsen anxiety for employees. Employers can allow workers to provide insights and be advocates who unify the remaining personnel to the new strategy.

[10:18] - Employees are not without some control during a layoff. Start by getting information and talking to others to make sure your perspectives and assumptions are founded.

[11:21] - It’s good for employees to come up with an A-B plan, where A represents what they will do if they are not laid off and B represents the precise steps they’ll take if they’re let go.

[13:06] - Employers should take care to ensure workers leave on good terms so that, in the future, it’s possible for those workers to return and apply new skills and knowledge. The focus should be on supporting the larger industry, not just supporting the business.

[15:03] - Employees should make an effort to get the contact information of those who leave. They can minister to those people, and by keeping them in their network, also celebrate with them when wins happen. This can help the remaining employees feel less loss.

[16:00] - Prayer

[16:53] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Companies are enduring many layoffs right now for a range of reasons, including fallout from the pandemic. The situation is dire enough that you can assume you know someone who it touches, even if you are not experiencing a layoff scenario yourself.
Leaders often can feel guilty during a layoff and wonder what they could have done to save their teams. But they often are put into layoff scenarios by factors outside of their control.
Employees often feel as though they could have saved their jobs if they just worked harder or were better. But companies often lay people off based on how they aim to pivot, not necessarily based solely on performance. Workers can have enormous value if they continue to see different ways to apply their offer. It’s not always their fault they have to pack up.
The stories of Elijah and Ruth show that people of value easily can be displaced by people in power. But God dealt favorably with his servants. He puts people who mistreat the faithful in their place.
Employers can get through layoffs better by being more open and cutting deeply quickly. Getting feedback and giving people a voice through the layoff also is beneficial.
Employees going through layoffs can combat some stress by taking action where they can. This can include asking questions of the employer, doing personal research, and making a plan for what to do if you leave or stay in the company.
Leaders and employees both need to pay attention to how they deal with people leaving during the layoff. Employers can take positive steps such as introducing people or providing resources, keeping in mind that they are obligated to support the larger industry. Employees can try to keep coworkers in their network, celebrate with them, and offer support as they transition.

CTAs:

Have an open and honest conversation about the state of your company. What are the odds layoffs would happen? Share insights about how everyone can work together to prevent that scenario or reduce the negative consequences.
If layoffs already are happening, share relevant information you have and ask the questions that are causing you anxiety.

What’s coming up next:

No two leaders are alike, and there are multiple leadership styles out there. Is one “better” than the others? How can you discover your own style? That’s coming up in Episode 68 of Faithful on the Clock.

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How to Get Your Business Started in Social Change

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Get Your Business Started in Social Change

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-get-your-business-started-in-social-change

People today want businesses to be involved in social change. Episode 66 of Faithful on the Clock reveals the biggest problem within that arena and walks you through key steps for bringing social responsibility into your business.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:34] - You can see the idea of social change in many business vision and mission statements. Many companies really do want to make a difference.

[01:14] - Multiple studies support the idea that people want companies to step up when it comes to social responsibility.

[02:29] - People want companies to engage but generally have little faith in the social responsibility promises businesses make. This makes following through on what you say critical.

[04:11] - The first step in getting started in social change is deliberately selecting which values you’ll support. Select just a few to keep the influence of those values from getting too diffused.

[05:45] - Double-check that your selected values can fit within the core areas and principles of social responsibility from ISO Guidance on Social Responsibility.

[06:36] - Consider small and large scale for your initiatives. Smaller community initiatives are essential for powering and lending credibility to larger campaigns.

[08:10] - Verify that the value you target comes through in your business. It should serve as a constant undercurrent and be codified in your handbook.

[08:45] - Pivoting on social causes as your business or society grows is OK. Just be clear about why you are transitioning.

[09:40] - Prayer

[10:24] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The idea of having influence and doing good is easy to find in the corporate space, but customers mistrust businesses and don’t believe they’ll really do what they promise.
The first step in having a social impact is to realize that you should only promise what you know you should follow through on.
Once you understand that promises can’t exceed the ability to follow through, decide which value(s) you’re going to passionately support. Don’t try to take on a ton of causes, because diffusion can make you ineffective and give the impression that none of the causes have much weight.
There are seven core areas and seven principles of social responsibility from the ISO Guidance on Social Responsibility that you can use to guide you in the selection and implementation of your social causes.
Consider both small and large-scale social change in your initiatives. Small initiatives often can lead to larger programs with more influence. They build trust at the community level and allow people you know to trust and advocate on your behalf.
Create a handbook centered around your social values. This will help drive consistent behavior, which you need for the public to trust you. The value should be visible in all of your operations.
Societies can learn and grow over time. So it is OK for your business to change social initiatives as people adopt new, better beliefs that are more in line with Christian teaching. Be open and deliberate whenever you make these changes.

CTAs:

Study the core areas and principles of social responsibility.
Read the scriptures provided about social responsibility and justice.
Consider which social changes are dearest to your heart and why. Talk to colleagues about them.
Propose a social initiative at your company for your community.

What’s coming up next:

Layoffs are never easy, but they’re often necessary for businesses to survive. Episode 67 of Faithful on the Clock covers how to get through one well, both as an employer and employee.

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Great Resolutions for Powerful Leadership

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Great Resolutions for Powerful Leadership

https://faithfulontheclock.com/great-resolutions-for-powerful-leadership

The beginning of the year is traditionally a time for making positive changes through solid resolutions. But what should you resolve to do to move your leadership and influence to the next level? Episode 65 of Faithful on the Clock offers five powerful suggestions to try.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - These resolutions are more about living in the Christian character, not just building a few good habits.

[01:04] - Resolution #1: For all decisions and opportunities, ask how it benefits God.

[02:42] - Resolution #2: For all decisions and opportunities, ask how it shows love to your fellow human beings.

[04:24] - Resolution #3: Examine your sense of urgency and be clear that you feel obligated to what it is you are going to do.

[06:10] - Resolution #4: Delegate and help others as much as you can. Serve to allow others to have time with God.

[07:45] - Resolution #5: Honor yourself keeping in mind that you’re made in God’s image. Remember the definition of humility.

[10:05] - Summary and recommendation to study Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions.

[10:41] - Prayer

[11:18] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

This episode is designed to provide resolutions that guide you toward a deeper Christian character, rather than to build a set of superficial good habits.
Resolution 1: Ask how your decisions or opportunities will benefit God. We are called to love and serve Him first and need to make the most of our time to do so.
Resolution 2: Ask how your decisions or opportunities show love for your fellow human being. This connects to the second commandment and runs counter to the common message that you need to prioritize yourself.
Resolution 3: Consider your sense of urgency. You should have a healthy sense of obligation for everything you do and let God direct that sense of obligation over time.
Resolution 4: Delegate and help others as much as you can. This ensures that both you and others have time to get into the Word, know God, and improve your influence for Him based on that understanding.
Resolution 5: Honor yourself. This is based on a sense of healthy humility in which you recognize and respect that you are in God’s image. Don’t let yourself get mistreated, because that makes you ineffectual in whatever He wants you to do.

CTAs:

Pick one of the five resolutions to focus on for one week. Journal about what you learn or share it with others. Repeat with each of the other five resolutions.
Share the resolution list with someone else so they can use it themselves and help hold you accountable.

What’s coming up next:

Companies always say they want to make a difference. So how can your business actually do some real social good? Episode 65 of Faithful on the Clock focuses on the role companies have in initiating and maintaining positive community change.

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How to Tackle Interview Questions That Make You Nervous

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Tackle Interview Questions That Make You Nervous

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-tackle-interview-questions-that-make-you-nervous

Want a job? You’ll probably have to interview for it. Episode 64 of Faithful on the Clock reveals the interview questions people struggle with the most and shows you how to master them.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:34] - Interviewing has changed a lot over time.

[01:10] - The questions that give most people anxiety are ones that deal with figuring out who you are, how you think, what your plans are, and what your strengths and weaknesses are.

[02:17] - People probably struggle with interview questions because they get scared of making a mistake, getting rejected, not coming across as confident, or misrepresenting their strengths and weaknesses in a negative way.

[03:10] - The American education system conditions people to think for concrete answers, not to think about process or abstraction. So don’t be upset with yourself if you feel unprepared to think more theoretically, as is necessary for solid interviewing.

[04:10] - The first step to good interview preparation is asking yourself whether something is concrete or theory.

[04:50] - Be transparent. Your brain goes through the mental processes needed to reach your answer anyway, so just practice verbalizing your thoughts. Considering the interviewer as someone who needs help or your guidance can reduce your stress through this step.

[05:56] - As you try to be transparent about your thinking process, consider Jesus as a teacher and try to model your interactions with the interviewer after Him. Remember that in His kingdom, the greatest are the least and the least are the greatest — you have something of value to offer the company and shouldn’t be intimidated!

[07:14] - Self-reflecting on your life can help you nail self-awareness questions. You can consider personality and habits here, but consider what you do in unexpected moments, as well, as those times reveal what is truly in your core, too.

[08:32] - It’s OK to admit that you’re still figuring yourself out as long as you can pull it back toward the job in some way.

[10:05] - Prayer can be a powerful tool in interview prep.

[10:52] - Prayer

[11:32] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Interviewing has changed over time and is something you might need to do throughout your entire life.
The most difficult interview questions tend to be those designed to see who you are or what you think.
These tough interview questions might cause anxiety because they connect to our natural fear of rejection or making mistakes, as well as uncertainty about our sense of self.
Modern education teaches people to give concrete answers, but these questions require out-of-the-box thinking. Don’t beat yourself up if it’s hard to think more abstractly or in terms of process. Asking yourself whether something is concrete or theory can help you overcome this obstacle.
Transparency connects to answering tough interview questions well in that you just have to show the processes in your head that already are happening. Thinking of yourself as a teacher and using Jesus as a model can be helpful in giving you the right attitude through the interview.
Looking back on your habits AND the unexpected moments of your life can help you become more aware of who you are so that it’s not scary to connect and reveal that in an interview.
If you’re not sure of elements like your strengths and weaknesses, it’s OK to admit it, so long as you present your journey in a positive way.
Prayer can be a powerful way to prepare for tough interview questions and prepare for new work God might have for you.

These Are the Interview Questions Candidates Hate the Most

CTAs:

Go through some mock interviews with friends or colleagues using the strategies outlined in today’s episode. Write down what went well, what needs work, and what was unexpected during the experience.

What’s coming up next:

The New Year is a time for setting new resolutions. In Episode 65 of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll get a handful of resolutions to try that could give your career and leadership a serious boost.

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Asking for Help Without Losing Your Mind

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Asking for Help Without Losing Your Mind

https://faithfulontheclock.com/asking-for-help-without-losing-your-mind

One of the big pieces of advice getting thrown around in the corporate world is to not be afraid to ask for help. But what if you ask and all you get is crickets? Episode 63 of Faithful on the Clock shows you how to improve your ask to up the odds that people will respond and support you.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - Story about my husband’s work situation

[01:29] - It’s common for people to have situations where they need to ask for help. Scriptures such as the story of Moses and Amalek in Exodus 17:8-16 show we’re supposed to both give and receive help.

[03:37] - Ask Tip #1: Evaluate the people you are asking. Many people go to people they think of as ideal without considering whether that person is really available.

[04:44] - Ask Tip #2: Take a look at the ask itself. You need to provide a specific pathway people should follow within the ask.

[06:28] - Ask Tip #3: Put your ask in the context of the return for the other person. Make it clear that you are proposing a reciprocal arrangement where they also get one or more benefits.

[07:45] - Ask Tip #4: Make sure you are following up. Don’t let fear of being a pest, imposter syndrome, or other issues stop you from politely reaching out a few times when you haven’t heard back. Don’t automatically assume that a little silence is a no, because often people are just busy or get distracted.

[08:32] - Recap of four main ask tips

[08:59] - Scriptures such as 1 John 5:14-15 often are misinterpreted to mean that if you go to God with an ask, God will give you whatever you ask for. These verses actually are meant to show that God is approachable, not that He can’t or won’t say no. He will say no if it is best for you, so go to God but respect His plans and authority.

Key takeaways:

A lot of people are in situations where they legitimately need to ask for help. Scriptures such as the story of Moses against Amalek encourage us to be helpers and to accept help when it is necessary.
The first tip for improving your ask is to reevaluate the people you’re asking. Some people try to choose their ideal person, but that ideal person doesn’t have the bandwidth to really be supportive. So be willing to find the person that God knows is best, rather than just giving up after your first choice fails.
The second tip for improving your ask is to take a look at the ask itself. Make sure you are specific enough in the ask in explaining a clear pathway. People need to know exactly how to move forward in helping you or they can hesitate or ghost you.
The third asking tip is to put your ask in the context of the return for the other person. Make it clear what they are going to get back so they see the value in supporting you and know you are not just self-centered.
The final piece of advice for making your ask better is to follow up. People can back off too early because they don’t want to be a pest or worry that they’re being too pushy. They assume silence is a no and let the ball drop. Keep checking in a few times before you quit.
People still can turn you down even if you do everything right. But you can go to God with your asks, too. God might not give you everything you ask for, either, but you can have confidence that you have permission to approach Him and that He’ll always be beside you with your best interests in mind.

CTAs:

Think about a previous time in your life when you needed help but didn’t ask for it. Identify what held you back and consider the specific actions you needed from others.
Find one thing that you genuinely need help with right now that you’ve been afraid to seek support for. Identify at least three people who might be able to help you. Then develop the specific actions you’d like them to take for you, as well as what you can offer back. Go make your ask!

What’s coming up next:

Interviewing is nerve-wracking for most people, in part because interviewers toss out some questions that stink. Episode 64 of Faithful on the Clock identifies a handful of the most difficult interview questions, highlighting why they’re challenging and how to master your answers.

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When Moral Leaders Fail

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

When Moral Leaders Fail

https://faithfulontheclock.com/when-moral-leaders-fail

When our moral leaders are strong, a lot goes right. But what happens when they fail? Episode 62 of Faithful on the Clock discusses why the loss of moral leaders can be so devastating and encourages you to use five strategies for becoming a moral leader in their place.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:33] - Summary of the Dan Price scandal as inspiration for the episode

[02:53] - Romans 3 reminds us that nobody is righteous, as do the stories of David, Abraham, and Peter. It’s a powerful reminder that we shouldn’t expect perfection or leap into cancel culture, even as we hold high standards.

[04:24] - A failure in moral leadership leaves a gap that has to be filled. You have the potential to fill that gap. There are five recommendations I have for doing so.

[05:46] - Recommendation 1: Take a hard look at your beliefs and match them to your vision, procedures, and approvals.

[06:12] - Recommendation 2: Find some people who can hold you accountable.

[06:35] - Recommendation 3: Be as public and transparent as possible.

[07:07] - Recommendation 4: Enforce whatever disciplinary policies you have consistently.

[07:34] - Recommendation 5: Go all in on extreme ownership to ensure a multi-generational legacy with your morals.

[08:37] - Be consistent as you can with making your words and behavior match to build the trust necessary for people to start seeing you as a moral person. Be compassionate and forgiving to yourself along the way, as well, and worry more about whether you’re willing than whether you’re ready.

[09:33] - Prayer

[10:23] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Having moral leaders and role models is essential, but scandals are common in business. The latest that involved Dan Price was particularly challenging because he had such a reputation as a moral leader.
Because everyone has fallen short of the glory of God, we should not expect perfection from our moral leaders. This doesn’t mean we can’t have high standards. It just means that we have to recognize that learning is a lifelong process and that people can be genuinely remorseful for the mistakes they make.
When moral leaders fail, they leave behind a serious gap. You can be the one to step up and fill that gap.
There are five strategies you can use to restore and build trust after a so-called “moral” leader has messed up: These include evaluating your core beliefs and how they align with your operations, finding accountability buddies/groups, being public and transparent, strictly enforcing disciplinary policies, and going all in on extreme ownership.
Restoring/Building trust after a moral failing requires consistency in terms of matching your words and behavior. But again, don’t expect perfection. You’re human. Just do the best you can and worry about whether your heart is willing.

CTAs:

Walk through each of the five strategies presented in the show for building trust and establishing yourself as a moral leader. For each strategy, come up with a viable action plan for implementation.

What’s coming up next:

With burnout becoming increasingly problematic, it’s more and more common to hear the advice to ask for help when necessary. But sometimes, requests just get silence. Episode 63 of Faithful on the Clock explains why this can happen and what to do about it.

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An Attitude of Gratitude

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

An Attitude of Gratitude

https://faithfulontheclock.com/an-attitude-of-gratitude

What does a healthy attitude of gratitude look like? In Episode 61 of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll get a scriptural portrait of what it looks like to be thankful, plus an explanation of how that connects to modern neuroscientific thinking on positivity.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:37] - A happy Thanksgiving wish and explanation of why we’re talking about gratitude

[01:11] - An attitude of gratitude does NOT mean you’ll feel all flowers and roses all the time. Believing this myth puts people at risk for minimizing or becoming impatient for relief.

[02:19] - Neuroscience says the more you look for something, the more you’ll start to find it. This means that establishing a habit of looking for the good will make it easier for you to see the positive things and be more grateful over time. But it’s not an overnight process. Healthy gratitude requires you to learn to let your limbic brain and cortex together, using your cognitive thoughts even when you don’t feel good.

[04:26] - Healthy gratitude is a journey. It’s OK to be grateful even through suffering.

[05:06] - The story of Job is probably the best example of a grateful heart through times of trouble.

[05:56] - The stories of Daniel, Jonah, and Jesus feeding the 5,000 all show gratitude in a healthy way. Jesus’ story also shows that you can be grateful in anticipation of what God will do, having faith that He will do it.

[06:49] - You don’t have to be in a good place to be grateful. Don’t minimize. Just use your cortex and remember you always have God and therefore always have something to be thankful for.

[07:25] - One strategy for developing an attitude of gratitude is to get into the Word every day. Focus on all the positive things around God and on His character.

[08:02] - A second strategy for developing an attitude of gratitude is to find small things to acknowledge in your everyday life. We often talk about gratitude in the context of big accomplishments, but the small things communicate a lot about who we are. It’s OK to validate those things and that God gave them to us. Recognize God as the source along the way.

[10:20] - A third strategy for developing an attitude of gratitude is to find supportive, faithful people who you can talk to. Let them offer you guidance and support.

[11:17] - Don’t confuse an attitude of gratitude with toxic positivity and make it something you try to do out of a sense of obligation. Just speak truth and be open, even if you are having difficulties in your life, because God knows about the difficulties anyway. It’s the darkest times that we can be the most grateful that God is still beside us.

[12:38] - Prayer

[13:26] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Being grateful doesn’t necessarily mean you feel flowers and roses. We can get the message that gratitude magically will lead to good feelings or success, but that’s not always the case.
Neuroscientifically, the more you look for good things, the more you will see them. But it takes time for the brain to get into that habit.
It’s OK to have moments where you still feel hurt and yet still express gratitude. They can happen at the same time.
The stories of Job, Daniel, and Jesus feeding the 5,000 all show that you can be thankful even in tough circumstances.
Although you shouldn’t minimize what’s painful, it’s important to remember that you always have God and can be grateful for Him.
Three critical ways to improve an attitude of gratitude include getting into the Word, finding small, everyday things that are positive (while focusing on God as the source), and finding supportive people who can give you perspective.
An attitude of gratitude is NOT toxic positivity. It’s not just one more task to check off. Don’t let it be an obligation, but rather, allow yourself to be grateful even in your darkest moments, recognizing that God is always with you.

CTAs:

Schedule some time each day when you can read your Bible and reflect on all of the good things related to God.
Use a notebook or a phone app to jot down small things you are grateful for throughout the day. Doing this ensures you can reflect in the moment and that you don’t forget the good things by the end of the day.
Contact one or two people who can help you on your gratefulness journey. Explain your goal of being more thankful and ask if they can give you support, accountability, and feedback.

What’s coming up next:

Look through past headlines and you’ll see that some of the leaders you thought were moral are getting wrapped in scandals. What should we do when this happens? Episode 62 discusses what it means for our own leadership when our role models fail.

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What Makes Communication Crumble (and How to Rebuild)

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

What Makes Communication Crumble (and How to Rebuild)

https://faithfulontheclock.com/communication

Good communication is worth billions to the world’s companies. How can you avoid the most common communication blunders? Faithful on the Clock Episode 60 outlines the biggest problems that make interactions fall apart and advises leaders and employees on how to address each issue.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:38] - The first reason good communication is important is that poor communication costs businesses real money.

[01:22] - Good communication also matters as a way to build and protect your own reputation.

[01:53] - Communicating well can build or grow the morale of your team.

[02:31] - The focus of the episode is not technical communication mistakes, but underlying issues that cause communication to falter.

[02:53] - The first big communication problem is our egos. People often think it makes them look stupid to wait before responding, or they can genuinely think they’re better than others. Other problems, such as the brain’s design to look for shortcuts, can hurt others or convolute our message.

[04:18] - Active listening is good advice for checking the ego, but there’s still a danger that if you focus on what you are learning, you’ll refocus back on yourself and your own growth again. Great communication is more about making the other person feel valued, not growing or solving problems.

[05:50] - The second communication blunder is a lack of balance, which can be in both quantity (frequency) or quality (details). Assumption is the big driver behind this imbalance. Analytics tools can help center you, as can proactively seeking feedback about what people need.

[07:04] - The third communication problem spot is letting emotions drive. Emotions fire faster than logic, and it’s easy for stress to shut down the rational centers of the brain. So it’s important to be an anchor for others, using the science of mirror neurons to cue them to be calm. You also need to pay attention to when to communicate and not let your emotions prompt you to reveal information at the wrong time.

[08:59] - The fourth communication hurdle is role confusion or poor delegation. Leaders who lack real vision can fail to give clarity as they delegate, even as they expect results. This forces those underneath them to step into new responsibilities without certainty that they really should do so. Being clear that you need more direction counts, and on the employer side, take the time to build a system of checks and balances for accountability.

[11:37] - Problem recap

[12:11] - Prayer

[12:58] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

There are three big reasons to get communication right in business–to protect yourself financially, hedge your reputation, and support the good morale necessary for a healthy culture.
The ego is the first communication hurdle. For instance, people can rush to speak for fear that waiting will make them look stupid, or they might not let someone else speak because they feel more entitled. Active listening is a good solution, but it must be focused on making the other person feel valued, not just your own personal growth. The Lord rewards true humility, so we shouldn’t be afraid to practice it.
Lack of balance is another big communication issue. Communication can be too sparse or overwhelming in terms of details, or it can be infrequent or too frequent. Assumption is often the underlying problem that fuels the lack of balance, but options like analytics tools and proactively gathering feedback can bring you to the middle ground.
People often suffer communication woes when they let their emotions take control. It can be neurologically difficult to think rationally when feelings are hot. Stepping back, such as by taking a walk to cool down, can be effective, as can working to be a calm model for people. It’s also important to get trustworthy people who can control their emotions when assessing whether it’s the right time to reveal information.
A final communication issue is role confusion or poor delegation. Leaders sometimes delegate without a clear vision of what they want, which forces those underneath them to shoulder new responsibilities under a cloud of confusion. Employees need to be upfront that they are lost, while employers have to make sure they have a system of checks and balances in the delegation process.

CTAs:

Use a survey or other tool to assess the current state of communication, both for you as an individual and for your company. Ask people for specifics about where you could improve.

What’s coming up next:

People across the county have been quiet quitting–that is, doing the bare minimum so their employer eventually lets them go. I’ll explain why this growing trend isn’t one to follow and present an alternative in Episode 61 of Faithful on the Clock.

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Employee Monitoring Doesn't Have to Stink

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Employee Monitoring Doesn't Have to Stink

https://faithfulontheclock.com/monitoring-employees-doesnt-have-to-stink

Companies want to protect their assets. Workers want their privacy. How can employers and their teams use employee monitoring to achieve both goals? Faithful on the Clock Episode 59 outlines why the issue is so murky, along with some best practices for monitoring in an ethical way.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:30] - The first main issue involved in employee monitoring is employee privacy. Even Jesus had some desire and need to control when, where, and how to reveal information.

[01:35] - The second issue is the employer’s responsibility to protect their assets, whether those assets are intellectual or physical. This will always conflict with the need for privacy.

[03:14] - Where people balance privacy and asset protection is based on region or culture, as shown in the variance between the U.S. and the EU.

[04:26] - The globalization of business means you have to zoom out in your approach to employee monitoring.

[05:06] - Employee monitoring is really a matter of whether employees feel valued and heard. Most workers are OK with monitoring if the employer is upfront about it.

[06:02] - Having your HR department put your monitoring policy in writing is a basic start to being transparent about what, why, and how you are watching.

[06:38] - Incentives can help encourage employees to accept opt-in monitoring you might want to do.

[06:58] - Follow the rule of not asking employees to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself. If you’re not sure what they think, use surveys and other tools to find out.

[07:39] - Employees can play a big role in keeping employees accountable.

[08:22] - Employees also can help their employer develop employee monitoring policies and tools.

[09:22] - Everyone has an interest in protecting the business, so ultimately both employer and the employees are on the same team about monitoring. The story of Joseph in Genesis shows the benefit of good oversight and how it can be a unifying strategy.

[11:37] - Prayer

[12:21] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

There are two contrasting needs involved in employee monitoring–the desire of employees to have privacy, and the desire of employers to protect their assets.
The balance between employee privacy and employer asset protection is largely culturally set. Some locations lean more toward privacy, while others toward letting companies protect the assets. In a global market, this can get incredibly complex. It means that we need to zoom out and have a broader view of how to approach the issue, rather than just looking at regulation alone.
Employee monitoring relates heavily to whether employees feel valued and heard. Transparency matters, with most workers saying they’d be less worried about monitoring if their employers were just upfront.
Employers can work toward transparency in monitoring by putting monitoring policies in writing and updating them as needed. They can also offer incentives for opt-in monitoring, and assessing how comfortable they would be complying with the monitoring requirements.
Employees still can have a big influence on monitoring practices. They can hold their employers accountable, such as asking for a rationale for unequal application of monitoring rules; file complaints or lawsuits, and democratically seek to get involved in the implementation process.
Everyone is on the same team when monitoring is taking place. Everyone in the company, regardless of level or title, has an interest in ensuring the company is protected and does well. The story of Joseph in Genesis is an example of how good, transparent monitoring ended up unifying a dysfunctional family.

CTAs:

Update yourself on what your company monitors and why.
Look at upcoming initiatives and create concrete, collaborative action plans about any monitoring those goals and projects might need.

What’s coming up next:

Good communication can make or break a business. Episode 60 of Faithful on the Clock explores common communication pitfalls, as well as the hallmarks of successful interactions.

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What's Up With Resumes?

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

What's Up With Resumes?

https://faithfulontheclock.com/whats-up-with-resumes

In the past, paper resumes were standard fare. Today? People don’t even know whether to submit one, let alone what to put on them. Episode 58 of Faithful on the Clock clarifies what’s happening in the resume space so you can put your confusion to rest.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:29] - People still are using resumes, but they’re becoming a digital search tool. This means you don’t have to worry so much about traditional elements and should focus more on including relevant keywords and key phrases for the job you want.

[02:20] - One of the biggest resume-related trends is to have candidates do AI-based testing during the interview process. These tests set out to discover the skills and ways of thinking you have that are relevant to the company and fit their operations/team. They can open additional job opportunities if properly used.

[03:47] - Candidates are using three big resume alternatives. These include LinkedIn profiles, video resumes, and professional websites.

[06:24] - Personalization still matters. If you can submit directly, make sure you’re customizing your resume or alternative to the company. It’s good to have both a generic and customized version of your material.

[07:17] - It’s critical to be truthful on your resume, not only because God values truth, but because it can be risky for your career and legal standing to commit resume fraud and lie. Don’t envy or be upset with people who lie, because it ultimately will bite them in the end.

[11:03] - Some people recommend sending gifts with a resume, but I personally don’t like that advice. It can come across as too much like a bribe, and it prevents people who might not have good financial footing from competing fairly. If you must use this method, don’t be exorbitant and try to make the gift relevant and clever.

[12:02] - In general, just follow the rule that you should adjust your materials based on your sense of the business before you apply.

[12:18] - Prayer

[13:03] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

People are still using resumes, but more as a way to be found rather than assessed. Because they’re more like filters now, it’s not quite as important as it used to be that you have a specific formatting or aesthetic. Keywords and keyphrases are what counts.
Companies are leaning heavily into AI, not just to find the traditional resumes, but also to assess applicants in the work setting. The AI testing allows the companies to see how the applicants compare to existing employees and whether they have the right capabilities for the position, rather than using past experience to assume a match. Ultimately, this might open more opportunities and be fairer to workers.
In addition to AI, companies are looking at resume alternatives such as LinkedIn profiles, video resumes, and professional websites. These each have their pros and cons, but broadly, think about how you can take all of your alternatives and create better backlinking for improved online ranking.
Personalization is still important if you are applying directly, regardless of your format. I try to recommend that people create a generic version to post to job sites and then more personalized versions based off the initial resume.
Resume fraud is extremely common and can tempt you to lie when you apply. Despite how many people go this route, make truth your foundation. This doesn’t just protect you legally and professionally. It ensures that you are acting in the spirit of God, Who finds lying abominable.

CTAs:

Update your resume.
Create at least one resume alternative to use.
Take some time to research new companies and create customized resumes for them, just for practice. If it makes sense for your circumstances, go ahead and submit what you build!

What’s coming up next:

Monitoring employees can protect businesses from legal issues and help companies find ways to improve results. But what exactly can companies monitor, and how can employees and employers come to an agreement about what will be tracked? That’s in Episode 59 of Faithful on the Clock.

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7 Elements of a Great Pitch

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

7 Elements of a Great Pitch

https://faithfulontheclock.com/6-elements-of-a-great-pitch

If you want success, at some point, you’ll need to request help. Episode 57 lays out the essential ingredients of a winning pitch.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:33] - Pitching as a Christian is different than pitching as a non-Christian. Take a “make disciples” mindset, not a “please give me a fish” mindset.

[02:32] - The first element of a great pitch is your history, including where you fit in the larger industry or market.

[03:16] - The second element of a great pitch is your problem or gap statement. But make sure you are truly identifying the right issue, because otherwise, you will miscalculate on your value proposition and the right way to market what you have.

[05:35] - The third element of a great pitch is your achievements and an analysis of the competition. This is where you show your differentiators and make a positive case for what you are doing.

[06:39] - The fourth element of a great pitch is a specific ask. This should make it clear why the person or company you’re pitching to is the ideal fit. It also should clarify how they’ll benefit if they say yes to the ask.

[08:27] - The fifth element of a great pitch is a presentation of potential problems and risk mitigation. But don’t just focus on how you’ll fix things. Focus on showing how you THINK about fixing things and that you really grasp the big picture.

[09:17] - The sixth element of a great pitch is facts and figures. These can be anywhere in the pitch but should stay relevant. These comfort your listener because they are concrete, predictable, and reliable. They also lend you credibility if you don’t have much to lean on yourself.

[10:28] - The seventh thing your pitch needs is gratitude. This should show your LONG-TERM value and a larger understanding of the potential the relationship has, rather than just being a one-time expression related to the pitch.

[11:16] - Summary recap of pitch elements. Recommendations for feedback, cleanliness of the pitch, and showing passion.

[12:27] - Prayer

[13:11] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Pitching as a Christian is not about showing you are a superhero who can fix everything with the right tools. It’s about showing how you’ll serve and convincing others to join you. Focus on making disciples, not getting a fish.
History shows who you are and where you fit in the larger industry or market.
Show a precise problem and clarify why you are passionate about solving it. Be careful to hit the right target here and not misinterpret what you need to solve, because that changes how you present your value and market yourself.
Listing achievements and a competitor analysis explains why the professional or company you’ve approached can trust you to deliver. It outlines why you are different. This shows both viability and a sense of your status.
Be specific about your needs with a clear ask. This is where you personalize and show the person or company why they’re the ideal fit for you. It’s a chance to appeal to their natural ego and need for validation.
Outlining potential problems and a strategy for each demonstrates your ability to manage risk. But within this, others also will look for how you think and want to know you have a sense of the big picture.
Facts and figures should be throughout your pitch. They help provide a sense of stability, calm, and direction
End your pitch with sincere gratitude. But try to express the gratitude in a way that shows awareness of the professional or company’s bigger contributions and hints at a desire for a long-term relationship
Get feedback prior to pitching, and when you deliver the pitch, let your heart shine through. Passion can help people forgive flaws and say yes if they are in any way on the fence.

CTAs:

Think about what will make each person or organization you pitch individually feel obligated to your cause. Then, and only then, construct the pitch.
Use today’s episode as a checklist the next time you have a pitch in front of you.
Get feedback on the next pitch you do and revise based on what others advise.

What’s coming up next:

For years, companies demanded resumes if you wanted to apply for a job. Now, those documents are morphing dramatically, with some companies completely rejecting them. Episode 58 of Faithful on the Clock outlines some of the latest resume trends and makes suggestions about what you should put together.

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Why It’s Time to Let Go of the Fearless Mindset

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Why It’s Time to Let Go of the Fearless Mindset

https://faithfulontheclock.com/why-its-time-to-let-go-of-the-fearless-mindset

Want to grow and be successful? You’ll have to be a warrior and be fearless, right? Not even close. In Episode 56 of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll learn why the fearless mindset can be harmful to your development and relationship with God, and how to think instead.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:33] - Fearless mindset definition and usage

[01:27] - All emotions, including fear, are normal. Fear does not have to be “eradicated” because it is in fact a natural protective mechanism God gave us.

[02:11] - Too much fear is stressful, so even though fear is normal, we need to cope with it properly. To that end, God has given us a spirit or core of power, not fear. This doesn’t mean we never feel fear, just that it won’t break us. Jesus likely felt fear in the garden before the crucifixion, so He does understand the feeling.

[04:05] - Jesus might have felt fear in the garden, but He trusted God to do the right thing. We need to offer the same trust. We can use Philippians 4:6-7 as a reminder.

[05:27] - Jesus also trusted God to replace His fear with peace. God wants to do that for you, just as a parent comforts a frightened toddler. You don’t conquer fear. You give fear to God so He can conquer it instead, because He’s more equipped to handle it.

[07:05] - Fearlessness doesn’t come from you, but rather from your relationship with God. When fear strikes, tell yourself you can be fearless thanks to God.

[08:06] - Prayer

[08:59] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The fearless mindset is the idea that you have to conquer or push aside your anxieties to win out. It’s usually portrayed with positive intentions behind it.
All emotions, including fear, are normal and serve a purpose. In that sense, the goal isn’t to eradicate fear, but rather to recognize it as a God-given alert system that we might be facing risk or danger.
Fear can have negative consequences if we don’t handle it properly.
Scripture reminds us that we are not made with a spirit of fear. But that doesn’t mean that we, in humanness won’t ever feel it. It just means it’s not meant to be the core of our being or driver in our lives.
Jesus’ prayer in Gesthemene shows that Jesus can understand fear. But it also shows that He was willing to hand control over to God and trusted Him to exchange the fear for peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us not to be anxious and to go to God. The bottom line through that verse is that we don’t conquer fear. God does. We’re supposed to hand it to Him so He can handle and carry it for us. We’re not supposed to try to power through on our own.
The ability to be fearless comes not from inside of us, but from our relationship with God.

CTAs:

Connect to the accurate “why” behind your ability to be fearless by saying “I can be fearless thanks to the God Who walks alongside me.”

What’s coming up next:

What do you need in a great pitch? Whether you’re looking for funds or want in on that next big project, Episode 57 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast will show you how to present yourself.

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The Thing About Quiet Quitting

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

The Thing About Quiet Quitting

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-thing-about-quiet-quitting

Over the past few months, “quiet quitting” has become a huge trend. This bonus episode of Faithful on the Clock explains why Christian professionals shouldn’t use this strategy. It provides both employees and employers guidance on what their responsibilities are to each other.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:31] - Quiet quitting definition

[00:59] - Summary of quiet quitting debate

[01:36] - Some experts assert that quiet quitting is disengagement in disguise.

[02:14] - I don’t believe quiet quitting is just disengagement. I think it connects to toxic hustle culture.

[02:55] - Summary of Office Space movie scene

[03:53] - How the movie scene exemplifies a common business problem–two sets of standards (written and social) where people are unofficially expected to go above and beyond

[04:30] - Quiet quitting is a symptom, a passive-agressive protest about being pushed to unreasonable limits within toxic systems.

[05:10] - Scriptures likely do not support passive-aggressive conflict resolution. There is scriptural support for the concept of workers speaking up.

[06:07] - Stories from the Bible, such as the story of the talents, suggest that workers should apply what they are given, rather than doing the minimum, so their employers come out ahead.

[08:42] - The relationship between workers and employers is reciprocal. Workers should be able to protest what isn’t healthy or what doesn’t work, while employers should be able to use their authority to push workers to their best.

[09:46] - Look beyond engagement to expectations. Are they appropriate?

[10:40] - Quiet quitting doesn’t help anyone involved.

[10:59] - Prayer

[11:51] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Quiet quitting is doing the bare minimum at a job on purpose, with or without the conscious intent of being let go.
Quiet quitting is controversial based on whether employees should have to go above and beyond their job descriptions.
Experts have asserted that quiet quitting is just disengagement by a different name.
I don’t think disengagement is the whole story behind quiet quitting. It’s likely connected to the tendency of employers to lay out one set of formal, written expectations formally but then judge on informal, social expectations. The character Joanna from Office Space is an example of how these dual expectations can create burnout and conflict.
If quiet quitting connects to dual expectations and burnout, solving it requires addressing workloads and goals, not just purpose or connection.
There is scriptural support for workers being able to speak out when something isn’t right. There is also scriptural support for the idea that workers should improve what they are given and not waste it. Overall, scriptures suggest a relationship of mutual respect where workers honor leaders’ authority and employers treat workers with compassion.

Quiet quitting is just Gen Z's new name for an old work concept | Fortune

CTAs:

To prevent or solve quiet quitting in your company, look beyond engagement. Review expectations and make sure workloads are appropriate.

What’s coming up next:

Should you always be a warrior? The fearless mindset so common in the corporate world says yes. Episode 56 of Faithful on the Clock pushes back against that mindset and explains where real fearlessness originates.

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Why It's So Hard to Be Loving at Work

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Why It's So Hard to Be Loving at Work

https://faithfulontheclock.com/why-its-so-hard-to-be-loving-at-work

Offices are known as productive environments, but loving ones? Not so much. We’ll highlight three reasons why it’s so difficult to be loving on the job and what you can do to overcome those hurdles in Episode 55 of Faithful on the Clock.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - Why it’s important to discuss being loving at work

[01:14] - The first hurdle to being loving is the agenda, which constrains natural conversation and makes objectives, not people, the focus.

[02:28] - The second hurdle to being loving is time constraints. Full to-do lists leave little time for people to interact on deeper levels and learn each other’s love languages.

[03:40] - The third hurdle to being loving is social or regulatory constraints. People can fear retaliation, isolation, etc. or be hindered from making loving decisions by company policy/laws.

[04:38] - Building time into your processes will allow for better interaction and simultaneously force you to select what’s truly a top priority for your agenda.

[05:53] - Look at your policies and operations to eliminate bottlenecks, especially around collaboration. The more collaboration you’ve got, the more efficient people are and the more time they’ll have to learn about and love on each other.

[06:52] - Create spaces where people can share when not on task. This doesn’t have to cost tons of money.

[07:56] - Communicate clear intent about wanting a loving environment, model the love you want to see, and provide lots of opportunities so people can use the love languages they are most comfortable with. Refrain from micromanaging and do the inner work to understand where your social fears really come from. With mutual vulnerability, you’ll build trust.

[10:40] - Recap of 3 main points; Creating a loving culture is critical not just for the business, but because it’s what God wants.

[11:15] - Prayer

[11:55] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

It’s important to talk about why it’s hard to be loving at work because we spend so much time at the office and need it to be a place where we’re able to be obedient to God.
The first thing that keeps people from being loving is the agenda. All the things people are trying to do constrain conversation and prevent us from learning about each other.f
The second issue that keeps people from being loving is time constraints. Companies don’t want to pay people to chit-chat and put pressure on people to do a lot in very little time.
The third issue that keeps people from being loving is social and regulatory constraints, such as a fear of hugging someone because others see that as not acceptable in a professional setting.
People can fight against the above issues by building allowances into meetings (i.e., padding time for the human element), examining their policies and operations to eliminate inefficiencies and bottlenecks, creating spaces where people can share, communicating clear intent through good modeling; providing multiple, different opportunities; and doing inner work to identify and then discuss underlying fears or biases.

CTAs:

Figure out one step you can take for each of the suggestions outlined in today’s show.
Intentionally observe those on your team and try to figure out which love language they might prefer you to use.
Schedule and complete an all-hands meeting to bring up the concept of being more loving within your company.

What’s coming up next:

Listen to a lot of the gurus out there and it’s easy to get the idea that you shouldn’t be afraid of anything. Ever. Episode 56 of Faithful on the Clock explains why the fearless mindset that’s so popular in business circles is actually harmful and needs to be put to bed.

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Love vs Emotional Intelligence

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Love vs Emotional Intelligence

https://faithfulontheclock.com/love-vs-emotional-intelligence

If you had a quarter for every mention of emotional intelligence in the business world, well, you’d have a lot of quarters! This episode of Faithful on the Clock talks about how emotional intelligence and love connect and why understanding their similarities and differences influences your entire approach to work.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:31] - Definition of emotional intelligence (EQ)

[01:28] - How EQ relates to relationships and success in the business context

[02:32] - One of the negative aspects of how we focus on EQ is that it’s very scientific, which makes it harder to connect it to love and God.

[03:17] - The steps with EQ and love are essentially the same.

[04:01] - The key difference between EQ and love, if there is one, is in connotation. EQ is more egocentric and inward-focused, whereas love is more sacrificial and outward-focused in service.

[05:28] - Acknowledging the connotation difference is important because being forced to operate only in the context of EQ rather than love can lead to code-switching and inauthenticity.

[06:17] - We need to think about ways to bridge the gap between EQ and love.

[07:08] - There are many ways to be loving, as Daniel Goleman outlines with the 5 love languages. When professionals talk about good EQ, they really mean communicating well in those languages. Be mindful of your language and the language of others.

[08:22] - Prayer

[09:03] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Emotional intelligence is the ability to pay attention to how you or others feel or think and then respond appropriately. It is multifaceted, involving past, present, and future orientations.
Good EQ can positively influence relationships, and subsequently, careers and companies. This is the theme across many articles, books, and other sources.
The scientific view of EQ that’s so prevalent today can rob us of seeing it as being synonymous with love and God. But the steps in EQ and love are virtually the same.
If there is any distinction between EQ and love, it is that the connotation of EQ is more egocentric. Love looks outward and is service-based.
In many business circles, it’s OK to talk about EQ but not love, which is unfair and which forces us to be less authentic as Christians.
There are many ways to show love in different languages, as outlined by Daniel Goleman. Be mindful of the language you have, as well as the languages others prefer.

CTAs:

See if you can find ways to pivot discussions of EQ back to love and the second commandment.
When you find yourself in tricky interpersonal situations, ask yourself if you are working to resolve things for yourself or for others. Seek to be a servant rather than to gain.

What’s coming up next:

We’re called to be loving, as God is. But doing that at work can be tricky business. In Episode 55 of Faithful on the Clock, we’ll explore what makes compassion at work so hard and present some tips on how to be more loving despite the hurdles.

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How to Get Over Your Fear of Public Speaking

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Get Over Your Fear of Public Speaking

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-get-over-your-fear-of-public-speaking

Intro teaser paragraph:

Do you fear public speaking? Most people do. Episode 53 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast provides not only practical strategies to soar as a speaker, but also how to get past trauma-related hurdles that muffle your voice.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:36] - Glossophobia (fear of public speaking) affects a huge number of people. It’s important to address because most of us will be asked to do it in some capacity for work, and because it influences how people view our competency and ability to succeed.

[01:33] - Scriptures such as Matthew 12:37 demonstrate that there is importance in being mindful of your words.

[02:19] - The first key is to understand that there is probably an underlying fear behind your trouble. My belief is that most people fear being ostracised, losing opportunities, or being forced to be alone if they don’t do well.

[03:00] - The ostracization we fear likely will not happen. Most people are actually rooting for and can be empathetic to you!

[04:04] - Many people feel they need to sound smart when they speak and load up their talks with unnecessary details or jargon. Follow Steve Jobs' advice and keep things simple.

[05:23] - As Krystale Littlejohn recommends focusing on clarity, not sounding smart. Simplicity is just one element of this. Ask yourself if you’re really communicating what you meant and get feedback to be sure that you are. The feedback can reassure you of quality and meaning, thereby lowering stress.

[07:53] - Practical tactics for getting through public speaking can include memorization, familiarizing yourself with your venue, imagining something funny, etc.

[09:02] - Trauma and/or abuse can make public speaking difficult. It’s not often talked about, but statistically, it’s likely that someone in your office will struggle. We must be cognizant of this so we don’t worsen their pain.

[09:55] - My personal story of how trauma influenced public performance

[11:29] - The only way to resolve trauma-based problems is deep inner work to resolve your insecurities and experiences. Research indicates that interpersonal, movement-based therapies can help retrain the nervous system to a better state of calm.

[13:15] - Be careful not to minimize or dismiss trauma you might have had. It’s common for trauma to make memory recall difficult, and complex trauma still can be incredibly damaging. If you struggle to get consistency and none of the other strategies are helping, consider your experiences and try interpersonal, movement-based options.

[14:53] - Give yourself time to improve your public speaking skills. You’ll get better if you stick with it!

[15:48] - Prayer

[16:35] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Glossophobia–fear of public speaking–is incredibly common, with up to 75 percent of the population suffering from it. It’s important to overcome because speaking is so connected to how we operate in business.
The Bible is clear that good communication is important and that we have to be mindful of how we speak.
The first key to moving past glossophobia is understanding that there is an underlying fear, which for most people is the fear of being judged or ostracised and isolated. Once you acknowledge that underlying fear, you can cognitively remind yourself that fate is unlikely to happen because others empathize and are there intentionally to gain from you.
Because we fear judgment, we work hard to give a good impression and sound smart. But this often results in unnecessary jargon or length. Follow Steve Jobs’ advice and stay simple. More generally, just aim for clarity, which includes elements like vocal tone. Feedback can help because we’re often not objective enough to analyze what we’re doing well.
As you try to give a clear message, focus on the fact you are transferring your ideas to someone else and the fact you can have influence. Ask yourself how you want your message to change or improve others or the world so you see the talk as about that larger purpose instead of about you.
Practical tips to improve public speaking can include repetition, memorization, walking your venue, etc.
Trauma can cause difficulty in public speaking, as shown with my experience in my music performance degree. The brain shuts you down if it perceives that you are unsafe, so even if you want to give the talk, you can be blocked from doing so. Getting past this problem often requires deeper inner work, typically through movement- or interpersonal-based therapies (e.g, yoga, singing in a choir) that help rebuild feelings of safety and calm in the nervous system.
It’s important not to minimize any trauma if you have experienced it. There is such a thing as complex trauma, which is small traumas that happen repeatedly over time. Even if you don’t think anything “big” happened, if the usual strategies don’t seem to help and you can’t get to a consistent level of performance, consider doing deeper work about yourself and your past.
Give yourself time to improve as a public speaker. Set small goals and look for the tiny gains along the way.

CTAs:

Pick at least one of the strategies mentioned in this episode to work on for your next public speaking opportunity.
Do some reflection about your past to consider whether there are deeper hurdles that prevent you from being a better speaker.

What’s coming up next:

In the business world, emotional intelligence is massively buzzy. Is there a connection between this trend and the love God has called us to show in our service to Him? That’s in Episode 54 of Faithful on the Clock.

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Celebrating 1 Year of Faithful on the Clock

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Celebrating 1 Year of Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/celebrating-1-year-of-faithful-on-the-clock

What do you do when you’ve officially hosted a podcast for a full year? You celebrate! Episode 52 of Faithful on the Clock looks back on the growing pains and successes of the show. It highlights key goals for the future of the podcast, as well.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:44] - We’ll start this episode with the not-so-great stuff, but even that’s not “bad” stuff.

[01:08] - The first thing I learned is that I need to do better on preparation. I had vastly underestimated or not taken into account the extra time it would take to do the marketing, networking, and other peripheral tasks around the show.

[02:11] - The second lesson from the year is that I can’t maintain the previous show schedule and do other projects I feel called to do. So I will be moving to a biweekly schedule, which will help me maintain the quality of the show while still moving forward with other goals.

[02:58] - For the first two things I learned, consider Psalm 90:12, which reminds us to be mindful of our time and use it to do good for God. Remember that even Jesus took time to rest and that it is OK to slow down.

[04:49] - The third thing I learned this year is to be more flexible. I had many times when producing the show was messy, but it helped me learn to not be so perfectionistic all the time. You can find peace even when there isn’t a whole lot of unpredictability.

[06:11] - The final lesson from the 52 shows I’ve done is that it can feel good to get lost in the process of learning. I was able to look back and see the growth that had happened and the new skills I have. Don’t be afraid to give something new a try!

[07:10] - The biggest goal I have for the show moving forward is to make connecting with people the priority. I want to discuss and promote the content for the show offline and find more self-sustaining ways to market.

[08:27] - Prayer

[09:27] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The first takeaway from doing the show for the year is that I need to be better with preparation. I didn’t realize how much time I would have to spend with promotion and trying to make connections.
Because it takes more time than expected to produce the show, the only way I can proceed with the podcast AND other projects I’d like to do is to move to a biweekly schedule.
The first two takeaways connect to Psalm 90:12, which center around the idea of remembering how precious our time is on Earth and that we ought to use it for good. I am becoming more comfortable with the idea of rest or slowing down.
A positive takeaway from the show is learning to be more flexible. Things didn’t always go as planned, so I had to learn to let my perfectionism go and just release the content. Learning flexibility is important because then you won’t stress so much if you can’t control everything.
The last thing I learned is that it feels really good to learn. I realized I’d learned more skills. In the same way, you shouldn’t be afraid to give something new a shot.
The main goal for the podcast moving forward is to make connecting with people a priority and find more self-sustaining modes of promoting the show.

CTAs:

To ensure that the Faithful on the Clock podcast can continue, support the show financially by becoming a member at patreon.com/faithfulontheclock.
To ensure you stay up to date with the podcast, join our email list at faithfulontheclock.captivate.fm.
Connect with me on Twitter @FaithfulOTC. I’d love to hear from you about show ideas or just have the chance to say hello! We are also on most of the other major social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram, so you can follow us on whatever channel is most comfortable for you.

What’s coming up next:

Whether you’re a motivational speaker or giving your first presentation as a manager, public speaking might fill you with anxiety–but it doesn’t have to. Episode 53 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast provides tips on conveying your spoken message well to audiences, even if the reasons for your struggle comes from trauma in your past.

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How to Change Your Environment to Change Your Behavior

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Change Your Environment to Change Your Behavior

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-change-your-environment-to-change-your-behavior

Growth by nature demands we change. In Episode 51 of Faithful on the Clock, I look at two essential cornerstones for shifting behavior for the better.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:34] - Multiple verses from scripture remind us that, while we can trust the consistency of God, change is good for us. He’ll be with us as we grow to be better servants for Him.

[02:19] - Change can include modifying thoughts via behavior or vice versa. But Dan Ariely promotes changing your environment first to encourage shifts in what you do.

[03:08] - The first key to changing the environment is reducing friction, such as putting all your supplies in one closet if you want people to organize a certain way.

[04:18] - The story of Jacob and Esau demonstrates reducing friction in that Jacob used gifts and flocks to break down the barrier between the brothers and make it easier to reconcile.

[05:38] - The story of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus also demonstrates reducing friction. Jesus essentially gave Judas permission to go and do what he was going to do, clearing the way for the crucifixion.

[06:22] - A motivator is Ariely’s second key to changing behavior through environmental shifts. We all have different motivators, but we all need rewards and visible ways to track what we’re doing. Connecting the new behavior to a sense of purpose is effective for most people.

[07:34] - The story of me learning to swim demonstrates the addition of a motivator. The kind encouragement of others and the desire to spend time with them motivated me to overcome my fears. Everyone can learn to do new things if they just have the right carrot, so observe, find the right motivator, and adjust.

[09:16] - The story of the disciples is another example of added motivators. The disciples were motivated to preach because they had spent time with Jesus and understood who He was. They knew what was at stake if they did not spread His teachings and knew their reward was waiting for them in Heaven.

[10:06] - Recap of Ariely’s points

[10:26] - Prayer

[11:10] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Although God never changes, for us, change and growth is a positive thing. It enables us to better understand and serve Him.
There’s a connection between thought and behavior. Thought can influence what you do and vice versa.
Dan Ariely’s first recommendation for changing behavior is to reduce friction, which just means to make the new behavior as easy as possible to do. This includes making the new alternative seem at least equal to the old behavior in risk, benefit, etc. The stories of Jacob and Esau and Judas’ betrayal of Jesus both show reducing friction in practice.
Dan Ariely’s second recommendation for changing behavior is to add a motivator. This is different for everyone, but almost everyone is motivated by things that give them a sense of purpose. Adding motivators requires inner or relationship work. Me learning to swim and the preaching of the disciples are examples of motivators in action.

Want to Change Your Behavior? Make These 2 Changes to Your Environment First

CTAs:

Keep a journal or other log of your behaviors or the behaviors of others. Use the journal to determine both habits to change and the ideal motivators.
Pray for God to help reveal which changes to make in your personal life or projects. Seek feedback from others, as well.

What’s coming up next:

We’ve officially reached a full year of Faithful on the Clock! To celebrate, Episode 52 will reflect on everything we’ve learned, done, and hope yet to accomplish.

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9 Tips to Improve Your Follow-Through

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

9 Tips to Improve Your Follow-Through

https://faithfulontheclock.com/9-tips-to-improve-your-follow-through

Are you one of those people who start tons but finish only a teeny bit? That doesn’t do tons for your career or reputation. This week, Faithful on the Clock provides 9 tips to complete more of what’s on your plate.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:40] - I tend to be like the Muppets character Beaker and have many fires (projects) to put out. This show is aimed at all the other Beaker professionals out there.

[01:45] - God is the ultimate planner and demonstrated incredible follow-through with Christ on the cross. We need to emulate His conviction.

[02:58] - Philippians 1:6 reveals that God is not going to abandon the work He is doing in You–He’ll follow through even on that.

[03:55] - Tip #1: Commit to one-to-one trades.

[04:47] - Tip #2: Get some accountability people behind you.

[05:10] - Tip #3: Get yourself organized.

[05:35] - Tip #4: Get what you want to do on your calendar.

[06:21] - Tip #5: Look at the impact you’ll have and the motivation behind the work.

[07:12] - Tip #6: Give yourself some rewards.

[08:07] - Tip #7: Do your homework and know ahead of time what’s involved.

[08:43] - Tip #8: Look at the patterns you’ve got so you can identify and eliminate hurdles getting in your way.

[09:50] - Tip #9: Tell your inner critic to be quiet so feelings of incompetence or unworthiness don’t kill your motivation.

[11:14] - The world emphasizes quantity, but when you think of follow-through, consider the implications for integrity, reputation, and trust. Those things are differentiators for you.

[12:08] - Prayer

[12:55] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Strategies for improving follow-through include:

1) Committing to 1-1 trades

2) Getting people around you to hold you accountable

3) Getting organized

4) Putting projects and their specific steps on your calendar

5) Evaluating the impact and motivation of the work

6) Giving yourself appropriate rewards

7) Doing your homework to understand what’s really involved in the work before starting

8) Evaluating your patterns and identifying what’s likely to make you hold back

9) Telling your inner critic to be quiet

Following-through is important because it contributes to your career when you can accomplish more of what you set out to do. But it’s critical for building a reputation of integrity, and it demonstrates respect and your personal values along the way.

How to Close the Deal on All Those Projects You Never Finished

CTAs:

Identify the top three projects you would like to complete within the next week, month, and six months.
Go through the tips list for each of your top projects.

What’s coming up next:

Got some behaviors you know aren’t so great and want to change? Episode 51 of Faithful on the Clock highlights the two biggest things to do when you need to improve or pivot.

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5 Signs You're Undervalued at Work

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

5 Signs You're Undervalued at Work

https://faithfulontheclock.com/5-signs-youre-undervalued-at-work

In today’s competitive market, people don’t just want great pay. They want to feel valued. Faithful on the Clock Episode 49 lays out the biggest signs your team or boss isn’t giving you your full due.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:32] - The rates of dissatisfaction at work are high, especially now in the Great Resignation. But you deserve to be in a place where you feel valued and don’t have to settle.

[01:23] - Sign #1 - Compensation isn’t so great compared to other companies. But remember, smaller companies might just not have the budget other businesses do. So look at how others interact with you, too.

[02:27] - Sign #2 - People don’t praise you. The kudos doesn’t have to be about big things, but it should be consistent enough to send the message that people see the effort you’re putting in. Take into account how your coworkers or boss praise everyone, though, because you might be looking for more than they usually give, in which case their lack of support isn’t personal.

[03:48] - Sign #3 - You haven’t been promoted or gotten a raise in a while. Good leaders will talk to you about your dreams and potential and reward accordingly. Bad managers, however, will pile on responsibilities without giving any kind of thanks or recognition for the extra effort.

[05:44] - Sign #4 - People won’t let you voice your opinions. People who value you will ask for your input and really hear you out.

[06:33] - Sign #5 - You don’t feel motivated or inspired. This usually happens because the company isn’t communicating a clear goal or vision and is failing to explain how workers fit into the plan. But that failure and poor communication stem from the fact they take an “anybody can do this” approach to the roles in the business and don’t see people as true individuals.

[08:01] - If you’re in a position of leadership, evaluate what you are doing in terms of showing that you value your team. Be upfront and ask for feedback about it.

[08:45] - No matter how you are treated, God has a plan for you. He has valued you so much He gave His only Son for you. So stick up for yourself.

Key takeaways:

Today’s show is inspired by the high rate of dissatisfaction now seen in companies. Companies need to pay attention to whether people feel valued to retain their workers.
Compensation that is lower than what you see can be a sign your employer doesn’t value you. But take this with a grain of salt, because many smaller companies that cannot afford to offer lots of perks or big paychecks can show workers they are valued in other ways, such as with schedule flexibility.
You might not be valued if people at your work never praise you. People should be giving you kudos when you perform well, even if it is just a “good job” at the water cooler.
Long, extended periods without promotions or raises might show that your team or boss isn’t paying attention to what you are contributing. These rewards show others are noticing what you are accomplishing.
Coworkers or managers probably don’t value you if they never let you voice your opinion well or ask what you think.
You might not be valued if you struggle to feel motivated or inspired. Companies that value workers work hard to show those workers where they fit into the company vision and to get them excited about it. They do not see employees as replaceable, but rather consider how unique elements like personality contribute to overall results and culture.
God always sees you as priceless, so don’t settle. Advocate for your true worth.

CTAs:

Think about your strengths and accomplishments and do basic research about what normal rewards would be for others in your work. Ask yourself how long it has been since someone took notice, praised or rewarded you for those things.
Schedule a meeting to talk to your team members or boss about how you see your worth, even if it is to let them know you’re feeling great and to say thanks for their support.

What’s coming up next:

If you’ve got tons of projects but not a lot of results, following through might be an issue for you. Episode 50 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast highlights how to finish more of what you say you’re going to do.

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How to Leave Your Job Without Burning Bridges

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How to Leave Your Job Without Burning Bridges

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-leave-your-job-without-burning-bridges

With millions of people switching jobs in the Great Resignation, how to leave a position without burning bridges is an increasingly pressing question. Episode 48 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast highlights tips for taking your exit with grace and tact.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - Job shifts are common, with most people changing positions 12 times over their careers.

[01:03] - Scripture has examples of position changes, such as with Moses and the disciples. God will prepare you if He wants you to do something different, so you don’t have to be stressed.

[01:53] - Many people regret leaving during the Great Resignation and already are looking for new jobs. Lack of due diligence and the perks packages employers are offering play into this.

[03:17] - Employees should ask questions as they interview, shadow, etc. to find out what the company and work really is like.

[04:00] - Most employees regret leaving old jobs because the new ones weren’t what they expected. This suggests that employers aren’t doing a good job of communicating their culture or the responsibilities of the role. They should work hard to represent the work truthfully and to hire for long-term benefits, not fast gains, because hiring repeatedly when people aren’t satisfied is costly.

[05:37] - The hiring situation can get dicey, so I’m laying all this out to help you understand how important it is not to burn bridges and to support the entire industry.

[06:15] - Be open about why you want to leave, presenting the opportunities so that the old employer can learn how they can grow and support their teams in the future.

[07:19] - Give yourself time and be clear about when the exit will happen. Tying up loose ends and offering a distinct transition date helps you come across like a team player right up until the end.

[08:33] - Give thanks as you leave. There has to be someone you’re grateful to or something you’ve learned, so present that as having prepared you for the next step you’re taking. This will help the people you leave feel like they helped you.

[09:29] - Prayer

[10:14] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Changing jobs is incredibly common, and God called people to different professions all the time in scripture.
About 20 percent of those who participated in the Great Resignation regretted leaving their job. This likely has to do with both peer pressure, the feeling like there wasn’t much time to make the decision, and the attractive perks packages employers use to recruit new hires.
I recommend that employees ask questions, shadow, and read reviews to get a sense of what a company is really like.
Almost ¾ of workers felt like their new job wasn’t what they expected. This suggests that new employers need to communicate better about what positions will be like or require. They should see hiring as a long game and think about the long-term value and fit of the employee, rather than trying to just fill a job fast, because constant hiring and recruitment is expensive.
Be open and clear about why you are leaving. Help the new employer see how the new position will help you grow so they have a picture of where their own gaps are.
Help smooth the transition so people see you as a team player to the bitter end.
Express gratitude as you leave. This is in the spirit of God and will help you see the good in what you’re leaving. It will help others feel good to know what you have learned or gained.

CTAs:

Identify specific tasks to do that will help others through your exit.
Take opportunities in your final days to clarify to others how they have helped you.
Be direct and clear in your communication about the new job so there is no confusion about what needs to happen or why.

What’s coming up next:

In Episode 49 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast, I identify the key signs your company isn’t valuing you the way you should. I also offer some guidance on how to get your manager or colleagues to see your value.

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5 Myths About Success

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

5 Myths About Success

https://faithfulontheclock.com/5-myths-about-success

You’ve probably heard a ton of stuff about success, and a lot of it is pure myth. In Episode 47, Faithful on the Clock decodes the five biggest success myths and presents their countertruths.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:36] - Success is not tied to rank, but rather is a matter of whether you’re doing your absolute best and are happy about where you’re at.

[01:55] - The story of Saul and David, as well as the entire list of the kings of Israel in the Old Testament, shows that you can have rank and still fail.

[03:03] - Success doesn’t have a clear definition, but because we’re all different people, what satisfies one person isn’t going to necessarily satisfy someone else. You should take time to reflect on what makes you feel good and how God might allow you to use that to serve Him.

[04:26] - Success isn’t defined in a static way over time, but rather evolves as you learn and grow. The key as your definition of success changes is to avoid comparison, stay internally motivated, and be God-focused.

[06:09] - Success often isn’t achievable alone, but rather requires lots of support from many people. My own career is a demonstration that grit and skill don’t always win, as I am where I am thanks to others helping me.

[07:42] - Successful people don’t proceed at all costs, but rather quit for the right reasons at the right time. Serial entrepreneurs, investors, and people who leave for better positions all demonstrate that taking an exit or letting go can be incredibly smart and lead to bigger wins.

[09:17] - 5 myths of success recap and invitation for reflection

[09:55] - Prayer

[10:31] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Success is not tied to rank. Lots of CEOs inherit their positions and do a bad job, so don’t assume someone is successful just because of a nameplate or position. The kings of Israel show that position guarantees nothing.
Success does not have a single, uniform definition. You get to define it based on your own dreams, personality, and plans with God.
The definition of success is not static. It will change over time for you as you learn, grow, and have experiences.
Success is not a solo affair. It usually takes lots of people for someone to do well, even if a person gives it their best.
Success isn’t about never quitting. Successful people just do careful analysis and personal inner work to assess the cost-benefit of walking away. They walk away at the right time for the right reasons.

CTAs:

Spend some time thinking about how you view each of the five success myths. Identify what has contributed to the way you view each point.
Consider your personality, skills, and resources. Based on those elements and your values, set short-term and long-term definitions of success for yourself.

What’s coming up next:

Especially now in the Great Resignation, people leave their jobs for a wide range of reasons. But how do you do that without burning bridges? Episode 48 offers advice on how to exit with tact and grace.

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Are You Prepared to Get Real?

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Are You Prepared to Get Real?

https://faithfulontheclock.com/are-you-prepared-to-get-real

Being “real” or authentic is a huge talking point in most offices today. But are we really ready for people to share who they really are or what they actually need? Episode 46 of Faithful on the Clock explores.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:38] - Episode background, invitation to revisit past several episodes for context

[01:06] - We tend not to talk about what happens if we’re thrown off by someone’s realness. We might not be ready to deal with authenticity well, and we tend to not talk about deeper issues.

[01:58] - We might not be well prepared because we still question work-personal boundaries, and because we are not sure if we should help given we are not trained the way professional therapists are.

[03:11] - Not responding well to authenticity carries risks, such as making the person feel like they aren’t truly heard.

[04:00] - We are obligated to prepare ourselves for authenticity. We must face ourselves if we want to face others.

[04:38] - Accepting that God already knows everything is a big component of inner work that helps in preparing to accept realness from others. God wants you to be real with Him 24/7, so much so that He sacrificed His only son.

[06:16] - Once you know God knows everything, pay it forward under the commandment to love your neighbor.

[06:50] - Trusting God to help is part of loving your neighbor; He’ll help you find the right techniques and words. The most important thing is to create a sense of welcome or invitation. Questions are a powerful tool for this.

[08:09] - Time is the biggest barrier to accepting realness, because we are conditioned in the corporate space that everything must be fast and competitive. People who really are ideal to work with will understand you taking care of your people, so it’s not as inconvenient as you might think.

[10:01] - Look at your company’s structure and aim for flexibility that lets people deal with real life and emotionally breathe. People should have strong communication networks where they know where to go and feel comfortable reaching out to anyone.

[11:20] - Because everyone can get tired from supporting others, it’s critical to ensure that proper mental health and self-care resources are in place. This will let people take appropriate breaks and get advice.

[12:15] - Prayer

[12:58] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The big question around being “real” is whether we’re prepared to respond well when people try to be honest. We’re programmed to respond more automatically or superficially.
People generally might not be sure of where to draw boundaries when they try to be real or handle others who are trying to be. The ideas of work-home separation and leaving tough stuff to professionals both can make us hesitate or be uncertain about what to do.
Poor response to someone being real can make them feel like they aren’t heard and reinforce stigmas about opening up.
If want we to promote the idea of being open, then we have an obligation to prepare ourselves to accept people as they are. This includes learning to face ourselves.
Facing ourselves starts with understanding that God already knows all about us and still forgives us, to the extent that He sacrificed His Son to ensure we’d have no barriers.
Once you’ve faced yourself through God, the next step is to pay it forward and apply the second commandment to your neighbor. It’s applying the same forgiveness and empathy God gives to those around you.
You might not know exactly what someone needs, but you can trust God to guide you. How you help will be different for everyone, but creating a sense of invitation and welcome is important. Questions are a powerful way of doing that.
Your biggest barrier to responding well to someone trying to be real is time. Make a conscious effort to look at your business and provide the flexibility necessary to slow down and help in the moment. People who really understand that people are your biggest asset should not have an issue with this approach.

CTAs:

Review how flexible and communicative your business is. If the structure prevents addressing in the moment, rewire.
Pray and do your own inner work about how God sees you. Ask yourself, “How can I show others that they have the same forgiveness or value?”
Take time to go to others for help when you need a break and don’t skimp on self-care. By recharging, you stay ready to help others.

What’s coming up next:

There are a lot of unhelpful myths circulating about success. Episode 47 of Faithful on the Clock outlines the five biggest, along with alternative viewpoints to replace them with.

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Who Are You Protecting?

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Who Are You Protecting?

https://faithfulontheclock.com/who-are-you-protecting

When it comes to telling your story, are you really being authentic and transparent? Or are you sugar-coating things to look good? This episode of Faithful on the Clock looks at the trend of companies “protecting the guilty” and encourages professionals to hold fast to truth, warts and all.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:38] - This episode is inspired by an experience I had with a client who essentially asked that I generalize a narrative to ensure his company looked good.

[01:43] - Additional examples of the whitewashing-the-story problem; why the experiences bothered me

[03:19] - Highlighting the best of companies is not the same as omitting parts of the record.

[04:24] - The competitive global landscape is feeding fear, which encourages whitewashing. Authenticity requires getting rid of that fear.

[05:07] - People are OK with imperfection, and you can spin your narrative positively without leaving out realities or “protecting the guilty”.

[06:22] - Both employees and higher-ups have to ask themselves hard questions about whether they are telling the truth. The best businesses are clear about what their struggles have been and how they overcame those hurdles.

[07:51] - AirBnB and Apple both are examples of companies who have spun their worst times positively and come away better. We hold these types of stories as motivational examples.

[08:41] - Be careful of how you tell your story. You don’t have to abandon truth or authenticity to present yourself positively, and it benefits everyone, including God.

[09:42] - Prayer

[10:19] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

I have had multiple experiences where I was not allowed to present a company’s story as it truly was. This made me question how much we’re really subscribing to the ideas of authenticity and transparency.
You cannot straddle both sides of the fence. You either have to choose truth or say it doesn’t matter.
You can tell the truth with the right spin. It’s just a matter of highlighting the growth and journey.
Putting truth, authenticity, and transparency at the fore in your career or business is a choice, regardless of which level you’re at. You should ask yourself hard questions about whether painting a false picture benefits you.
Companies like Apple and AirBnb show that telling the reality of what happens is not the end of the world. In fact, they can help people see you as an inspiration.
Be careful how you tell your story. Always choose to protect God, because the rest is small potatoes.

CTAs:

Do a credibility audit for yourself, your team, and your business. How much of what you are saying in your story is true, and how much are you omitting?

What’s coming up next:

Authenticity and transparency are huge themes in contemporary offices. But are we really equipped to handle the majority of what people put on the table? Episode 46 of Faithful on the Clock examines the need for greater acceptance and flexibility as we learn to open up.

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When Authenticity Is Fake

Mon, 30 May 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

When Authenticity Is Fake

https://faithfulontheclock.com/when-authenticity-is-fake

Everybody’s talking about being authentic, but that doesn’t mean everybody’s actually genuine. This episode of Faithful on the Clock explores how to tell the authentic professionals from the fakes, and how to make sure others see you as real.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - I might sound different because I’m recovering from COVID.

[00:50] - Many companies are traditional, using waterfall/hierarchical structures. But they know the importance of authenticity.

[01:36] - Hero leadership is dying out. Authentic leadership is important because we all have a need to feel unconditionally loved and accepted.

[02:25] - Previous scandals show that people respond to novelty and individualism in apology.

[03:18] - Everyone seems to be jumping on the authenticity train, which makes it hard to discern if they in fact are being authentic.

[04:06] - The big question is who is authentic and how to make sure people get the right impression from you.

[04:25] - Authentic people have a natural, consistent flow, revealing themselves gradually and organically over time. There should be evidence of this journey when you evaluate someone.

[05:21] - Context also matters in determining authenticity. You may be invited to share your message if you are developing organically. Watch to make sure the demeanor of the person you are watching does not change according to their environment or circumstances.

[06:32] - Authentic people can learn and change their minds, but they give good rationales for their shifts. They don’t gossip, and they can reveal the entire spectrum of their emotions.

[07:47] - How someone responds to challenges (competition) is a big clue to authenticity, as well. Authentic people are happy to cheer others on. Iron-sharpens-iron is a better approach than dog-eat-dog.

[08:38] - 2 Corinthians 1:12 reminds us to reflect God in how we interact with people.

[09:23] - Proverbs 11:3 reminds us that God does keep score–people with authenticity and integrity will win, while those who are crooked will not prosper.

[10:34] - Prayer

[11:23] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

There is a trend in business to push for authenticity and abandon more traditional hero leadership styles.
The worry I have in the authenticity “movement” is that some people are doing it just to paint the right image and follow the trend, not because they care about being real.
Authentic people have a natural, consistent flow in the way they reveal themselves. It builds organically and doesn’t really change over time.
Context matters with authenticity. By observing how people behave in different environments, you can discern how genuine they are. People who pivot based on circumstances probably are not authentic.
Authentic people are good communicators. They have clear rationales and priorities, and they follow through with what they say. They are not egotistical or driven by rumors or gossip.
People who are authentic know their strengths and weaknesses. They are not threatened by others and will support their neighbor. An iron-sharpens-iron approach is their motto, not dog-eat-dog.
2 Corinthians 1:12 encourages you to be honest, as God is honest. Proverbs 11:3 is a good reminder that God will give appropriate due to people who fake their authenticity and get ahead because of it.

3 Characteristics of Biblical Authenticity

CTAs:

Self-assess your efforts to be honest and real. How do your behavior and communication reflect your authenticity?
Make a list of things that hold you back from better authenticity. Find some accountability buddies who can help you address the items on that list.

What’s coming up next:

In Episode 45 of Faithful on the Clock, we’re talking about lauding businesses and individual professionals. Why is it OK to name names when things go right, but not when they go wrong, and how does that connect to the greater accountability we need in the corporate space?

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How Executive Worship Murders Your Success

Mon, 23 May 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

How Executive Worship Murders Your Success

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-executive-worship-murders-your-success

Episode 43 of the Faithful on the Clock challenges the popular practice of executive worship. Find out what this habit is and how breaking it can boost your career.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:32] - A post online by a woman made me wonder why we have some executives that are simultaneously worshipped on pedestals (really popular) but also hated in other circles.

[01:24] - Many executives want shortcuts to success because of cultural constructs and look at people like Jeff Bezos as proof a shortcut or copying the exceptions can work.

[02:26] - It’s normal to want someone to look up to, but we’ve also been conditioned to believe in versions of the great man theory.

[04:22] - The great man theory is problematic because it puts people on a pedestal even though new research shows people become more likable if they are flawed and, subsequently, relatable (the pratfall effect).

[05:18] - A study involving the accomplishments of famous scientists demonstrated the pratfall effect.

[06:17] - The business world is aware of the pratfall effect, but there is a clash between pratfall and great man that’s very confusing for workers. Workers are fed up with the “perfect” examples offered that contradict pratfall, especially as leaders stress the need for authenticity.

[08:06] - Executive worship holds you back because it forces you to focus on someone you can’t even relate to. The antidote is to find leaders in your own community who can give you time and who understand you.

[09:02] - Dr. Anne Bradley honed in on Romans 15:1-2 to show the characteristics of a real hero.

[09:32] - Asking yourself questions based on Romans 15:1-2 can help you filter mentor choices and find a better match. The mentors who are ideal are the ones who set their ego aside and chose to help others in empathy.

[11:15] - Everyone praised Goliath, but David ended up defeating him. Look for the Davids you can follow, or be one yourself.

[12:26] - Prayer

[13:00] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

An online post about Elon Musk made me question why people like Elon Musk are both incredibly popular and hated.
Cultural constructs make us want to take shortcuts to success. We look at people like Jeff Bezos and think that because they managed to be an exception, we somehow can figure out how to be, too.
It’s normal for people to look for role models. But researchers mistakenly developed the “great man” theory of leadership, which is based on the idea that leaders are born not made, and that they have specific traits. We still follow much of this concept and try to figure out what characteristics people like Elon Musk have that we ought to be developing.
The great man theory directly contrasts the pratfall effect, which has shown that people relate to others better if those other people have some flaws and imperfections. Research based on the stories of famous scientists demonstrated the pratfall effect in a way that’s applicable to leadership and mentoring.
Executives are creating confusion by simultaneously talking about authenticity while upholding old hero or great man leader ideologies. This leaves people without good examples to follow and disgusted with the popular people on pedestals.
Finding backyard mentors is a powerful antidote to executive worship.
Romans 15:1-2 can offer guidance on what a hero needs to be for you. It emphasizes leaders who set their egos aside to make a difference.
Popular leaders who are “worshipped” today are similar to Goliath in that they have enormous influence, ego, and power. But David toppled him. Find the Davids around you, or better yet, become one for someone else.

CTAs:

Identify some of the executives you’ve been worshipping lately. Be specific about why you thought they were so awesome and consider Romans 15:1-2.
Look into your own community for people who can meet your needs. Initiate a conversation with those individuals.

What’s coming up next:

Episode 43 of Faithful on the Clock dives into authenticity. How can you tell if someone’s faking it, and is it an issue if authenticity is all anybody talks about?

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What to Do When You Feel Blue at Work

Mon, 16 May 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

What to Do When You Feel Blue at Work

https://faithfulontheclock.com/what-to-do-when-you-feel-blue-at-work

In Episode 42 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast, you’ll get a powerful reminder that Jesus understands what it’s like to be sad on the job. You’ll get a list of options that can beat back the blahs no matter what your role or industry might happen to be.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:40] - Because depression and anxiety are such personal and economic burdens, we have an obligation to discuss and address mental health concerns.

[01:38] - I want you to know I understand what it’s like to not be happy at work and to reassure you that you deserve to be happy on the job.

[02:28] - Jesus knows what it’s like to not be happy and to have a tough, stressful job.

[03:17] - Common advice such as getting good sleep and praying are critical to good mental health. Start with those things and remember you serve God, not a company.

[04:52] - Make sure your issue really is related to work, rather than based on something from outside that you’re bringing into the office.

[05:47] - Work blahs can separate into people and stuff blahs. The people blahs often can be addressed with good boundaries and being forthcoming about how others are influencing you.

[06:47] - Logistical blahs are things like the nature of the tasks you have or red tape. They can involve a larger organizational structure.

[07:11] - Take your breaks to give your mind a chance to completely disconnect from the job. This includes clear logging out at the end of the day and taking vacations allowed.

[07:58] - A got-it-done list can help you see how much you really are accomplishing throughout the day.

[08:59] - Asking for more flexibility or job crafting can improve how you feel on the job by making the work into something more enjoyable.

[10:13] - Have open discussions with your boss about what you need, both to get help for yourself and to normalize mental health support for others. Make sure you know what your company offers.

[11:30] - Find a way out of your job if you are experiencing severe cultural issues that are truly damaging. Don’t let your God-given gifts stay unused or hidden.

[12:55] - Prayer

[13:50] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Depression and anxiety are incredibly common. You are not alone. But dealing with these issues is important on both individual and social levels.
There’s more acknowledgment of mental health issues now than in the past, especially given the pandemic. I personally understand what it is like to struggle, and Jesus has been in the same position, too.
There’s no magic fix for work-related depression and anxiety, but giving your cares to God is a good start. It also helps to remember that work is a gift from God.
Clarify whether your blahs actually come from work before you do anything else. We often can bring issues from outside into our jobs.
Blahs from people might take strategies like bringing in HR and drawing good boundaries with others on your team.
Blahs from more logistical stuff can be harder to fix. They can include strategies such as taking breaks, job crafting, and asking for more flexibility.
Open discussions about how your doing might be necessary so you can get good support and flexibility from your boss. They can only help with what they know about. Your willingness to admit you need some assistance can normalize mental health discussions for others.
A got-it-done list can remind you of everything you really are getting done and are competent about.
If you truly have a toxic culture you can’t budge, don’t stay. Go somewhere where you can shine.

CTAs:

Employ one or more of the strategies outlined in the show to protect your mental health.
Share this episode of the show with others who might be struggling because of on-the-job stress or career uncertainty.

What’s coming up next:

Episode 43 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast tackles the trend of executive worship. It reveals why holding up certain leaders as celebrity models isn’t helpful and provides a practical alternative for finding personal inspiration.

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Applying the Customer Mindset to Your Team

Mon, 09 May 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Applying the Customer Mindset to Your Team

https://faithfulontheclock.com/applying-the-customer-mindset-to-your-team

Almost all companies these days stress focusing on the customer–that is, they’re customer-centric. But employees don’t get the same attention. This episode of the Faithful on the Clock podcast talks about that gap and provides some recommendations to close it.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:37] - The customer-centric mindset is front and center for today’s companies, who are using the next-best triad to understand and serve their bases well.

[01:57] - Companies are bending over backward to understand customers.

[02:29] - Companies are not applying the same attention to employees that they are to customers. There is often a huge disconnect between employer and employee perceptions as a result.

[03:46] - We need to get companies to start treating their employees under the same mindset they treat their customers. Tackling organizational structure is the first step in doing this.

[04:42] - Changing organizational structure has challenges and takes time, but anything you can do to reduce silos and allow people to move freely will help. Repeated interactions are essential.

[05:45] - Extreme ownership can help your team come together.

[07:57] - We handle customer personas well, but we don’t apply the same detail level to employees. That makes it easier to disconnect from workers.

[08:33] - Once you have organizational hurdles out of the way, apply extreme leadership to direct your customer tools toward your employees.

[09:40] - Issues like improving employee connection and treatment can seem too big to tease apart. But nothing is impossible with God. Start with something small you CAN do, rather than giving up.

[10:58] - Prayer

[11:40] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Employers are incredibly focused on the “next-best” triad, with the goal of achieving next-best experience. They are overwhelmingly customer-centric and use all kinds of tools to try to understand and connect with buyers.
Many companies have clear gaps between higher-ups and employees. These gaps in perception are present in many different topic areas, including the return to work through the pandemic recovery.
Companies have to make an effort to pay as much attention to their workers as they do to their customers.
Organizational structure is a significant problem that prevents companies from connecting with their workers. Anything you can do to break silos and bring people together will help.
Extreme ownership can combat the idea that individual workers don’t count.
Customer personas focus on details. Psychologically, they make it easier to think hard about customers. We do not do the same for employees.
Once you have straightened out organizational structure problems and have some extreme ownership happening, start applying your customer tools to your employees as related to next-best product, offer, action, and experience.
An issue like helping employees feel connected can seem too big to tackle. But you can tackle anything one small step at a time.

CTAs:

Analyze your company for gaps in employer-employee perception.
Identify a small step you can take to help people value each employee. Do that small step.

What’s coming up next:

Everybody feels blue sometimes. But what do you do when you feel sad at work and it interferes with your job? That’s in episode 42 of Faithful on the Clock.

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Breaking the Bonds of Mental Fixedness

Mon, 02 May 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Breaking the Bonds of Mental Fixedness

https://faithfulontheclock.com/breaking-the-bonds-of-mental-fixedness

Ever work with someone who refused to consider a new idea? Who insisted on doing work a particular way or who wouldn’t change? They likely suffered mental fixedness. Episode 40 of Faithful on the Clock identifies the three main reasons mental fixedness is harmful, then presents three techniques you and your team can use to expand your thinking.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:32] - Mental fixedness is a resistance to change the way you think and behave. Neurologically, it happens because, through repeated thoughts and behaviors, you’ve built up strong neurological pathways in the brain that are incredibly easy to fire.

[02:24] - There is a difference between fixedness in terms of integrity/charcter and fixedness in terms of being willing to learn or change. God is constant, which is why we can trust Him.

[03:29] - Abandoning mental fixedness can help you seem like a better team player.

[04:45] - Mental fixedness can hold back entire organizations, not just individuals.

[05:24] - Mental fixedness can stop you from developing into everything God intended you to be and serving Him as He deserves to be served.

[06:58] - Lists and games is the first tool for breaking mental fixedness. They help you break things down into components and see alternative uses.

[07:42] - Spending time with people outside of your department, discipline, or industry can help you learn new rationales and techniques.

[09:33] - New activities and learning can expose you to new concepts and teach you about yourself and the world. You can apply what you learn to your innovation and decision-making.

[10:55] - Prayer

[11:34] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Mental fixedness is a cognitive bias we have that develops from repeating the same thoughts and behaviors. This repetition helps build strong neurological pathways in the brain that make continuing the patterns efficient and easy.
There is a difference between fixedness in terms of character/integrity and fixedness of the mind. The former is good; the latter can hold you back.
Mental fixedness is negative in that it can make you seem too egotistical to be a good team player, allow competitors to get out ahead of you, and stunt your innovation. It prevents you from reaching the full potential God had in mind for you because it makes it harder to create and appreciate the world and others.
You can break mental fixedness through lists and games, connecting with others outside your department, discipline, or industry, and committing to learning and doing new activities.

CTAs:

Come up with one list and one game to work on this week to reduce mental fixedness.
Send an email or call someone to ask if you can do some observation in their work or chat about how they do things.
Identify a topic you’d like to learn about or an activity you’d like to do and put it on your calendar.

What’s coming up next:

For sales and marketing professionals, having a customer-centric approach is standard operating procedure. But did you know that this approach can apply to your coworkers or team, too? Episode 41 highlights how to keep employees as your main focus to unify your organization and support great results.

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3 Ingredients You Need to Build Unbreakable Loyalty

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/the-3-ingredients-you-need-to-build-unbreakable-loyalty

Whether you’re working with customers, employees, or others around you, loyalty is usually a good thing. But how do you build it? Episode 39 of Faithful on the Clock reveals the three key ingredients you need to get people to stick around.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - Professionals typically talk about loyalty in terms of keeping customers and employees around.

[01:31] - Individual loyalty is a third arm of loyalty we ought to pay attention to. Today, there’s a heightened danger that we will take a sense of personal value or worth from loyalty metrics, because it’s harder to forge deep personal connections even though our desire for loyalty is high.

[03:39] - There are three main components you need for good loyalty, the first of which is consistency. This is based on the fact God has designed the brain as a predictive organ that seeks patterns.

[04:33] - Because the brain is predictive, you have to be consistent in your messaging or other efforts to build trust.

[05:25] - Empathy is the second component of loyalty. We are called to support each other, and as followers, we should follow Jesus’ example of trying to understand others.

[06:20] - Cognition is only half of empathetic understanding. Experience that connects to the emotions is the other half.

[07:23] - Experiencing more of what others have experienced will allow you to emotionally read between the lines more and make better inferences about what they might need from you.

[08:33] - Balance is the third loyalty component. It’s especially necessary in communication.

[09:44] - You can consider balance more broadly to build loyalty, such as your ability to respond to differing customer needs over time.

[10:39] - Three points of loyalty recap

[10:59] - We might have to work hard for loyalty with people, but God is always loyal. Nothing can separate us from Him.

[11:58] - Prayer

[12:39] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Professionals often talk about loyalty in terms of customers and employees. But personal loyalty is also relevant and important.
Today’s environment might make it more difficult for people to connect, but the desire for loyalty and connection doesn’t go away. Some people might struggle because of this and get caught up in using metrics to judge their worth or identity.
Consistency is the first component of loyalty, because people naturally trust based on reliable patterns of behavior.
Empathy is the second component of loyalty. We are stronger together and are called to model Jesus in trying to understand. But empathy isn’t just cognitive. It also requires experience that helps us relate on an emotional level.
Balance is the third component of loyalty. It applies not just to communication, but also to elements like scheduling and customization.
Whereas people can be unreliable and leave, God has promised never to forsake us. You can take heart in His perfect loyalty.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Regularly reflect on your behaviors to evaluate your level of consistency. Seek to be reliable and leave no room for people to doubt the result they’ll get with you.
Go experience as much as you can to improve your emotional empathy. Take training on active listening whenever possible, as well.
Consider people with a big-picture perspective and be mindful of their larger journey. Try to find ways to balance their needs, whether that’s in scheduling, communicating, products, scheduling, or other areas.

What’s coming up next:

The world is never static, so professionals need flexible minds. Episode 40 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast explores mental fixedness and how to break it apart.

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Should You Be a Generalist or a Specialist?

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/should-you-be-a-generalist-or-a-specialist

Businesses these days like to sort professionals into one of two camps–generalist or specialist. What are the pros and cons of each, and where can we see both groups cooperating with each other in scripture? Which one is best for you? That’s up this week in Episode 38 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:31] - Why understanding generalization vs. specialization is important

[01:10] - Specialist pros and cons

[03:08] - Generalist pros and cons

[04:48] - You can move from specialist or generalist but have to be well-prepared for the transition.

[05:41] - Exodus and Romans both demonstrate that it’s necessary for both generalists and specialists to work together.

[07:24] - Tips for telling whether generalizing or specializing might suit you better

[09:05] - Prayer

[09:50] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Being a generalist or specialist can influence your career and interactions to a high degree.
Specialists can get hired for their expertise. They have less competition for jobs and have the potential to be paid more for their skills, but they also have to update their skills and run the risk of becoming obsolete if they don’t adapt.
Generalists take a broad view of the workplace. They are able to see how everyone interconnects and subsequently can be great leaders. But they are easier to replace and have to prove their value.
You are not “stuck” in one group or the other. Specialists can become generalists and generalists can learn to specialize.
The building of the tabernacle in Exodus, along with guidance from Romans, shows that both specialists and generalists are important and that both groups need to work together to serve God.
To decide which path is best for you, examine your preferences and habits. If you don’t mind working a long time for something and have good focus, and if you don’t have a lot of interests, specializing might be better. If you like organizing people, enjoy learning all the time, and are energized by being the one in control of the big picture, generalization might be better.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Examine your work preferences and habits. Think about whether you lean toward generalization or specialization.
Set at least one short- and long-term goal based on your conclusion to the above call-to-action.

What’s coming up next:

Loyalty is half the battle for any successful professional or company. Episode 39 breaks down what building loyalty takes and why it needs to be a priority.

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Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome That Holds You Back

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/overcoming-the-imposter-syndrome-that-holds-you-back

[00:05] - Intro

[00:38] - Differentiation between imposter syndrome and faking it; why imposter syndrome is important to discuss in the context of the Great Resignation

[02:09] - It’s normal to have the types of feelings related to imposter syndrome. But feelings are not necessarily a reflection of truth.

[03:29] - A lot of advice on controlling imposter syndrome focuses on looking back at past accomplishments, but because emotions are even more foundational than rational thought, you have to get control of those first and then lay the cognitive groundwork on top.

[04:30] - Imposter syndrome can continue to influence anyone regardless of title or level.

[04:59] - When Peter saw the miracle of the fish, he felt like an imposter.

[05:57] - Jesus didn’t encourage Peter by asking him to look back. He encouraged Peter by having him focus on the future, on his calling.

[06:58] - Paul’s words serve as a reminder that, by admitting our own flaws, we can give greater glory to God.

[07:33] - Getting control over imposter syndrome is about accepting the peace and awe of God, not checklisting your way to confidence.

[08:33] - There’s merit to confronting people who trigger your imposter syndrome. By teaching others how to treat you, you can contribute to a healthier collective work culture.

[09:52] - Physical activities can help you reconnect with what it feels like to feel safe and secure in the peace and awe of God.

[11:47] - Prayer

[12:35] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Imposter syndrome is different than faking it. Faking it is more of a strategy based on getting people to perceive you a certain way, whereas imposter syndrome is about your inability to perceive yourself as worthy or skilled enough.
Imposter syndrome likely will be a bigger problem as more and more people explore different jobs through the Great Resignation.
It’s natural to fear being alone. Imposter syndrome is simply a more contextualized version of this fear. But it’s just a feeling, and feelings aren’t necessarily reflective of the truth.
Typical advice on beating imposter syndrome centers around looking back on past accomplishments for a sense of validation. But the fact emotions process faster than logic can get in the way of this working. Cognitively knowing something doesn’t necessarily stop you from feeling something, even though there is a connection between thought, emotion, and behavior.
Imposter syndrome can continue to be problematic even for well-accomplished people, which is further evidence that reflecting on what you’ve achieved isn’t a guaranteed “cure”.
The story of Peter in Luke 5 is a good example of someone suddenly facing feelings of unworthiness. Jesus’ future-centric response demonstrates that we can move forward bravely because our faith gives us access to the incredible power of God.
Paul wrote that he would boast of his weaknesses to put God’s power and authority in the proper perspective for others. His words are a good reminder that we don’t have to hide our faults or deficiencies.
Getting control over imposter syndrome is about accepting in your heart that you’re not on this Earth by accident and that God’s ensured through Jesus that your mistakes and flaws don’t have to get in the way of doing great things. It is allowing yourself to replace the fear of isolation with the peace that God gifts to you as a believer. It’s just sitting in awe.
Culture makes it hard to sit and rest in the peace and awe of God. You might need to reconnect to how it feels to do it. Doing something physical can provide an emotional “reset” so you relearn that you’re safe and create a new baseline of normal feeling.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Find one or more physical activities that help you confront your emotions and get a new sense of safety and calm.

What’s coming up next:

As the world gets increasingly global in the way it does business, specialized professionals and businesses are in high demand. But are there benefits to exploring and getting information outside of your own organization or industry? Episode 38 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast investigates.

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How Financially Literate Are You, Really?

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-financially-literate-are-you-really

Are you financially literate? Why is that so important for your career or your business? In Episode 36 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast, we’ll break that down AND give you some key scripture verses that can guide your financial approach

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:39] - I was inspired to do the show based on financial headlines I’d been seeing. It struck me that there’s a perfect money storm happening and that people need to know how to manage funds if they’re going to survive.

[01:20] - The current state of financial literacy and how it influences business on both the worker and employer sides

[02:57] - Nine signs of poor financial literacy

[03:56] - Financial literacy is still evolving and you can self-assess yourself at any time. But the bottom line is that you should feel comfortable performing everyday money operations. If you don’t, you probably have work to do.

[04:51] - Addressing financial literacy requires employers and employees to work together in full honesty.

[05:32] -Intro to financial scriptures based on list from Amy Livingston on Money Crashers

[06:03] - Proverbs 24:27–Find your key financial priority to lay a foundation for everything else.

[06:42] - Luke 14:28-30–Create and stick to a budget. Calculate your costs before you start.

[07:21] - Genesis 41:34-36–Build an emergency fund so you’re not thrown off from your goals if trouble strikes.

[08:03] - Proverbs 22:7–Avoid debt. It can create a sort of mental slavery.

[09:00] - Ecclesiastes 11:2–Diversify your investments. Not having everything in one basket will protect you against catastrophic financial loss should an investment fail.

[09:53] - Seek help from others to gain the financial literacy you need.

[10:34] - Prayer

[11:24] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

People are encountering a perfect storm of financial issues. This makes financial literacy critical, as understanding how to manage funds can greatly reduce risks.
Data show that financial literacy has benefits for both workers and employers, such as enabling better retention and retirement planning. But the rate of financial literacy is still problematic–most people can’t answer the majority of financial questions they’re tested on.
There are many signs you could step up your financial literacy game, such as not having a budget. But financial areas constantly are evolving, as we see with cryptocurrency. You’ll need to keep learning over time to maintain your financial literacy.
A good sign that you are financially literate enough is that you feel comfortable handling everyday financial tasks and don’t find yourself caught off guard often.
Employers and employees have to work together and communicate well to improve financial literacy in the workplace. It should be a collaborative effort with routine feedback.
Multiple scripture verses provide general guidance on how to be more financially prudent. Use those as a starting point if you feel like you are not as financially solid as you’d like.
It’s OK to lean on financial experts for additional support and guidance, especially as wealth grows or your business gets larger.

Relevant Links:

Financial literacy for employers: Why it matters and how to help

7 Important Financial Tips from the Bible–Verses About Money

CTAs:

Review the signs of poor financial literacy and ask yourself if any apply to you.
Connect with your employer to talk about financial literacy in your office and ask for support. Be honest about your needs and what you don’t know.
Use the scripture verses outlined in the show to guide your financial approach for the future.

What’s coming up next:

Ever felt like you weren’t qualified for the position you have? Like you were just one mistake away from being revealed as a fake, flawed, or incompetent? It’s classic imposter syndrome. Episode 37 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast highlights the causes of this syndrome and gives guidance on how to build a more accurate self-perception.

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4 Ways to Manage Your Time for a Stress-Less Life

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/4-ways-to-manage-your-time-for-a-stress-less-life

Intro teaser paragraph:

Time is precious, so how do you schedule it? Episode 35 of Faithful on the Clock details why we have to take good responsibility for our time as Christians. It provides four options for approaching your calendar for both productivity and mental health.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:38] - My key intention today is not necessarily to improve your productivity, but to safeguard your mental health by reducing the stress that comes from poor time control.

[01:56] - Scripture tells us to be mindful that our days are limited so that we can seek wisdom and make good use of our days.

[02:45] - Scott Williams suggests a priority hierarchy of God, family, and everything else when it comes to time management.

[03:26] - Once you know what your priorities are, what’s the best way to organize yourself? I think there are four key strategies.

[03:50] - Strategy 1: Do a little bit of everything each day. You can work on lots of goals at once but it takes a long time to finish.

[04:38] - Strategy 2: Create blocks. You get larger chunks of time to focus, but have fewer projects and need to wait longer to continue work between sessions.

[05:20] - Strategy 3: Rotate out projects. You have to focus all day, every day, on one thing, but you can finish quickly. When one project is done, you switch to the next one.

[06:05] - Strategy 4: Create a hybrid from any of the first three strategies.

[06:40] - You can be flexible and switch to a new strategy over time. It’s just about being willing to be self-aware and acknowledge your needs at a given point.

[07:38] - Most people don’t pencil in time for God or recuperation. But doing that will give you the power to move forward, so don’t underestimate those activities or view them as unproductive.

[08:55] - Prayer

[09:26] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

It’s important to manage time well not just for maximum productivity, but also to reduce stress and protect your mental health.
Christians are obligated to be mindful that time is limited so that we can seek wisdom, make good decisions, and have a better impact for God.
Any approach to scheduling should be built on a three-tiered system where you prioritize God, family, and everything else, in that order.
There are four ways to approach scheduling: 1) Do a little of everything each day, 2) block activities, 3) rotate projects, and 4) create a hybrid from the first three options.
Good self-awareness is essential for choosing the right scheduling approach, and it’s fine to shift your approach as needs arise or you grow.
Make sure you pencil in time for God, relationships and self-care. We tend not to think these things are productive, but they are recuperative and, therefore, essential to wellbeing.

Relevant Links:

Effectively Manage Your Time by Doing It “God’s Way”

CTAs:

Reflect about your needs, habits, and circumstances. Then select one of the four scheduling approaches outlined in the show to try.
Commit to recuperative practices on your schedule, including time for God.

What’s coming up next:

Are workers today financially literate? How does that influence individual and corporate success? Episode 36 of Faithful on the Clock dives into money management in the office.

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Finding a Mentor to Maximize Growth, Performance, and Confidence

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/finding-a-mentor-for-maximized-growth-performance-and-confidence

You can do a lot on your own. You can do even more with the support of a great mentor. Episode 34 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast tells you why mentors typically say no, where to find them, and what to look for.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:38] - Professionals routinely told me what a difference mentors made, and I wanted one myself. You deserve to have someone who can guide you, not just for your career, but for your mental health.

[02:07] - There are four reasons a mentor might turn you away: 1) They’re busy, 2) you don’t give them proof of ROI, 3) you’re arrogant rather than confident, and 4) they’re not sure of what they can offer.

[03:38] - Start your search for a mentor by cultivating the right attitude, using the four reasons mentors turn people away to pull you in a proper direction.

[04:13] - One place to start is by looking at influential people in your industry, but most people know about those folks, so competition is fierce.

[04:51] - A potentially more fruitful place to find a mentor is right within your own family and community. People close to home know what you’re experiencing and usually can more easily invest time in you for the long haul.

[06:15] - Make sure you’re compatible with your mentor, because you’ll need to spend tons of hours with them. That should be enjoyable!

[06:56] - A good mentor should be genuinely positive because they are helping develop you as a human being, not just on technicals.

[07:48] - Key signs of integrity

[08:28] - Although it’s ideal that a mentor be a Christian, it’s possible that you could lead them to God. If they meet all other criteria, do not be afraid to start your partnership and get mutual mentorship going in your relationship.

[09:48] - No one is perfect, so if a potential mentor doesn’t check all the boxes, it’s fine to have more than one mentor at a time to get what you need.

[10:18] - Don’t be intimidated! Most professionals, especially once they’ve already reached the top, want to mentor and pass on a true legacy.

[11:16] - Prayer

[11:52] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

I wanted to do an episode on mentorship because of what other leaders have said, as well as my own experience feeling like I needed guidance.
Mentors often turn people down for four reasons: 1) they are busy 2) they don’t have proof of a good ROI, 3) they think the potential mentee is arrogant rather than confident, and 4) they are not sure they have anything to offer. Having the right attitude and preparing well can overcome these common obstacles.
Because mentoring requires a close connection and serious time commitment, and because “big shot” people often have so many individuals vying for their attention, you might have better luck finding a good mentor close to home in your family or local community.
The mentor you work with should have good credentials, but it’s just as important that they have a personality that is compatible with yours.
Good mentors are genuinely positive and have good integrity. This means they have a grounded faith in your ability to succeed and that they demonstrate behaviors such as adherence to truth.
Although it’s ideal that your mentor be a Christian, it is OK to work with a nonbeliever so long as they consistently behave in an upright way–many good people simply have not heard the Good News. You could lead them to get saved over the course of your relationship.
Don’t be intimidated in your mentor search. Most people really do want to mentor as a way of building and leaving legacy.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Familiarize yourself with the common signs of good integrity. Learn how to discern the difference between toxic positivity and genuine positivity.
Figure out specifically what you need your mentor to be/do for you.
Search for a mentor who can spend time consistently with you and who shows both genuine positivity and good integrity.

What’s coming up next:

In Episode 35 of the podcast, we’ll cover different ways to approach scheduling. We’ll help you find a time management strategy that fits your personality and lifestyle so you can get more done.

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Turning Down the Noise of Information Overload

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/turning-down-the-noise-of-information-overload

How can you keep all of the information that bombards you from stressing you out? In Episode 33 of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll learn how information overload can look different in different people, and we’ll outline four steps to turning down the noise to a manageable level.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:40] - Companies are concerned about information overload and how it influences speed and productivity.

[00:56] - Companies also are concerned about information overload because of its potential to influence wellbeing. They understand that it creates stress and that it can manifest in multiple ways.

[02:07] - Information overload can accumulate either quickly or slowly.

[02:25] - Information overload doesn’t translate the same for everyone.

[02:42] - Information overload is not a new problem, as shown in Ecclesiastes 12:12. God understands what we are dealing with and how it can damage us.

[03:32] - There are many hacks that can help you manage information overload, such as the Pomodoro technique.

[04:17] - Although information overload “hacks” are useful, you need a larger information overload management framework to hang them on. The first point on this is to identify and reframe emotions.

[05:27] - The second pillar of the framework is to recenter around your priorities and subpriorities.

[06:08] - People often struggle with the second pillar because they believe that more is better when it comes to information. Let that ideology go.

[07:11] - The third pillar is to create your process. This might involve pulling in the hacks you’ve heard about. I do this with my email. Whatever process you create should be repeatable. Think of Joshua walking around Jericho the same way every day until the wall crumbled.

[08:42] - The fourth pillar is to identify and delegate to trusted messengers. These might be people or tools, but they are always at your right hand as trustworthy servants and sources that reduce input and keep input quality high.

[09:54] - Controlling information overload is not so much about which routine or tools you’re using so much as it’s about knowing exactly what you want to achieve and then setting boundaries and repeatable sequences that can keep you laser-focused on that finish line.

[10:34] - Most of us overestimate the amount of information we need to make a choice or move forward, as research proves. The drive to impress factors into this. So focus on internal motivation and just doing the best you can each day. Good impressions will happen naturally if you do that.

[11:21] - Prayer

[12:05] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Organizations are concerned about information overload because of the negative influence it can have on productivity and speed. But they also worry because it can influence worker wellbeing.
Based on the fight-flight-or-freeze response to stress, reactions to information overload can vary. Information overload also can happen quickly or more gradually over time.
Information overload is not a new problem. But we must learn how to manage it to be good servants for God.
There are many “hacks” that can help reduce information overload, such as using the Pomodoro technique. But more generally, you can tackle it with a four-step framework, customized to your own situation and needs.
The four steps of the information-overload management framework include: 1) Identify and reframe your emotions with specificity, 2) Recenter around your priorities, 3) Create a replicable process, and 4) Identify and delegate to your trusted messengers.
Controlling information overload is about knowing exactly what you want to achieve and then setting boundaries and repeatable sequences that can keep you laser-focused on that finish line.
Controlling information overwhelm requires confidence.

Relevant Links:

How to Save Yourself from Information Overload

Why You’re Probably Wasting Your Time with Every Decision You Make (and How to Stop)

CTAs:

Use the four-step information overload management framework to simplify your workflow and reduce stress.
Use confidence-building strategies as much as necessary until you are able to hold the line and be clear about what information matters to you and which doesn’t.

What’s coming up next:

Mentors can take a lot of the sting out of career and personal development. Finding the right one, however, can be a bit of a bear. Episode 34 of Faithful on the Clock identifies the top qualities great mentors should have, along with practical techniques for approaching people you’re interested in working with.

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Bouncing Back from Setbacks

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/bouncing-back-from-setbacks

The you-know-what eventually will hit the fan. That’s life. When things go wrong in your career or business, how do you bounce back? Episode 32 of the Faithful on the Clock highlights where real resilience comes from.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:41] - What inspired the episode

[01:15] - The book Supersurvivors connects survivorship and entrepreneurship, discussing what it takes for people to bounce back well.

[02:05] - Many stories in the Bible feature stories where people were able to be resilient because they had a good goal to focus or recenter on. Jacob and Rachel is a good example. This is a typical way to see resilience today.

[03:08] - Job really didn’t have a goal to recenter himself around. All he had was a sense of who God was.

[04:05] - Job doesn’t seem to reflect the modern picture of a resilient professional, but He leans into God’s power and ends up rewarded with more than he’s ever had.

[04:39] - Supervivors makes it clear that your self-perception matters in the ability to bounce back. But as a Christian, your self-perception should tie to God. The way you see what’s happening can change based on whether you realize He’s got your back.

[05:38] - Elon Musk losing 40 out of 49 satellites is a good example of a modern setback. But you don’t have to rebuild alone. Think about God’s authority, be flexible like Job, and let God take your stress so you can focus on whatever next step He puts in front of you.

[06:51] - Rebuilding does have some tricky points. But don’t worry about deficiencies, because God can close those gaps. Do try to communicate well so your hope seems balanced with a grounded sense of rationality.

[07:55] - Prayer

[08:45] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

It’s common for people to talk about resiliency in the business space. The basic idea is that people who can bounce back well have a greater chance of success.
In Supersurvivors, authors David Feldman and Lee Daniel Karvetz note that successful entrepreneurs have common threads with trauma survivors. They also note that those entrepreneurs balance a sense of self-confidence with a grounded realism.
Many people, like Jacob working for his wife Rachel, can bounce back because they have their eye on the prize. But Job tells the story of a man who had no goal to look forward to or focus on.
Job did not have self-confidence in the way we think of self-confidence with modern entrepreneurs. But he had confidence in God, which translated to God rewarding him with even more than he had had before.
The confidence you need to balance grounded realism should come not from your own ego, but from the knowledge of who God is and the understanding He won’t forsake you.
Because God can equip you for anything, don’t worry about deficiencies as you try to bounce back. Do communicate well with openness and transparency.
When faced with a setback, don’t automatically dig in your heels because of sunk cost. Take a moment to pause and ask God where He wants you.

Relevant Links:

SpaceX says up to 40 Starlink satellites lost to geomagnetic storm

Supersurvivors: The Surprising Link Between Suffering and Success

CTAs:

When faced with a setback, don’t lean on your own ability to rebuild. Trust that your real power is with God and ask what He wants you to do.
Be open with people as you try to recover. The better you communicate, the more they’ll trust and help you.

What’s coming up next:

Information is everywhere…and it can be too much. How can you prevent it from burning you and your team out? Episode 33 of Faithful on the Clock provides actionable tips for simplifying your data and regaining your focus.

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How to Provide Real Value on Social Media

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:45:00 -0500

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In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-provide-real-value-on-social-media

What does it mean for a business to “provide value” on a social media platform? How do you do it while still keeping all the algorithms in mind? That’s covered in Episode 31 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:41] - The number one rule about posting on social media–provide value!

[00:58] - Previously, value meant sharing relevant, helpful info that helped others reach their goals. People could easily network and support each other with direct sharing.

[01:16] - Social media platforms figured out that it’s not as profitable to allow you to include outbound links and tweaked their algorithms away from them. They now favor elements like time spent on a post.

[02:06] - Due to the change in algorithms, people are creating longer form content with a specific flavor–broetry. This takes up space but doesn’t communicate much of real influence.

[02:51] - Value requires a balance of linking and pleasing the algorithm, as well as not lapsing into broetry. But longer-form content provides an opportunity for authenticity.

[03:39] - The most valuable content, in my opinion, is content where the person posting just levels with the audience and makes them feel like equals. It is wholesome and has emotional appeal strong enough to inspire change.

[04:46] - Ephesians 6:14 is a good reminder to stay the course with truthful content no matter what else you see everywhere. Don’t pander to trends or get discouraged by them.

[05:43] - 2 Chronicles 9:20 reminds us that beliefs and attitudes can change. Be patient and view your posts as part of your larger long-term legacy that people might later come to understand.

[06:33] - 2 Timothy 2:13-15 encourages Christians to be well-prepared as a worker of God. Keep this verse in mind when analyzing what you could post and assess whether it represents you, the Lord, and truth.

[07:48] - Don’t mistake likes for substance. Aim to be evergreen and truthful.

[08:32] - Prayer

[09:09] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Both individuals and companies are supposed to offer something of value when they post on social media, but technology is shifting how people define value and present their messages.
Many social media platforms essentially penalize posts that include outbound links to other sites. They reward other elements, such as time spent on a post. Users are getting around this with more engaging visual content, as well as with long-form posts.
Providing value requires a balance of “pleasing” the algorithms and avoiding the “broetry” that has emerged as a result of people trying to gain views. But shifting practices offer the opportunity for you to be more real in your posts, which consumers are pushing for in customer-business interaction anyway.
The most engaging posts on social media are the ones in which people level with their audience without expecting anything in return. They appeal to emotional needs and inspire change.
It can be discouraging to see everything that’s on a given platform that runs counter to your message. But stay the course and always be truthful. Remember that views can change over time. Prepare yourself like a good worker so that God will have no reason to fault you, and so that you represent Him well in your posts.

Relevant Links:

LinkedIn seems to be on a mission to kill off good writing

CTAs:

Focus on speaking authentically and truthfully in your social media posts. Aim to leave a legacy, inspire change, and meet emotional needs, not just to sell stuff or “teach” people who haven’t gotten as far as you.
Do your homework. Study what God says and does so you can discern what’s worth saying or arguing about in your accounts. Treat yourself as God’s representative and don’t post what you could be embarrassed about later.

What’s coming up next:

Nobody’s perfect, and life’s curveballs…well, they can be pretty harsh. How can you develop resilience and bounce back if a setback hits you or your company? That’s covered in Episode 32 of Faithful on the Clock.

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Handling the Great Resignation

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0500

People are leaving their jobs in record numbers. What’s behind the so-called Great Resignation? Episode 30 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast summarizes the problem and outlines how Christian leaders should respond when workers leave en masse.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:39] - Statistics on the size of the Great Resignation

[01:40] - Many businesses are trying to solve the problem with pay or compensation improvements.

[02:22] - People are leaving not just for pay, but because they feel undervalued as people.

[03:20] - The mathematical struggle and need for better pay is real. Scripture is clear about fair pay.

[04:35] - Christian leaders have an obligation to review wages and to not assume that workers are greedy if they promote wage increases.

[05:27] - Mistreatment because of wealth temptations is easier for me to understand than ignoring and dismissing people as human beings.

[06:10] - Christians need to ask themselves what justification they have for dismissing others.

[07:01] - Accepting Christian equality requires people not to settle for broken systems.

[07:53] - Culture is deliberately built, so check your values.

[08:48] - Prayer

[09:34] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The Great Resignation is a serious issue for businesses not just in the United States, but around the world.
Businesses are attempting to attract workers with better benefits, but data shows that toxic culture is much more influential in whether people quit.
Christian leaders have an obligation to pay workers fairly and routinely review their compensation relative to the cost of living.
There is no justification for dismissing others as people and ignoring that they are unhappy in a job. If you accept Christian equality, then you cannot continue to support the broken systems that the Great Resignation is meant to protest.

Relevant Links:

Resignation nation: Record number of Americans quit their jobs before the holidays

Employers Respond to Great Resignation by Raising Pay, Improving Benefits

The Great Resignation is leading workers down new career paths

A new era for the American worker

From the Great Resignation to Lying Flat, Workers Are Opting Out

The No. 1 reason people quit jobs during the Great Resignation, according to MIT research–and it’s not pay

How States Are Spending American Rescue Plan Funds

Full-time minimum wage workers can’t afford rent anywhere in the US, according to a new report

CTAs:

Routinely review your compensation to make sure you’re paying workers fairly based on the cost of living.
Question your motivations and the values you have behind your culture. Deliberately opt for strategies that will close loopholes and encourage joy within your workforce.

What’s coming up next:

If you’re told to do one thing on social media, it’s to provide value. But what does that actually mean, and how is technology shifting how we define what value means? We’ll explore that in Episode 31 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

How to Change Leaders in Your Business

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:45:00 -0500

Leaders can’t or don’t always want to stay with a company forever. Sometimes, fresh blood makes sense. But how do you make the transition from one leader to another? Find out in Episode 29 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - Why changes in leadership are necessary

[01:18] - Moses was a phenomenal leader but made an error and didn’t trust God enough

[02:08] - Moses was proactive about finding a successor

[02:47] - Don’t bury your head in the sand about the need for a leadership change

[03:27] - Make your choice of a successor clear

[03:59] - Get the old and new leader on the same page and have the board prevent duality

[04:48] - Clarify the limits for the old leader in terms of roles they’ll have after the transition

[05:51] - Clarify the transition timeline

[06:04] - Changes in leadership can be difficult not because of a poor leader choice, but because of loyalty to the old leader

[07:09] - The concepts of transparency, time to adjust, avoiding infighting, etc. are applicable at all levels when a leadership change happens.

[07:32] - Prayer

[08:24] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Changes in leadership can be necessary both because of poor performance or just because the company has scaled and needs someone with skills the current leader doesn’t have.
Moses is an example of leadership transition in the way he acknowledged his leadership limit, was proactive about finding a successor, and made the vote of confidence visible to the public.
The company has to see the new leader and old leader operating on the same page if the transition is going to be successful. The board can take an active role in ensuring that there is no infighting.
Old leaders need clearly defined new roles and boundaries.
Transparency about the transition timeline will help people logistically and mentally prepare.
Resistance to a change in leadership can signal loyalty to the old leader, rather than that the new leader is a poor choice.
You can approach changes to leadership with the same tips regardless of the leadership level involved.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Take steps to let everyone in your company see the new and old leader working together under a joint vision.
Engage your board to assist with keeping the leadership transition smooth.
Clarify the responsibilities the new and old leaders will have through and after the transition so people know when it’s appropriate to go to each person.

What’s coming up next:

More and more people are leaving their jobs, leading to staffing shortages across industries. Why are people leaving, what does the mass resignation mean for the future of business, and how should Christian leaders respond? That’s up next week in Episode 30 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

Cleaning Up Toxic Positivity

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 05:45:00 -0500

Positivity is essential for dealing with a rough world. But when does positivity turn toxic? Episode 27 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast highlights how to be encouraging while staying firmly grounded and realistic.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:40] - I like talking about toxic positivity in the hope of Marie Kondoing the mind!

[01:10] - Definition of toxic positivity and examples

[01:59] - Toxic positivity harms both individuals and organizations. It damages trust and productivity.

[02:21] - The white bear or ironic process theory in psychology says that, if you tell yourself or someone else not to think about something, the harder it is not to think about it.

[03:03] - A study from Brock Bastian found that people feel sad more intensely and more often when they perceive that others think they should feel happy. The white bear idea, combined with Bastian’s study, suggests that when you tell people not to think about hard things or give people their feelings aren’t legitimate, it tears them down.

[03:46] - Many of the phrases or verses Christians use to be positive can come across as toxic if you don’t approach them the right way.

[05:11] - Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means that, even when you acknowledge the realities, you’re confident because of the skills, experience, or resources you have.

[05:32] - Handling toxic positivity well means not brushing anything under the rug and highlighting the specific reasons you think you or someone can overcome hurdles.

[06:59] - Modeling can normalize mental health language and show people how to reach out.

[07:34] - Having confidence in God is not the same as wearing rose-colored glasses that distort your life. The more specific you are, and the more you hear people out with respect, the better off you’ll be.

[08:32] - Prayer

[09:07] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Toxic positivity refers to attempts to be positive that end up minimizing or invalidating the feelings of others. It can provide false reassurances or feel accusatory in ways that make people feel guilty or inadequate.
Research indicates toxic positivity harms individuals and organizations. It relates to the ironic process theory. It also connects to additional research that showed people feel worse–and feel that way more often–if they perceive that others think they should feel happy.
Avoiding toxic positivity in Christian groups is difficult. Many of the common phrases or verses we pull on can sound dismissive or judgmental if not properly approached.
Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring realities. It just means you approach those realities with the confidence that you can overcome the hurdles in front of you.
Showing true positivity instead of toxic positivity means not brushing anything under the rug. You put issues front and center, acknowledge what others are thinking and feeling, and are specific about why you think you can overcome the problems.
Modeling can help normalize mental health language and show people it’s OK to reach out.
There is a difference between seeing life through dismissive, rose-colored glasses to your detriment and having legitimate confidence in God. Being specific and talking to people respectfully will be reassuring to people more than generics tossed out without real appreciation of each person.

Relevant Links:

'Only good vibes allowed!' - How toxic positivity in the workplace can damage employee morale

Feeling bad about being sad: the role of social expectancies in amplifying negative mood

Suppressing the 'white bears'

CTAs:

When someone on your team is struggling or there is an issue facing your company, acknowledge it fully. Show that you know the feelings and problem are legitimate, but explain specifically why you or others should have confidence. Model mental health language and reaching out.

What’s coming up next:

Companies often have to change leadership, especially as they scale. Episode 29 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast explains how Biblical leaders handled these types of transitions and why their strategies still can work in your modern company.

How Businesses can Fix the Self-Care Hijack and Relieve Individual Burden

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 05:45:00 -0500

The self-care industry brings in millions of dollars around the world annually. But are we pushing too far on individual responsibility for mental health and wellness? What responsibility do businesses have to take care of their teams? That’s covered in Episode 27 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:43] - The number of people demonstrating symptoms of mental health conditions is increasing rapidly, exacerbated by the pandemic.

[01:39] - The stigma against mental health is starting to fade.

[02:07] - The shift in view about mental health begs the question: Where does personal responsibility for wellness end and social responsibility start?

[02:30] - American culture puts high stress on individual responsibility.

[03:42] - Self-care has been hijacked by companies who are profiting from the idea of individual responsibility. They are making money as we fail to fix broken systems or provide real cultural accountability.

[05:09] - Scriptures such as Galatians 5:14, Proverbs 11:25, and Philippians 2:4 show convey the concept of social responsibility.

[06:25] - We are not meant to be islands. We’re supposed to look out for each other, rather than focus only on ourselves and our own interests. This can start just by observing and checking in.

[07:07] - Rather than assuming what is best for employees, ask for feedback so that you are providing the right kind of care or support that’s actually helpful and desired.

[08:04] - Think bigger than your business and take steps like donating to charities, petitioning representatives, etc. to close loopholes and encourage a culture of true community.

[09:23] - Prayer

[10:16] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Mental health concerns are on the rise, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The positive side of this is that the trend toward recognition of mental health and wellness needs also is going up.
American cultures–and other cultures around the world–stress individual responsibility heavily. That has placed many people in Catch-22 situations where it is difficult for them to get the help they really need.
Businesses have capitalized on the concept that people should be responsible for themselves, turning mental wellness into a $121 billion industry. At the same time, we are not addressing the root concerns that lead people into distress in the first place.
We are not meant to cope alone.
There’s a lot you can do inside your company and in your community to restore the balance of individual and collective responsibility.

Relevant Links:

It’s a New Era for Mental Health at Work

Wellness Industry Statistics & Facts

Who’s Liable for Stress on the Job?

Managing Mental Health in the Workplace–Obligations and Best Practices

CTAs:

Inside your business, observe and reach out, figure out what employees actually want, and be willing to restructure your models.
In your community, challenge the notion that people have to fend for themselves by donating to charities that bring communities together, lobby government representatives, and join forces to have an influence toward social change.

What’s coming up next:

The world is tough. It can eat you alive if you don’t stay positive. But what about toxic positivity? How is it different from healthy positivity, what damage can it cause in a business, and how can you stop it? That’s in Episode 27 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

Practical ESG Strategies to Help Your Company Steward the Earth

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 05:45:00 -0500

As climate change concerns grow, environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance is increasing in importance for businesses. Episode 26 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast shares how ESG connects to Adam’s original job and outlines how to get started on a stronger ESG path.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:40] - Main purpose of the episode

[00:58] - Genesis demonstrates that God called Adam and Eve to rule over Earth and care for it.

[02:10] - As descendants of Adam and Eve, we have inherited the obligation to take care of the world.

[02:47] - Many people, including Christians, deny that there is a need for sustainability or that climate change is a problem.

[03:44] - People’s minds change from experiences they have, not just from having more and more data.

[04:32] - Positive reinforcement is the best way to change people’s minds about sustainability.

[05:02] - To start having an impact with ESG, connect ESG to your core values.

[05:56] - The second ESG step is auditing your ESG procedures. Figure out the steps to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be, involving everyone in the process and integrating methods for higher accountability.

[07:13] - Rather than wait to follow what the regulators tell you to do on ESG, take a risk, innovate, and develop the standards that the regulators will base their recommendations on.

[08:23] - The biggest problem you likely will have with ESG is not logistics. It’s people having a static mindset. You must convince them that the investment is worth it because without a planet, there’s no environment to do business in. Playing the long game in this way shouldn’t be an issue if you truly are operating in ways that support being a legacy brand.

Key takeaways:

One of the first things God did with Adam and Eve was to make them stewards of the Garden of Eden and the larger world. We were meant to be keepers of everything He made.
Many people still deny that sustainability efforts are necessary and deny climate change. Positive reinforcement through good experience–that is, showing that ESG actually makes their lives better–is the best way to convince people that there is in fact a problem and that ESG efforts matter.
Good ESG impact starts with matching your core values to ESG points and being clear about how those elements manifest in your operations.
Formal audits will show you where your ESG gaps are, as well as what steps to take to fix them. But steps should be relatively frictionless and clearly communicated.
Closed-mindedness is going to be your biggest hurdle to ESG change, even when people acknowledge climate change as a problem. You have to show people that this is the long game and a multi-generational effort.

Relevant Links:

How many species are we losing?

Climate Change: Global Temperature

Violation Tracker Agency Summary Page

Why ESG is Here to Stay

CTAs:

Review the values central to your business and see if and where you are connecting them to ESG efforts.
Audit your policies and procedures to establish clear steps and accountability for new ESG efforts.
Make your employees and customers a part of your ESG evolution process
Be the bold business that establishes the new standard other companies have to follow.

What’s coming up next:

Mental health is losing some of its stigma in business. But are companies doing workers a disservice by promoting the idea of total autonomy in self-care? Episode 27 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast explores where personal and social responsibility for mental health intersect.

Making Temporary and Gig Workers Feel Welcome

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 05:45:00 -0500

Gig and temporary workers now account for over a third of the American workforce. This episode of Faithful on the Clock discusses how you can make these workers feel more at home when you bring them into your company.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:36] - The gig economy is growing rapidly, with some experts predicting that more than half of American workers will be part of the temp trend by 2023. Businesses are recognizing it can be cost-effective to use these people as needed.

[01:58] - Your business will need to shift to accommodate the growth in gig work.

[02:37] - Shifting your culture to welcome gig workers might be more difficult than the logistical elements of change.

[03:07] - The first big challenge in terms of culture is getting people to see that there is no “us versus them.” We are all on the same team.

[04:07] - Find an ambassador that can be a go-to person for your temporary workers. The ambassador gets to do some leadership, and the temp workers don’t feel so lost and alone.

[05:23] - Provide good documentation for gig workers so they don’t slow down productivity or create conflicts with unnecessary interruptions.

[06:40] - Give temporary people their own space. It creates a feeling of groundedness and familiarity that can help the gig workers settle in.

[07:59] - Consider how temporary gig workers leave your company. Do everything you can to help them feel like they are still connected.

[08:49] - Offer supports where possible to take the edge of the difficulties temporary workers have (e.g., struggling with income instability).

[09:38] - Prayer

[10:17] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Gig work is increasing and is expected to pass 50 percent in the United States by 2023. This will require fundamental changes to workplace operations, such as increased HR personalization.
Coming into a new place as a temp worker can be stressful. Permanent employees should empathize with this and avoid lapsing into an us-versus-them mentality. We are all on the same team and all are children of God.
Appoint someone who can be an ambassador and be a go-to person for your temp workers.
Give temporary workers good documentation for reference so they can get basic answers without interrupting workflows or feeling embarrassed.
Give temporary workers their own space so they feel grounded while they are with you.
Consider how temporary workers exit and help them leave in a way that keeps your relationship open.
Try to offer whatever supports you can to temporary workers to help them cope with their unique challenges.

Relevant Links:

COVID and the GIG Economy–By the Numbers

Is the Pandemic the Right Time to Start a Business? It Just Might Be

Gig Economy Statistics: The New Normal in the Workplace

The Gig Or Permanent Worker: Who Will Dominate The Post-Pandemic Workforce?

CTAs:

Identify people who can serve as ambassadors to the temporary workers you bring in. Assign them to that leadership role as needed.
Do everything you can to destroy the us-versus-them mentality from the start, including recognizing the work the gig workers do right away.
Use documentation, designated spaces, and empathetic exit processes to help temporary workers find their way and get a good impression of you.
Provide supplemental support to your temporary workers to reduce their stress.

What’s coming up next:

The idea of self-care is everywhere and is only growing as work-life balance gets muddier. But has capitalism hijacked it and turned it into something harmful? Next week’s episode of Faithful on the Clock digs into whether the self-care concept is being perverted and what role leaders can play in ensuring we use it properly.

3 Trustworthy Keys to Handle Cancel Culture with Grace and Confidence

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 05:45:00 -0500

Examples of cancel culture are visible everywhere. But what do you do if accusations hit you, someone on your team, or the entire company? In Episode 24 of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll learn what the biggest logical problems with cancel culture are and get advice on how to behave in the face of allegations and bad press.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:33] - Definition, importance, and difficulties surrounding cancel culture

[02:07] - Major issues with cancel culture include the belief that people cannot learn and that it demotivates people to do better–garbage in, garbage out.

[03:17] - Saul stands as an example that people can change and do better.

[03:57] - The typical catalyst for change in people is just someone treating them differently for the first time. Disciplinary policies can be clear about escalation but still have an undercurrent of forgiveness.

[05:45] - When someone accuses you, tell the truth, because truth is valuable to God. Most apologies fall flat because even when people tell the truth, they don’t show how they are going to behave differently or how their thinking has evolved. If someone brings an accusation, exercise good due process and seek truth without office politics.

[07:49] - Summary of key points; God never will cancel you if you have faith, so don’t worry.

[08:43] - Prayer

[09:38] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Cancel culture refers to the idea that people turn their back on you when you make a mistake. You can see it as a modern extension of the practice of banishment from a community.
Cancel culture is problematic logically in that it assumes you cannot learn and can create a negative self-fulfilling prophecy.
Saul stands as an example that people can change their way of thinking and behaving.
People often just need a catalyst to change and do right. So as a leader, when you hear an accusation about someone, treating people with the faith that they can do better can make a big difference. Disciplinary procedures should reflect kindness in this way even as they are clear about how things will escalate.
Just as you forgive people who need to change, forgive the people who make accusations against you.
Through any allegation, be truthful and do due diligence. Transparency and new behavior both prove your commitment and progress.
Keep in mind that, as important as your business or brand might seem, it is an earthly thing. God will give you the appropriate reward even if what you work for here on Earth passes away.
No matter how harsh cancel culture might get, God always will remain the God of Second Chances.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Review your policies and procedures and make sure they leave room for people to learn and have both accountability and forgiveness through the learning process.
Speak the truth and review all your data before making a judgment or decision.
Forgive people who make accusations that aren’t warranted.

What’s coming up next:

In the time it takes to blink, cancel culture likely will have damaged another business. What can you do to make sure that accusations of wrongdoing don’t destroy YOUR brand and everything you’ve built? That’s up next week in Episode 25 of Faithful on the Clock.

How to Audit Integrity in Yourself, Others, and Your Business

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:45:00 -0500

How can you tell if someone has integrity (including you)? Is it present in your office? This episode of Faithful on the Clock gives 11 things that indicate good integrity. Plus, we’ll walk you through the basics of a business integrity audit.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:44] - Definition of integrity differentiates you and has a reward. God will always look for it in your heart.

[01:32] - Integrity differentiates you and has a reward. God will always look for it in your heart.

[02:48] - List of 11 behaviors that characterize good integrity

[07:03] - Ideally, look for the 11 behavioral signs of integrity as early as possible, even as early as hiring.

[07:46] - Many of the metrics you use to measure other elements in your business, such as your customer satisfaction score, can inform you about your organizational integrity. So you don’t necessarily have to get new data. You just have to analyze what you have within the integrity lens.

[08:58] - Auditors can conduct your integrity audit for you. You just need to give them access to your data, people, and infrastructure. They will base the audit around criteria, condition, effect, cause, and recommendation.

[09:55] - Your team needs a clear timeline and understanding of what the auditor needs and will do. You can make the audits regular and positive by painting a picture of how they can improve the business.

[10:40] - Prayer

[11:29] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking.
Integrity sets believers apart, as shown with Job and Jesus.
God is always looking at the heart and has rewarded believers for demonstrating integrity. He searches you and will reward you in the same way.
There are 11 key behavior traits that indicate good integrity, including direct and specific speech, language and behavior consistency, no lying, not being defensive, the ability to apologize or accept accountability, reliability, infrequent compromises, few arguments, no bragging, emotional connection, and forgiveness. All of these are discussed in scripture. Look for these traits and behaviors as early as you can, ideally as early as the hiring stage.
When you do an integrity audit on your company, you can use metrics you already have, such as your employee satisfaction and quality scores, to get a sense of how your company is doing.
An auditor will use five main elements during the integrity audit process–criteria, condition, effect, cause, and recommendation. Good communication with your team will help the audit go smoothly and reassure your employees that an audit is a positive event.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Conduct regular integrity audits on yourself and your business to encourage consistent character growth and success.

What’s coming up next:

Cancel culture is at a fever pitch. How should you handle accusations of wrongdoing, whether they’re against one person or your entire company? That’s up next week in Episode 24 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

How to Make Fearless, Competent Decisions and Boost Resolve

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Just in time for the New Year, Episode 22 of Faithful on the Clock clarifies how goals and resolutions are different. It provides tips for getting you and/or your team in the right headspace to make great decisions and really follow through.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - Clarification of how goals and resolutions are different

[01:32] - Why having resolutions for yourself or your team is important in business

[02:20] - Recommendation #1: Ask yourself why the decision or action matters at the core values level.

[03:37] - Recommendation #2: Use visualization, both positive and negative, to know how to move forward, familiarize yourself with the necessary steps, and avoid feeling anxious.

[05:03] - Recommendation #3: Think about the consequences and alternatives–what would happen if you didn’t follow through or did something else?

[06:24] - Recommendation #4: Be honest with yourself. Weed out excuses so you are more objective about whether the decision or steps involved make sense.

[06:58] - Aaron would wear a breastplate when entering the temple to keep himself accountable and remember the tribes of Israel before God. Find your own personal breastplates for customized accountability.

[08:15] - Wisdom and courage both are necessary for good decision making and resolve. Ask God for both.

[09:35] - Prayer

[10:12] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Goals/OKRs and resolutions are not the same. Goals are the finish line, while resolutions are the decisions involved in that goal or the mental attitude you have that gives you a sense of purpose and firmness toward finishing.
Resolutions are important because your team needs to be unified and stay motivated even when things get tough.
There are four big ways to strengthen your resolve: 1) ask why the decision or action makes a difference, 2) use visualization, 3) think about the consequences, and 4) be honest.
You can use different tangible things to trigger your mind and heart to think and act in a specific way, just like Aaron did by wearing the breastplate for decision-making.
Good decision making and firm resolve takes both wisdom and courage. You can ask for courage the same way you can ask for wisdom. God will make you steadfast and confident, and He will stay with you.

Relevant Links:

Want to Guarantee Success? Visualize the Worst-Case Scenario

CTAs:

Use the four strategies outlined in the show by yourself or with your team to make better decisions you don’t regret.
Find some tangible “breastplates” you can use to trigger yourself toward consistent thoughts and behaviors related to the goal or choice.
Pray for courage and wisdom regarding your choices and resolve.

What’s coming up next:

Integrity is the backbone of good partnerships and business interactions. But how can you be sure if you, other people, or your business have it? Episode 23 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast outlines what integrity looks like and walks you through how to do a company-based integrity audit.

Is Wisdom Driving Your Artificial Intelligence and Purpose Every Time?

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:45:00 -0500

AI is everywhere. But what’s the difference between AI and real wisdom? Episode 21 of Faithful on the Clock answers that question and walks you through four things to look for when selecting AI for your business.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:40] - AI is everywhere and the industry is experiencing insane growth.

[01:30] - Definition of AI

[02:19] - Differentiation between AI and wisdom; AI never will be truly “wise”.

[03:07] - 3 examples of situations where wisdom, not AI, has to take over

[04:53] - AI enables “cans”, while wisdom deals with the “shoulds”.

[05:43] - Wisdom comes from God, and you can ask for it. God will not find fault when you make the request.

[07:01] - Lots of people use AI as part of risk management, but you cannot idolize the tool. Always ask God for guidance, because He can turn even the best-laid plans to dust.

[08:37] - What should you consider when choosing AI?

[08:59] - Evaluation Point #1: How the AI was constructed

[09:47] - Evaluation Point #2: Whether the solution truly will fit your company, including the ability to scale, be flexible, and meet your “shoulds”

[11:06] -Evaluation Point #3: How often the AI will need updating

[11:42] - Evaluation Point #4 - Overall cost

[12:06] - Using AI well starts with taking a step back and using wisdom to agree to your purpose. Be truthful and transparent about the why and how of your AI use.

[13:47] - Prayer

[14:33] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but it is just the use of technology to gather data and complete tasks. It is not the same as wisdom, which is applying the information you have in a way that differentiates between right and wrong.
Tweaking premade articles, choosing whether to tell someone they have a disease, or deciding whether to keep on an employee with lagging performance all are examples where you need to exercise wisdom after receiving input from an AI tool.
AI can get you through “can”. It cannot deal with “should”. Applying AI without understanding the rationale or pros/cons is inappropriate.
Wisdom comes from God, and you can boldly ask for it just as King Solomon did.
People often turn to AI as a form of risk management, but God can thwart every plan or trend you see in the blink of an eye. So it’s critical to ask for His guidance instead of trusting entirely in the tool.
To choose a good AI, look at 1) how the AI was constructed, 2) how the solution will fit your company (including scalability/flexibility), 3) how often the AI will need updating/support, and 4) the overall cost.
Companies get into trouble with AI for not being transparent. Always communicate with people about why and how you use your tools.

Relevant Links:

Global Artificial Intelligence Market Size 2021 Rise at 35.6% CAGR, Will Grow to USD 299.64 Billion by 2026: Facts & Factors

CTAs:

When considering AI, first identify your purpose and evaluate whether what you aim to do is ethically and morally proper.
Use the points identified in the show to select AI tools that can work for you.
Communicate clearly and often about your AI intent and behaviors.

What’s coming up next:

Most leaders and businesses set OKRs. But what about resolutions? Episode 22 of Faithful on the Clock differentiates between the two, highlights how setting personal and company resolutions can make a huge influence on your organization’s trajectory, and outlines tips for keeping the resolutions you make.

How to (Not) Fail at Diversity and Inclusion

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Companies are making real efforts for better diversity and inclusion...and not getting anywhere. Episode 20 highlights the key reason most D&I efforts fail and provides two recommendations on how to do better.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:43] - Statistics on the importance of D&I

[01:35] - Even though we know how important D&I is, there is still a lot of work to do.

[02:12] - When people perceive that companies do D&I out of obligation, it makes feel workers feel less included..

[02:48] - Example of Slepian’s suggestions for improving D&I

[03:17] - Leaders are focusing on actions they can quantify and do fast, not on truly getting people to change their mindset and see others as human beings.

[04:23] - Changing mindsets requires fighting neuroscience. Every time people think the same way, they reinforce neurological pathways in the brain.

[05:12] - To shift thinking, you have to give people repeated exposure, not just one-time anti-bias efforts. It is part of your job as a leader to provide that repeated exposure.

[06:52] - Policy and procedures have to be clear, because even though thoughts influence behavior, behaviors also influence thought. Enforcing policies in kindness provides behavioral guardrails that can shape thinking.

[08:11] - Jesus lived in a rough time and was marginalized Himself. He told the story of the Good Samaritan in part to encourage people--including you--to confront the hate and prejudice He saw.

[09:40] - Jesus worked from a place of empathy, so it is important for you to try to be empathetic in your D&I efforts, too. Try to find common ground, however small it might be.

Key takeaways:

There is a strong statistical case for D&I. Even so, overall, most companies have made very little progress.
One big problem is that companies might be putting efforts forward out of obligation. Workers perceive that obligation and know the business isn’t genuine about what it’s doing. This situation actually makes them feel less included, not more.
Real change on D&I requires more than just quantifiable initiatives. It requires a mindset shift. Leaders have to believe the initiatives they put forward matters. So D&I starts with addressing how leaders think, and then transferring those new ways of thinking to the entire organization.
Fighting bias and prejudice isn’t just fighting culture. It is a matter of neuroscience and building new pathways in the brain, too. That requires repeated exposure.
Having kind but clear expectations and protocols around D&I will help ensure that people behave in the way you want to specific individuals and groups. New behaviors will help guide people to new thoughts.
Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan can stand as your call to face the issue head-on.
Jesus experienced division and prejudice firsthand. He used His empathy to connect and draw people in need to Him. In the same way, you can try to be empathetic and find common ground with those around you.

Relevant Links:

Diversity wins: How inclusion matters

57 Diversity in the Workplace Statistics You Should Know

Majority of employees want to work for a company that values diversity, equity and inclusion, survey shows

Are Your D&I Efforts Helping Employees Feel Like They Belong?

The Neuroscience of Behavior Change

Starbucks Diversity Training Isn’t Enough. Here’s Why, According to Neuroscience

CTAs:

Provided repeated exposure to new D&I ideas and opportunities for everyone on your team.
Create clear expectations and protocols around D&I and be consistent but kind in their enforcement.
Be courageous when facing D&I problems--don’t shy from doing the right thing, because Jesus never did.
Be empathetic with others and let what you learn guide your D&I interactions and initiatives.

What’s coming up next:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. Is that good? Bad? Somewhere in between? Episode 21 of Faithful on the Clock examines when and how to use this tool in your company from an ethical and moral perspective.

Trading 1,000 Hats for Roles With Purpose

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Today, leaders feel enormous pressure to take on many different roles. Is that really a good thing? How can you decide what positions really are ideal for you? Episode 19 of Faithful on the Clock offers a list of questions to help you choose hats that really matter.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:39] - There is a trend for professionals to wear many different hats. It’s unusual not to see a list of positions or responsibilities in profiles.

[01:37] - I am a supporter that you can do multiple things you love, especially because you continue to learn and develop over the course of your life.

[02:21] - Our practice of wearing so many hats likely is built on a culture of fear. We don’t wear them because we want to. We wear them because we feel obligated. That’s not good because it can make priorities unclear in a way that robs you of a real sense of purpose and joy.

[03:34] - The stories of Moses, Esther, Joseph, and others reveal that God has your roles planned out and that He will equip you to perform in them.

[04:53] - You might not always know if a role is one God would want for you. Pray and ask Him for guidance as a first step.

[05:49] - List of 7 self-awareness questions for discerning good roles

[08:45] - The list of questions is a good start for figuring out which roles are appropriate for you.

[09:15] - Rather than limit yourself to a specific number of roles or match someone else, ask yourself basic self-care questions and look at your results to see if you’ve taken on too much.

[10:21] - Prayer

[11:22] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Currently, there is a trend for professionals to take on a lot of different roles, such as author, speaker, etc.
I believe you can have multiple passions and talents. But I think contemporary culture has reached the point where taking on multiple roles is fear-driven, not passion-driven. That does people a disservice by creating unnecessary stress, lowering results, and depriving them of a sense of purpose.
The stories of Moses, Esther, Joseph, and others show that God has your roles planned out, while the story of the building of the temple reveals He will provide the skills and talents necessary to do your work.
You might not be sure if you should take a role, even if you have a strong gut feeling about it. Make sure you don’t move forward until you have asked God to show you where He wants you.
You can use specific questions to gain self-awareness about which roles you might thrive in. Those include the following:
What will taking on the role deliver back to me?
How might this new role interfere with my current ones?
Is the role consistent with my personal values and vision for the future?
Are the people I would work with enjoyable to be around and able to present healthy challenges for me?
Does the idea of taking on the role fill me with a sense of energy, or do I just think about whether I am technically and logistically capable?
Are there roles I currently am in that could be revised to provide similar benefits?
What feedback am I getting from others? Do they just say it’s a good opportunity, or do they point out specific, non-technical reasons why I would enjoy the work? Is there a real sense of urgency from them that I get involved?
There is no one-size-fits all recommendation for how many roles is “good”. Ask yourself basic self-care questions and look at the results you’re getting to decide if you’ve taken on too much.

7 Questions to Ask Before Taking on a Role

What will taking on the role deliver back to me?
How might this new role interfere with my current ones?
Is the role consistent with my personal values and vision for the future?
Are the people I would work with enjoyable to be around and able to present healthy challenges for me?
Does the idea of taking on the role fill me with a sense of energy, or do I just think about whether I am technically and logistically capable?
Are there roles I currently am in that could be revised to provide similar benefits?
What feedback am I getting from others? Do they just say it’s a good opportunity, or do they point out specific, non-technical reasons why I would enjoy the work? Is there a real sense of urgency from them that I get involved?

Relevant Links:

The Era of the Specialist Is Over

CTAs:

Ask God to show you if you should take a role.
Use the provided seven questions as guardrails for making decisions about which hats you should wear.

What’s coming up next:

Virtually all companies are striving to include people of varying backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and cultures. Unfortunately, most of those efforts fall short. Why is this happening, and what can your company do to succeed with diversity and inclusion? That’s covered in Episode 20 of Faithful on the Clock.

Why Reaching Goals Can Bum You Out

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Everybody is aaaaaaall about goal setting. But what happens when you reach a goal and...it kind of sucks? This episode of Faithful on the Clock explains why reaching an objective can be a huge letdown. It includes two techniques for ensuring you don’t fall prey to the arrival fallacy and lose your joy.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:39] - The arrival fallacy is the false belief that we’ll feel happy if we just get to the goal we set.

[01:18] - A CEO I worked with experienced the arrival fallacy when he felt letdown after selling his business.

[01:54] - I personally experienced the arrival fallacy when I finished the half marathon I’d trained for.

[02:26] - Awareness of the arrival fallacy is important because there is currently such a strong emphasis on goal setting and OKRs.

[03:07] - Unless you approach goal setting the right way, there’s a risk every time that people will feel disappointed and that morale will fade.

[03:57] - The rule of thirds is one strategy for fighting the arrival fallacy.

[04:48] - The rule of thirds keeps you more present-minded and shifts the emphasis to the journey of what you’re doing. You can ask yourself how you are different and focus on growth.

[05:34] - Breaking goals down into smaller pieces can be another beneficial strategy because it provides a steadier supply of dopamine that can keep you motivated.

[06:43] - As a leader, celebrating and pacing yourself is critical for controlling dopamine and staying out of the dumps.

[07:32] - There’s a Biblical balance to the goal setting process.

[08:10] - No matter what we might plan, we have to allow God to stay in the driver’s seat. He’ll take care of us if we do.

[09:19] - Prayer

[10:15] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

The arrival fallacy is the concept that you’re ensured to feel happy after reaching a goal you set. Two real-life examples are my CEO friend who felt depressed after selling his company, and how I felt let down after running the half marathon I’d worked for.
There’s enormous pressure right now for individuals and teams to set goals constantly, as seen in the emphasis on OKRs. If you don’t approach those goals properly, you can see personal or team morale and culture decline.
The rule of thirds and breaking goals down into smaller points both are good strategies for keeping the arrival fallacy at bay. Pacing yourself, seeing your journey, and celebrating as you go are important.
From a Biblical perspective, aim for balance with your goal setting. Go ahead and set objectives, but understand that God is at the helm and respect the will He has for you. Trust Him to provide and don’t worry.

Relevant Links:

https://twitter.com/FaithfulOTC

https://www.instagram.com/faithfulontheclock/

https://www.pinterest.com/FaithfulOnTheClock/_created/

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12553140/

https://www.facebook.com/FaithfulOnTheClock

CTAs:

Break your goals up into smaller increments and celebrate accomplishments as you go.
Be OK with seeing the journey of what you’re doing. Apply the rule of thirds to keep yourself out of black and white thinking.
Ask God what goals to work for that will serve Him best.

What’s coming up next:

Today’s leaders are expected to be Jacks and Jills of all trades--they have to be managers, authors, speakers, and a million other things. Episode 19 of Faithful on the Clock dispels the myth that taking on lots of roles is the best course and guides you on how to stay in your lane for the long haul.

Picking Your Priorities When Everything Matters

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 05:45:00 -0500

You’ve got a million things on your plate. All of them really do have value and matter. How do you choose which to drop and which to pursue? This episode breaks down what to consider so you make great prioritizations, taking a look at the story of Lazarus to show a healthy approach to identifying your own goals and timing.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:41] - Right now, the number of things people are expected to do is extremely high. COVID-19 has only worsened the issue.

[01:35] - The common advice is to pick your top three priorities. But that is hard when everything truly is important. It’s not always just a matter of being overly ambitious or lacking discipline.

[02:10] - Strategy #1: Look for the item of highest impact that will have sway on the most things in your life or on the job.

[02:38] - Strategy #2: Identify the things you keep thinking about, because those are the things that, if handled, would likely give you peace of mind.

[03:03] - Strategy #3: Check your values. If the problem or task doesn’t align with what you hold precious or believe, drop it. This will reduce the odds you look back with regrets about your choices.

[03:37] - Strategy #4: Think about the people around you. Generally, the more people are influenced by the issue or task, the higher a priority it should be. But you have to consider the relationships, potential growth, and promises you’ve made carefully.

[04:08] - Strategy #5: Get feedback. You don’t have to always follow what others say, but listening to others can eliminate personal biases and help us decide what direction to take.

[04:56] - The Bible is very clear that God has to come first. Make Him the top priority and He will help everything else fall into place.

[06:43] - In the story of Lazarus, those close to Jesus prioritized Lazarus’ life and their own comfort and relationships. They wanted Jesus to come fast and prevent Lazarus from dying. But Jesus knew His priority was to glorify God. He was clear about His plan and worked on His own timing.

[08:00] - Like Jesus, we need to have the courage to do our own thing when our priorities don’t match what others expect or want. Staying aware of our plan and purpose can reduce our anxieties. It’s important to communicate what priorities we have and why so others understand us.

[09:01] - Prayer

[09:49] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Expectations and the number of things people are responsible for are extremely high, especially in the face of COVID-19.
People often say to just pick your top three priorities, but when everything really does have extreme weight, that’s difficult. It’s not just a matter of being overly ambitious or lacking discipline. But there are strategies that can help you pare it down.
Strategy #1: Look for the item of highest impact.
Strategy #2: Identify the area you can’t stop thinking about.
Strategy #3: Check your values.
Strategy #4: Consider the people around you.
Strategy #5: Get feedback from others to keep your own biases in check.
God must always come before everything else. He is always Priority #1.
The story of Lazarus shows that Jesus prioritized God when others were focused on other things (i.e., comfort in the face of death). He had a plan that didn’t match what society expected, and He worked on His own timing.
It is OK to use our own timing and plan, as Jesus did. We just need to be cognizant about it so that we don’t become anxious, and we need to communicate well so that others understand our priorities and know exactly what we’re working for.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Use the four strategies outlined in the episode to identify what should be a priority for you.
Support the show by subscribing, becoming a member, or signing up for the Faithful on the Clock email list.

What’s coming up next:

Setting goals is a must for organizations to succeed, but reaching them doesn’t always feel great. Episode 18 of Faithful on the Clock explores why reaching the finish line can be so disappointing, and how to ensure that your spirits don’t tank.

Delegating Without Losing Yourself

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Episode 16 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast exposes why delegating is a necessity in modern work, and why it presents two big dangers. The show includes three strategies for making your delegation more effective and authentic.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:36] - Nobody can do everything or be everywhere. So as you climb the ladder, you have to see delegating as an increasingly necessary part of your leadership.

[01:39] - Delegating has two dangers. You can become disconnected from the work and unmotivated, or your message can get diluted as it goes down the pipeline.

[02:19] - Recommendation #1: Get an amazing core team behind you. Don’t delegate to just anyone or let qualifications be the only reason you give someone a job. You have to find people you trust.

[03:19] - Getting a core team requires you to invest time in relationships.

[03:46] - Jesus and the disciples is a great example of building an effective, intimate core team.

[04:40] - Recommendation #2: Communicate your message clearly and often.

[5:38] - As part of good communication, set yourself up to check in with your core team on a regular basis.

[06:29] - Recommendation #3: Take time to reflect. Make adjustments as necessary and take ownership of your results.

[08:09] - Summary of 3 recommendations.

[08:30] - Effective delegation doesn’t mean a job is unimportant. It is always a demonstration of trust, and the way you thank others for that trust shows them how valuable they are to you. Don’t miss opportunities to show appreciation.

Key takeaways:

Delegating is necessary because no one can be everywhere or know everything. But it carries a risk of diluting your message and making you feel more disconnected from the work.
Good delegation requires building a core circle of people you can trust not only as experts, but as friends. They will know who you are in a way that better enables them to do your work. Jesus and His disciples are the best example of core circle development as relates to delegation.
Clear, consistent communication results in good delegation because it creates a better sense of personal certainty for you about what you’re doing. It also improves accountability because more people are exposed to the message and can internalize it. Checking in with your core circle regularly should be part of this.
Reflection should be an ongoing part of the entire delegation process. Start with identifying and connecting to your values. The reflection process helps you analyze the jobs, express their importance, and make improvements.
Delegating doesn’t mean a job isn’t important. Make sure people know they have the job because you believe in them, and express genuine gratitude for the work they do.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Invest in relationships to build a core circle you really can trust on a personal level.
Communicate what you want clearly and often.
Take time to reflect on your beliefs, priorities, and room for improvement.

What’s coming up next:

More and more, people have a million things on their plate. The message is super strong that everything is a priority. When it all seems important, how do you pick what to set aside? You’ll learn exactly what questions to ask yourself for good prioritization in Episode 17 of Faithful on the Clock.

Weaving a Network Web That Works

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 05:45:00 -0500

In the age of social media, it can seem like networking is easier and more effective than ever. But does it really work? This episode dissects the myth that big follower numbers means success and provides four strategies for creating stronger links that have true benefits.

Timestamps:

[00:06] - Intro

[00:37] - It’s tempting to see networking as being in a golden age.

[01:14] - Networking isn’t in a golden age--this is clearer if you look back at the way people used to network.

[01:49] - People used to put time and energy into finding the right people, not lots of people. They typically knew people they did business with on a personal level.

[02:21] - There’s a concept today that networking can be one-and-done, but that’s not true. You have to put in time.

[02:50] - There’s a tendency to see large followings as a sign of success, with some industries even refusing to partner with new people if they don’t have big enough accounts. But most links in large followings are really dead relationships.

[03:59] - You have to give up the idea that success in networking requires a big number. Researcher Robin Dunbar found that most people can have only about 150 meaningful relationships.

[04:47] - Jesus was successful because he found people who would spread his message well. Veering from this model and refusing people based on follower count does not support innovation from new minds at all, because it allows only people who already have some degree of success to get in the door.

[06:08] - Jesus’ network was small, but it was incredibly effective.

[06:34] - You still can use social media for good things.

[7:04] - Strategy 1: Make your values and goals clear in your profile and your posts.

[7:47] - Strategy 2: Understand what it is you can bring to the table. Go in knowing what your value proposition is and really communicate that.

[8:13] - Strategy 3: Start building your relationships early.

[8:30] - Strategy 4: Be physically visible.

[09:00] - Even with these strategies, there are other important considerations. But generally, think people, not platform.

[9:42] - Prayer

[10:40] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

It can feel like we are in a golden age of network because of how many options we have and the reach platforms get. But this is a myth.
People used to network very differently. They took business seriously, but they invested in finding the right people, not lots of people. They got to know the people they did business with on a personal level because they were geographically and technologically more limited.
Effective networking is not a one-and-done affair--you have to have repeated interactions and form real relationships.
There’s a tendency to see large followings as a sign of good networking, but most because no one can interact with thousands of people personally every day, most of the relationships in big accounts aren’t relationships at all. They have no two-way communication going on, and the bigger the account, the more likely it is that the account holder will make it harder, not easier, to personally connect.
Most people can hold only about 150 meaningful relationships. So give up the idea that good networking means big numbers.
Jesus didn’t bother with big numbers. He built a strong core circle instead and then trusted that circle to speak His message. His network was just 12 people, but it was arguably the most effective network in history.
You still can use social media, but you have to do it in a smart way.
There are four tips that can help you build a strong network, even on social media: 1) Make your values and goals clear in your profile and your posts. 2) Understand what it is you can bring to the table. Go in knowing what your value proposition is and really communicate that. 3) Start building your relationships early. 4) Be physically visible.
Your network is not a failure if you’ve truly changed the life of the people in that network. That’s what being an influencer really means.

Relevant Links:

Dunbar’s Number: Why We Can Only Maintain 150 Relationships

CTAs:

Use the four strategies outlined in the show to build new relationships that can help you develop yourself or your business.
Support the show by subscribing or signing up for the email list at faithfulontheclock.captivate.fm, or becoming a member at patreon.com/faithfulontheclock.

What’s coming up next:

The more your business grows, the more delegating becomes a reality. How can you do this, though, without losing a sense of purpose and connection to the work, or without your voice and message getting diluted? That’s coming up in Episode 16 of Faithful on the Clock.

Play Hard, Win Harder

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Episode 14 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast is all about having fun. Why let go of all the serious tradition? How can you make it affordable and natural for your team to get involved in shenanigans? Did God’s people ever celebrate when they worked? You’ll get answers to these questions, plus insights about how to use fun formally to keep investors beside you.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - Professionals used to be much more serious in their approach to business and had the attitude like any fun was somehow disrespectful or inefficient.

[01:10] - As leaders adopt a transparency mindset, they also are becoming more open to fun.

[01:46] - Leaders are adopting fun so people can form relationships, combat stress, and have something to look forward to as they work.

[03:18] - God’s people worked hard, but they celebrated and were joyful to balance their efforts.

[04:42] - There are a lot of options to have fun! Talk to your people to find out what they like.

[05:18] - Once you know what you are going to do for fun, it has to be communicated well and easy for people to do.

[06:01] - Your shenanigans should include everyone. Consider the circumstances different groups are in and be accommodating.

[06:36] - Be clear about your boundaries and the purpose for the fun. Make sure people understand they still have to be responsible and get things done along the way.

[07:13] - You can go as big or as small as you want with fun, but you can formalize it for the benefit of your board or shareholders, too.

[07:54] - Prayer

[08:44] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

Things used to be very serious in business. Professional meant professional--i.e., not being “disrespectful” by “wasting time” for fun. Now though, things are shifting.
People are becoming more receptive to fun in the workplace because it achieves multiple goals: It 1) allows people to know each other more deeply, 2) combats the stress that can hurt the bottom line, and 3) gives people something to look forward to and serves as a motivational tool.
Scripture shows that God’s people had a good balance between work and fun. They celebrated together and took time to take stock. They knew that frustrating leaders and making their authority less fun wasn’t going to be a good thing.
You have lots of options for how to have fun, but don’t assume. Really find out what people will respond to.
Once you know what fun things you want to do, communicate well. All of your communications can reinforce your “why” and the values of the business.
No matter what you choose to do for fun, you should make a conscious effort to include everyone.
Clarify boundaries for the shenanigans. People should know the purpose the activities are meant to serve and what your expectations are (or are not).
You can go as big or as small or as formal or informal as you want with your fun. But it’s possible to verify the benefits for investors and others via metrics if needed.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Find out what your team sees as fun and relaxing to do. Make a conscious effort to bring those types of activities into your business for everyone in ways that can deliver verifiable, metrics-based outcomes.

What’s coming up next:

Episode 15 of Faithful on the Clock tackles networking. How do you connect with people well with social media at every turn? You’ll get tips for strong connections and more in a serious look at the importance of follower numbers.

Cementing the Bricks of a Legacy Brand

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Most companies won’t last the decade, let alone the century. So how do you beat the odds and create a legacy brand people know for generations? This episode of Faithful on the Clock uses Jesus’ approach to storytelling to give you some solid guidelines.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:44] - Definition of a brand

[01:07] - Branding is just about differentiation, but leaders get caught between how to respond to the changing world and maintain the differentiation they’ve already established.

[01:45] - Jesus told many parables on the same theme. He changed the story approach, but not the core concept.

[03:05] - Building a legacy brand works the same way as Jesus did with his storytelling. You find your value proposition or core idea and then just cling to that, adapting the messaging rather than the theme.

[03:50] - Jesus was very good at turning to His history--the history of Israel--to guide his decisions.

[04:57] - Like Jesus, lean on your history. Use it as guardrails when making branding decisions.

[05:45] - Keeping good records, democratizing your data, and putting a CBO on your board all are practical ways to ensure you maintain your brand voice over time.

[06:58] - Summary of points

[07:15] - Prayer

[08:11] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

A brand is simply how you differentiate yourself in the market. Companies can have one or more brands.
The conundrum for today’s leaders is how to stay true to their brand’s original value proposition while still serving customers in a way that’s relevant to the time.
Jesus often used multiple parables to get the same point across. He never changed the core theme.
Branding in terms of building legacy works the same way as Jesus’ storytelling approach. You can change the analogies or approach, but you don’t mess with the central core.
Jesus routinely leaned on His history to make sure He stayed true to his purpose and to correct both people and Satan.
Just as Jesus looked back at His history, look at the history of your company for guardrails. If the new messaging honors that history, then you’re probably safe.
Good strategies that can help you build a legacy brand are keeping good records, democratizing your data, and putting a Chief Brand Officer on your board.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Lean into your brand’s value proposition and use your company’s history to decide whether changes to your messaging are appropriate. Change the parable, not the theme.

What’s coming up next:

Business is serious stuff, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with your team. Episode 14 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast explores why you should include some silliness and play in your operations, as well as some strategies for letting it all loose.

An Ever-Present Help

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Scripture is clear that we always can come to God, who is an ever-present help. We, however, often drop the ball when it comes to responding to asks. This episode stresses the importance of paying attention and responding to the effort people make to put themselves out there.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:39] - Companies are becoming more human-centric and mental health is coming to the fore. More leaders are trying to take care of their mental health.

[01:44] - There’s a push to normalize the ask in mental health. There’s no question that we can ask God for anything at any time, although He might simply decline our request.

[02:53] - We can get disconnected from people so that, even if people come to us and say what they want or need, we drop the ball.

[03:37] - Don’t let the ball drop after the ask, and don’t assume someone’s grit will carry them through. They need someone to open doors, and how you react to their ask makes a difference.

[04:21] - Composer Aaron Copland went to bat for Leonard Bernstein. Their story demonstrates the difference it can make when someone who already has clout listens and advocates.

[06:00] - You have an obligation to at least listen for asks. Being intentional about helping is important because people don’t always know where they need to be. They need your expertise to sort it out.

[07:09] - Like all leaders, you have a choice about whether to help.

[08:16] - Prayer

[09:10] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

As businesses become more transparent, leaders are working hard to fight mental health stigmas. They are becoming more willing to participate in activities that support their well-being or the well-being of others.
As part of current mental health campaigns, organizations are encouraging people to speak up and ask for help.
God is always willing to hear our ask. He pays attention to our needs and desires constantly.
It can be difficult to respond to asks and help others in the modern office. Your challenge, however, is not to drop the ball.
The story of Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein is an excellent example of a leader being responsive and helping someone else.
You have an obligation to look for the asks, not just because people are still getting comfortable coming to others, but also because your expertise might show you what might be good for others to try and do.
Follow God’s example of being a help wherever you can. Don’t assume that other people will make it just on their own grit.

Relevant Links:

New Survey Says CEOs Really Do Care About Their Mental Health

Letter from Aaron Copland to Andre Kostelanetz, September 3, 1942

Why Grit Alone Won’t Get You Success (and What Else You Need)

CTAs:

Pay attention for indirect and direct asks, and follow God’s example of being a help wherever you can.
Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member of the show.

What’s coming up next:

Only a small number of brands can be considered “legacy” brands--most are lucky to last just a few years. Episode 13 of the podcast explores how to connect with your history and tell your story in a way that ensures multi-generational success.

Disciplined But Never Whipped

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 05:45:00 -0500

To stand out and succeed, you need discipline, right? But what prizes does it really help you win, and what’s the right way to make sure everybody follows the rules. We’ll cover that and four strategies for building personal discipline in this episode of Faithful on the Clock.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - Discipline is not just perfectly black and white. Don’t try to label yourself too hard.

[01:15] - Discipline is something you can learn, and levels vary. Knowing where the bar is for expectations and understanding you can grow is important at the office.

[01:33] - Discipline is hard.

[02:30] - Discipline has metrics-based profits as well as interpersonal benefits.

[03:10] - Good leaders enforce rules because they want everyone to enjoy good things. Like God, they care.

[04:42] - How you discipline matters. Don’t make people suffer, but find ways to use positive reinforcements.

[05:28] - Discipline needs to be gradual and increase in severity over time according to the spirit of forgiveness. It should not come as a surprise.

[06:02] - Forgive yourself just as you do others. Keep your eye on the prize.

[06:32] - Improving discipline isn’t just a matter of making good plans. You have to get yourself to follow through!

[07:04] - Having an accountability buddy can motivate you to consistent behavior and help you reach your goals.

[07:57] - Temptation or habit bundling can help you with discipline because most of our habits are driven by repetition.

[08:54] - Creating hurdles is another discipline strategy that works.

[09:20] - Set small goals so your experience is positive and you want to continue with your habit. For example, if I want to run a marathon, I start out with just a ¼ of a mile.

[10:46] - Strategy recap

[11:10] - It’s possible to be too self-disciplined, so be careful.

[12:07] - Have some fun! Work should bring joy.

[12:33] - Prayer

[13:19] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

You don’t have to label yourself as “disciplined” or “undisciplined”. You can be consistent in some things and not others, and there’s variation in discipline levels across cultures. But you and your team do need to know what the expectations are and understand it’s possible to adapt.
1 Corinthians 9:24 clarifies that not everybody wins the race. We do have to do something different and put in real effort to win.
Discipline has both tangible and interpersonal benefits. Good leaders enforce rules because they want people to enjoy good things, and because it’s less stressful to know everything is working/protected.
Discipline is hard and unpleasant. So as a leader, be compassionate. Gradually increase punishment and don’t let punishments catch people off guard. Use positive reinforcements wherever you can. Be as forgiving to yourself as you are to others.
There are four key strategies to improve discipline: 1) Find an accountability buddy. 2) Use habit bundling. 3) Set up hurdles. 4) Start with small goals.
You can take discipline too far, which puts you at risk of burnout. So don’t be too strict. Have some fun and let yourself be joyful.

Relevant Links:

ASTD Handbook for Measuring and Evaluating Training

What Does It Really Take to Build a New Habit?

CTAs:

Be careful how you discipline yourself and others. Approach punishment with a spirit of forgiveness.
Use the four outlined strategies to become more consistent in behaviors or tasks of your choice.
Build some fun into your work and don’t be too disciplined. Remember God laughs and that work should bring joy!

What’s coming up next:

Today’s companies face a market that changes faster than ever. Is it possible to achieve true brand consistency and build a legacy that can last for decades or even centuries? We’ll cover that and give you tips for staying true to your original brand voice in Episode 12 of Faithful on the Clock.

Loving Leadership: Commanded to Empathy

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 05:45:00 -0500

In this episode of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll learn why empathy helps your company’s bottom line and how it helps you fulfill the second commandment to love your neighbor as you lead. Need to build your empathy? You’ll get three practical tips on how to do that, too.

Timestamps:

[00:06] - Intro

[00:38] - Leaders are shifting from a product-centric mindset to a relationship- or human-centric mindset.

[01:55] - Why leaders are putting more emphasis on empathy

[03:35] - The old way of thinking is gone, but you can be confident that empathy is financially helpful.

[04:00] - Behaving empathetically is scripturally supported in the story of Adam and Eve.

[04:22] - The story of Lazarus shows that Jesus had empathy for others.

[05:23] - There are three main ways to build empathy.

[05:40] - Strategy #1: Experience stuff

[06:26] - Strategy #2: Shift how you listen

[07:09] - Strategy #3: Ask tons of questions

[08:06] - There are other ways to build empathy, but these strategies are a good start.

[08:22] - Prayer

[09:18] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

In the past, leaders focused on products and market share, and they separated their personal and professional lives. Today, though, leaders are focusing on relationships, because they know that people are looking for purpose and want to do business with companies whose values align with their own.
You can be confident that an empathetic approach benefits the bottom line by raising morale, productivity, etc. But it is also scripturally supported. The story of Adam and Eve shows we were made to connect, and the story of Lazarus demonstrates that Jesus had empathy for others.
There are three main ways to build empathy--1) experiencing stuff, 2) shifting the way you listen, and 3) asking lots of questions.
Other mindfulness techniques, such as journaling, can support empathy, as well.

Relevant Links:

Help your employees find purpose--or watch them leave

71% of Consumers Prefer Buying from Companies Aligned with Their Values

CTAs:

Use the three strategies identified in this podcast to become more empathetic on the job.
Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member of the show.

What’s coming up next:

How does good self-discipline benefit you at work? Is there a way to help others be more self-disciplined as you go? That’s coming up in Episode 7 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast.

Sewing Deeper Pockets

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:45:00 -0500

For most professionals, money is a motivator. But what does the Bible say about wealth? Can you really be rich and follow Jesus at the same time? In this episode, we’ll explore the story of King Solomon to find out.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:41] - Most businesses want to make profits as much as they want to serve, which can create an ethical conflict for a lot of Christian professionals.

[01:31] - Multiple scriptures warn about the danger of financial idolatry, including the story of the rich man in Matthew 19.

[03:06] - Scripture shows that God often rewarded His followers with material wealth. King Solomon is the best example of this. Because He asked for wisdom to rule with, God gave him not only wisdom, but wealth, too.

[05:58] - Solomon’s wealth was a consequence of his faith. It made other people, such as the Queen of Sheeba, recognize how powerful God was.

[08:50] Solomon and the rich man were different when it comes to attitude of heart. It’s difficult to stop coveting if, like the rich man, you sought money first. But if you love God first, then it’s OK to take whatever reward He offers to you and reinvest it for His glory.

[10:39] I do not believe in the prosperity gospel. God will give what He gives, and there are no guarantees about what His rewards to us will be, even though we can have the confidence to ask for anything. Invest because it’s the right thing, not because you’re expecting some ROI.

[12:30] Prayer

[13:30] Outro

Key takeaways:

Companies usually want to serve, but they want profits, too.
Because of specific verses in the Bible, many people have gotten the idea that having money is wrong. They advocate a life of simplicity or even poverty.
Despite warnings about financial idolatry, scripture also shows that God often rewards faithful people with material wealth. Lot, Abram, Job, and King Solomon are just some of the examples.
King Solomon’s wealth was massive, even by today’s standards. But Solomon’s wealth was a reward. It was not something he asked for. His heart was for God, not money, and subsequently, he had far more than he needed.
Solomon’s wealth attracted attention. It served as a testimony to God’s greatness and even caused the Queen of Sheeba to praise Him.
Unlike Solomon, the rich man who walked away from Jesus did not have God first in his heart. If you have a habit of coveting money, then it’s difficult to change course and follow God instead.
Accept whatever gift God chooses to give you, money or otherwise.
The prosperity gospel is a consequence of modern bias toward tangible rewards. Give because it’s the right thing, not because you expect anything back. Recognize and respect that, while you should have the confidence to ask for anything, God can say no if He chooses.

Relevant Links:

Beyond Billions: Create Lasting Wealth Using Trillionaire Solomon’s Success Secrets

Richest men in history: Vladimir Putin, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett aren’t even close

CTAs:

Put God first and use anything He rewards you with to glorify Him.
Give because it is right, not because you expect a reward back.

What’s coming up next:

In any job or company, people are the biggest asset, which means that empathy is your sharpest sword. The next episode of Faithful on the Clock looks at why empathy is so critical in great leadership and offers 3 ways to cultivate empathy in yourself for great results.

Dealing with Difficult People

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:45:00 -0500

You know the ones. The people who play office politics, whine, constantly interrupt, or let their ego run rampant. In this episode of Faithful on the Clock, we’ll cover how to deal with these “difficult” people so your team is strong and the office is a great place to be.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - Just about everyone has stories about difficult people at work, but getting along is essential because relationships support everything else, such as morale.

[01:10] - There is always a reason behind someone’s difficult behavior. If you learn what that is, then you can be empathetic instead of assuming that the other person is intentionally malicious.

[02:05] - I had a difficult coworker who was very negative. I initially focused on that negativity.

[02:44] - After refocusing on the “why” behind my coworker’s behavior, I was able to reorient myself and be helpful to them. Similarly, you can help others; you just need to know their “why” first.

[06:00] - Relationships are always two-sided, so consider how, if at all, you are contributing to the conflict.

[07:40] - Follow proper procedures and protocols, document everything, and go to your boss/HR if needed. They have a responsibility to create a safe culture.

[08:38] - If your company’s leadership will not help you, consider whether it is worth it to stay in the toxic environment. Don’t be afraid to leave if that’s what’s healthiest for you.

[09:22] - Summary of four main points

[09:58] - Prayer

[10:56] - Outro/what’s coming up

Key takeaways:

Dealing with difficult people is critical at work because when your relationships are solid, performance, morale, and other points all improve.
From dealing with a former coworker, I learned that there is always a reason for the way someone behaves on the job. If you set aside your personal feelings or perception that it’s a personal attack, you can look for that reason and be more empathetic.
Because people will mirror you, and because management might discipline you for any retaliation, be loving, pray for the people who offend or trouble you, and focus on doing your job.
Make sure that you are self-accountable and consider what role, if any, you play in conflicts. Be an inspiration or support rather than a stumbling block.
Follow policies and procedures to the letter, communicate with management to the best of your ability, and if needed, leave the environment if it has become truly toxic.

Relevant Links:

Mirror Neurons: How We Reflect on Behavior

Become a Better Leader by Consciously Modeling Leadership Behaviors

CTAs:

Look for the deeper reason behind someone else’s behavior.
Respond in love/kindness rather than retaliation.
Consider how you contribute to tough scenarios and take responsibility for your part.
Follow your company’s policies and procedures in trying to raise concerns about others. If management does not respond properly, draw a limit about when you will leave the toxic environment.

What’s coming up next:

Money is the root of all evil--or is it? In the next episode of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll learn whether having wealth is okay as a Christian professional, and what that means for the attitude you need to have as you experience success.

Failure Isn't Fatal

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:45:00 -0500

You’ve probably felt like you messed up royally at some point. Failed yourself. Others. God. But don’t count yourself out. Failure isn’t the end, and what to do when it happens is simple.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - I recently experienced a personal failure at a writers’ conference.

[01:42] - Current culture makes us think that success should be easy and leaves us unprepared to handle failure well.

[02:25] - Most successful entrepreneurs and innovators were serial failures.

[02:47] - God knows how many times you’ve struck out, but He looks at forward potential.

[03:14] - The Prodigal Son and the story of Peter’s denial both show that failure doesn’t mean we’re “done”.

[03:50] - One of the big problems is that we have our own perception of what is supposed to happen. We don’t always see what God has in the works.

[04:44] - To deal with failure well, we have to accept that we might not have all the puzzle pieces.

[05:13] - You still might have to deal with the consequences of a failure, even if you are forgiven.

[06:09] - When you feel like you’ve failed, don’t count yourself out. Be transparent and ask for help.

[06:56] - Prayer

[07:50] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

After getting feedback about my novel at a writer’s conference, I felt like I’d failed.
Culture has fed us the idea that success is easy to achieve and that there’s something wrong with you if you fail. We’re not prepared for it well. But most successful people failed multiple times, often in huge ways.
God is aware of every failure you make, but He always looks at what you still are capable of doing. The Prodigal Son and Peter’s denial are examples that show that God doesn’t count us out even when we miss the mark.
We don’t always have all the puzzle pieces about what God is trying to do, so our perception about whether we’ve failed or succeeded isn’t always accurate.
Forgiveness after a failure doesn’t mean you won’t have consequences to deal with.
When you fail, be honest and transparent and ask for help, rather than hiding what’s happened or how you feel.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Be upfront with others and God when you fail. Be genuine with your sorry and trust that God will still use you.
Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member of the show.

What’s coming up next:

Naggy Nancy. Narcissistic Newman. You know them. But when you encounter difficult people like this at the office, what should you do? How would God want you to deal with people who stress you out and cause trouble? Learn practical strategies for keeping conflicts under control when others don’t make it easy in Episode 8 of Faithful on the Clock.

Work-Life Balance: Getting Off the Teeter-Totter

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Work-life balance--is that even possible? In this episode, you’ll learn a new way to view this concept. Plus, you'll get four strategies to keep yourself moving forward.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:37] - Because I was small, I used to get bounced around on the teeter-totters in elementary school, which was really scary. Work-life balance kind of feels the same way.

[01:45] - Work-life balance is more complicated than a simple back and forth and is more like balancing on a Bosu ball.

[02:32] - Good work-life balance is more about having good self-awareness and seeing that you need to recuperate regardless of how things interconnect.

[03:30] - Scriptures such as Proverbs 31 show the value of hard work.

[04:34] - Jesus had good self-awareness about when he needed a break.

[04:52] - Jesus routinely went off and changed his environment to be able to pray and refocus.

[05:56] - Genesis shows God took rest. But he did it to reflect and appreciate what was good.

[06:26] - Part of work-life balance is praising God and showing appreciation.

[07:07] - Know what your goals are so you can stay out of the weeds. You don’t have to take every opportunity.

[07:47] - Do some mindfulness tracking to recognize your patterns and figure out when you need to make adjustments.

[08:24] - Summary of key work-life balance tips

[09:00] - Prayer

[09:50] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

I used to struggle on the teeter-totters and be terrified of them because I was so small. Trying to achieve work-life balance can feel the same way, like we’re getting bounced around and aren’t solid as we pivot.
The traditional view of work-life balance is an example of black and white thinking. It isn’t realistic given that so many parts of our lives intersect and overlap.
Working hard has value, and we have to get up and do. But we also need to be self-aware and recognize when we need to recharge to do our best. Jesus had good self-awareness.
There are four tips that can help with work-life balance: #1, take charge of the environment and try to get into a place where it’s just you and God with no distractions. #2, praise God, #3, key in on what your goals are, and #4, track how you’re doing.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Follow the four tips mentioned in the episode to improve your work-life balance.
Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member of the show.

What’s coming up next:

Ever screw things up? Yeah, me, too. But failure isn’t the end of the story. In Episode 7, you’ll get some examples of how God’s followers fell short, and how God still used them for His glory.

Unlikely Heroes

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:45:00 -0500

We tend to think we can spot important people coming, and we see some jobs as more prestigious than others. But God can turn all this upside-down in an instant and always has a plan. Here’s what that means for being joyful no matter what role or title you have.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:39] - American culture promotes the idea that some jobs are more important than others, and that you can predict who will do well.

[01:26] - God tends to flip the usual script about class and expectation on its head.

[01:43] - Flip-the-Script example #1: The story of Moses

[02:14] - Flip-the-Script example #2: The story of Joseph

[03:01] - Flip-the-Script example #3: Jesus

[04:11] - God’s flips are intentional, and the ability to find joy in work is a gift.

[04:56] - The purpose of work is to keep us from languishing and feeling useless.

[05:52] - You don’t need the best title or to be jealous, and God can use you even if you don’t feel qualified.

[06:44] - Prayer

[0:7:43] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

In American society, people tend to accept that some jobs hold more weight and that success is predictable, but God flips the script about class and expectation on its head.
The stories of Moses, Joseph, and Jesus are all good examples of God using unlikely people and turning them into heroes.
God flips the script on purpose so that nobody can boast when they get to Heaven.
The ability to find joy in work is a gift, and it keeps us from feeling bad as we wait to be reunited with the Father.
Because God can take anyone from obscurity and always has a plan, there’s no reason for you to feel jealous or worry about having the best job. God can use you for anything and call you up at any moment, and He’ll stay with you no matter what He calls you to do.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Avoid being jealous of others in "better" jobs and instead look for ways to take joy where you are, trusting that God knows exactly what the plan for you is.
Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member for the show.

What’s coming up next:

Just about everybody struggles with work-life balance. But is there even such a thing? You’ll find out and get four ways to pull it all together in Episode 6 of Faithful on the Clock.

Real Leaders Aren't Fake

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 05:45:00 -0500

If you want to be successful, you have to fake it till you make it a little, right? Maybe not. This episode explains why this traditional approach no longer fits in modern business culture, and why it’s not a good way for Christian business people to get ahead.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:36] - What we mean by “fake it till you make it”--and the science that backs it up

[01:38] - Why “fake it till you make it” is risky

[02:59] - The real question isn’t whether faking it works, but rather whether you should in the sense of values and ethics.

[03:51] - You cannot hide the truth of what you are or know from God.

[04:18] - Your coworkers are not who you must face on Judgment Day.

[04:41] - A better approach than faking it

[06:10] - The spotlight effect--an example from HBO Max on why you shouldn’t worry

[07:56] - Prayer

[8:42] - Outro/what’s coming up

[09:17] - Postroll CTA

Key takeaways:

“Fake it ‘til you make it” has some potential benefits, and there’s some research to back it up. But it’s a risky approach because you can lose everything if people discover you’ve manipulated them.
“Fake it ‘til you make it” usually depends on lying, and scripture is clear that God wants you to speak truthfully.
You cannot hide who you are from God. Because He is the one you will face on Judgment Day, it’s better to worry about what He wants than to be dishonest in an attempt to fit in and please others.
Many people overestimate how much others will notice or punish them. This is part of the Spotlight Effect. Real-world examples show that people can be much more compassionate and empathetic than you might expect them to be.
If you are anxious about what others will think of you or have fear, you should give that to God and ask Him for courage, rather than presenting a fake picture of who you are.

Relevant Links:

What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)?

Nonverbal Communication and Body Language

The Spotlight Effect

Twitter Feed: HBOMaxHelp

Why it’s time to end the toxic culture of ‘fake it till you make it’

CTAs:

Ask people for feedback. Be honest and go to God when you are anxious or unsure, having faith that He will give you the courage you need and confidence that He will have your back.
Head on over to Patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member for the show.

What's coming up next:

God has a tendency to flip the script when it comes to class and expectations. Episode 5 of Faithful on the Clock explains how God can do this for you, and how you can be happy no matter what job or role you might have.

The False Security of Planning

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:45:00 -0500

Professionals tend to see themselves as great planners, and they do tons of strategizing. But what happens when you let go of the need to lay everything out and listen for God's plan instead?

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:36] - Strategy is important for mitigating risk, and there is a huge push for people to do what gives them a sense of control because work is so stressful.

[01:46] - The concept of control can lead you to trust no one but yourself, rather than accepting joy and peace as gifts.

[02:34] - There's always something else to tackle, so at some point you have to let it go.

[03:20] - You don't have to plan everything, because God already is in the driver's seat. It's not your job to worry about everything.

[04:52] - Peter and Andrew, two of Jesus' disciples, listened to God's plan and let God upend them. You need to listen for and respond to God's call in the same way, rather than always relying on your own plan.

[06:32] - Prayer

[07:18] - Outro/what's coming up next

[07:52] - Postroll CTA

Key takeaways:

Strategy matters for managing risk, and work can be stressful. Research shows that a sense of control can reduce stress, and it's the perception of control, not whether we actually have control, that makes the difference. So there's a big push in business to have people look for anything they can control to help them feel better.
The problem with looking to your own planning for a sense of control is that it can make you trust nobody but yourself, rather than accepting peace and joy as gifts from God.
Because there's always something to tackle, you have to let it go at some point, or you will see potential disasters everywhere.
You don't have to plan everything because God is (and always has been) in the driver's seat. And although He wants you to act wisely, it's not your job to handle everything. Your job is to trust God and follow His plan.
Peter and Andrew are examples of two people who let God upend their plans for good.
Be responsible, but don't try to carry everything.

Relevant Links:

Self-Efficacy and the Perception of Control in Stress Reduction

Zeignarnik Effect: How Incomplete Tasks Trigger Stress [Mental Models]

CTAs:

Be responsible and plan where it makes sense, but be courageous enough to let go and draw clear planning boundaries, even if you meet resistance from others who still believe they have to do everything themselves.
Head on over to Patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member for the show.

What’s coming up next:

In Episode 4 of Faithful on the Clock, we’ll tackle the "fake it ‘til you make it" concept. Find out a better way to make a great impression built on truth and authenticity.

The Purpose of Self-Development

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 06:15:00 -0500

Taking classes, doing training, maybe learning a hobby or language…most professionals see this kind of self-development as a must to get ahead. But in this second episode of Faithful on the Clock, we’ll explore why self-development isn’t about YOU at all, and how you can use it to reflect who God is.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:27] - The traditional view of self-development

[01:25] - The traditional view of self-development is backward because joy, peace, and security are gifts rather than things to be earned.

[02:33] - The purpose of self-development is to reflect the image, potential, and nature of God.

[03:37] - You do not have to be perfect as you engage in self-development, but you are called to do what is difficult and right to set yourself apart as a believer.

[05:46] - Think about how your self-development can serve God any time you feel motivated to try something new and grow, and look for “off-label” uses for what you learn.

[06:32] - Prayer

[07:23] - Outro/next episode preview

[07:57] - Postroll CTA

Key takeaways:

The traditional view of self-development is egocentric and focuses on how growth can benefit you. The scriptural view of self-development is God-centric and focuses on how growth can benefit Him.
The benefits we usually associate with self-development, such as security or joy, actually are gifts from God. We cannot earn or manufacture them.
Self-development is a way to acknowledge the original intent God had for us, and that we are meant to reflect who He is. It is a way to model to others the potential and character He has, and to be prepared for service.
None of us can be perfect, be we are still called to try to be as much like God as we can be.
The more open you are to how your self-development could serve God, the more opportunities you’ll see to apply your new skills or abilities for Him.

Relevant Links:

The Real Reason Self-Development Matters for Christians

CTAs:

Think beyond your business when you go through self-development. Focus on whether the self-development could help you testify or give God glory.
Go to Patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member for the show.

What's coming up next:

Leaders often do extensive planning to mitigate risk, but is that really the best way to make a good decision without stress? How can giving up control and not planning it all get you better results, and if you’re not in control, then who is?

How You Can Help

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Want to get involved with the Faithful on the Clock podcast? There’s a lot you can do! In this third bonus episode, you’ll learn the top four ways you can help right now.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:32] - Support Option #1 - Become a member at patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock.

[02:08] - Support Option #2 - Share the show to others on social, on your website, in person, etc.

[03:12] - Support Option #3 - Leave a review!

[03:46] - Support Option #4 - Get in touch and share your thoughts and ideas.

[04:42] - Additional ways to support the show might be available later, but start with these four support options.

[5:24] - Prayer

[6:25] - Outro

Key takeaways:

You can support the show in four key ways, including 1) becoming a member at patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock, 2) sharing the show to others, 3) leaving a review, and 4) getting in touch with me and sharing what you think or what you’d like.
Additional support options might become available.
You can support the show in a way that is uniquely you based on what God has given you.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Support the show through becoming a member at patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock, mentioning it to others, reviewing, or getting in touch.
Become a subscriber to Faithful on the Clock.
Sign up to get email updates from the show.

What’s coming up next:

Upcoming Topics Sneak Peak

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

What’s coming up on the Faithful on the Clock podcast? In this second bonus episode, you’ll get a sneak peak so you know exactly what you cannot miss through September 2021.

Timestamps:

[00:03] - Intro

[00:37] - Topics for the month of August 2021

[01:35] - Topics for the month of September 2021

[02:21] - You can contact me with any thoughts or ideas you have for the show.

[02:57] - Prayer

[03:41] - Outro

Key takeaways:

Topics for the month of August will cover self-development, planning, the fake it till you make it ideology, and the tendency of God to use unlikely people to do His best work.
Topics for the month of September will cover work-life balance, failure, handling difficult people at the office, and whether you can follow God and be wealthy at the same time.

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Contact me with any thoughts or ideas you might have for the show.
Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member for the show.

What’s coming up next:

Thank You!

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Want to join us on social media?

We'd love to have you stay up-to-date with the show on all our platforms!

In this episode...

Thank You!

https://faithfulontheclock.com/thank-you

Putting out a podcast takes a ton of work. So this first bonus episode of Faithful on the Clock is all about giving huge shoutouts to all the people who made the show possible.

Timestamps:

[00:03] - Intro

[00:27] - Thanks to business professionals that broadened perspective

[01:33] - Thanks to friends and colleagues

[01:57] - Thanks to family

[03:11] - Thanks to God

[04:15] - Prayer

[05:23] - Outro/thanks to listeners

[06:02] - Post-roll CTA

Key takeaways:

All the people I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and working with have given me the perspective necessary to do the show and are a major source of inspiration.
My friends and colleagues on social media have been incredibly supportive and have encouraged me through their conversations and guidance.
My husband has been a major help, listening to ideas and even helping with the end-of-show post-roll. And even though I wanted to do the show to inspire my kids, they are inspiring me by telling me to keep going and that it sounds great.
I initially didn’t think I was going to start a Christian podcast. I thought I’d do something like voiceovers with my mic instead. But God has given me a great opportunity, and I hope that I can make something of it for years into the future.
Without you, the listeners, there would be no show. THANK YOU!

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

Send me messages and share the podcast!
Visit patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock to become a supporting member of the show.

Support the show!

Support this Podcast

Welcome to Faithful on the Clock!

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Want to join us on social media?

We'd love to have you stay up-to-date with the show on all our platforms!

In this episode...

Welcome to Faithful on the Clock!

https://faithfulontheclock.com/episode-1-welcome-to-faithful-on-the-clock

In this very first episode of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll learn about me--your host, Wanda Thibodeaux--and why I stepped up to the mic. We’ll lay out exactly how this faith-centered podcast can help you live and do business better, and I’ll share my favorite verse that can keep you grounded through any job.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:45] - Bio/background

[02:22] - Missions for the show

[03:05] - Favorite inspirational scripture verse about work

[04:31] - Prayer

[05:07] - Outro/next episode preview

[05:30] - Postroll CTA

Key takeaways:

I’ve been writing professionally since 2006.
Through my writing experience, I got the sense that people were desperate to find relief from systems and demands that just weren’t working.
My first mission through the podcast is to grow your relationship with God. The second is to give you clear direction and integrity about how to work so you can be truly happy and successful.
My favorite work-related scripture is John 9:4, which reminds believers that we are all working with Jesus, and that, someday, that work will be done and God’s promises all will be fulfilled. There is no greater work to prioritize than that service.

Relevant Links:

http://takingdictation.com

https://twitter.com/WandaThibodeaux

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanda-thibodeaux-b3902011/

https://www.facebook.com/Wanda-Thibodeaux-1951681111564648

https://wandathibodeaux.medium.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrxMm2o7nVc

CTAs:

Check out my work at Takingdictation.com or follow me on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Medium.
Memorize John 9:4--take that verse and put it somewhere you can see it every day.
Become a supporting member of the Faithful on the Clock podcast by visiting Patreon.com/FaithfulOnTheClock and selecting the price tier that works for you.

What's coming up next:

Episode 2 of Faithful on the Clock dives into why self-development matters for Christians. Learn the reason it’s so important for you to grow and become better, aside from just moving up the ladder.

Support the show!

Support this Podcast

Faithful on the Clock Trailer

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Want to join us on social media?

We'd love to have you stay up-to-date with the show on all our platforms!

In this episode...

Faithful on the Clock Trailer

https://faithfulontheclock.com/trailer

In this Faithful on the Clock trailer, host Wanda Thibodeaux summarizes the purpose of the podcast--to get your faith and work aligned. You'll learn what you'll find in every future episode to help you invest in yourself and God's bottom line. You'll discover how to support the show on Patreon, too. Are you ready to listen for just five minutes a week and start what might turn out to be the biggest transformation of your life?

Support the show!

Support this Podcast