Calibrate the Compass

As I look ahead at 2008, there’s no way to escape the reality of the change that lies ahead. The coming year promises a few swells and surges that will rock the tranquil boat ride I’ve enjoyed over the past several years.

* My wife begins the New Year with a major change in her schedule having just left her job,
* We will embark on a new ministry opportunity with young married couples in a few weeks,
* Our middle child will be changing colleges; moving 3 hours away from home,
* Our youngest will graduate from High School in May,
* Our oldest will be getting married in the Summer,
* And a major re-organization at work has left several senior executive positions up for grabs, guaranteeing some unnerving instability for a while.

Although these events are exciting and mark positive milestones in our lives, they all involve stretching me into uncharted territory which, to say the least, can be pretty uncomfortable.

Times like these call for a well calibrated compass; a dependable gauge that will ensure a consistent heading as the once familiar elements around me surrender to the unfamiliar. For me, that compass is the confidence that comes from faithful prayer and Scripture reading. By protecting my time alone with God in prayer and Bible study, I can maintain a “true North” heading. I invite you to help me stay the course!

“If Christ himself needed to retire occasionally to the mountain-top to pray, lesser men need not be ashamed to admit that necessity.”—B. H. Streeter

Glad I Lost My Wallet

We've all had those moments when God takes us on a little journey full of unexpected twists and turns; usually with a surprise outcome that humbly reminds us that WE are not the center of the universe. Sometimes the events and situations in our lives are pointedly orchestrated for the benefit of others. I had one of those experiences a couple of weeks ago. I had been working in Amarillo for a couple of days and was anxious to be returning home on a Friday. I checked out of the hotel in my usual rush and headed to work. The morning was fairly uneventful but as I started out the door to meet a couple of folks for lunch, I realized that my wallet was not in my pocket. Of course my heart started racing and I could feel the blood rushing to my head. I quickly retraced all my steps, checked all my pockets a thousand times, emptied my backpack, searched the car with a fine tooth comb...no wallet. I decided that it just HAD to be somewhere in the hotel so I drove back across town; all the while replaying in my mind the frustration of having to cancel my credit cards, borrow gas money to get home, get my license replaced....uuuugh.

I was FURIOUS with myself for doing something so stupid. I entered the hotel on this last ditch effort to find my wallet. I guess the manager could see the anxiety written all over my face because as I approached the front desk he said, "you must be Mr. Boen." I took this as a good sign and immediately felt overwhelmed with relief. He explained that the housekeeper had found my wallet when she was cleaning the room and had just brought it down to him. Incredibly thankful, I pulled out some cash and asked him if he would pass it on to the housekeeper. With a big grin on his face as though he had just come up with a brilliant idea, he said he would "do me one better" and let me personally give it to her. I obliged and he began to lead me down the hall to a conference room. As we walked he explained that the housekeepers were just beginning to gather for a meeting. We entered the conference room and there must have been about 30 housekeepers chatting it up waiting for the meeting to start. The manager briefly explained the story of the lost wallet and asked the housekeeper to come forward. Nobody moved at first but then someone translated the story in Spanish and everyone began to applaud. The housekeeper sheepishly approached the front of the room and I grasped her hand, "Gracias, Gracias." As I slipped the cash into her hand, she began to cry, covered her face, and returned the "thank yous." I quickly left but the celebration continued and I realized that loosing my wallet had nothing to do with me that day. It was all about the housekeeper. Never thought I would be so glad to have lost (and found) my wallet.

Friends – Optional?

In the harried life of a leader, friendships rank right up there with sleep on the list of things we assume we can do without. But without at least a few trusted friends in our lives, we would spend most of our time interacting with those (other than family) who cross our path only because of some degree of obligation; our boss who is obliged to lead us in corporate endeavors, our co-workers who are obliged to tolerate us on their team regardless of their personal feelings, or our subordinates who are obliged to respect our leadership in exchange for continued employment. But our true fiends have no hidden agendas or motives. Only a friend who knows our heart can detect inconsistencies in our life and call us out, correcting our course. Only a friend who knows our dreams can celebrate those small successes that go unnoticed to the world around us and at the same time keep us anchored to reality. Only a friend who knows our thoughts can challenge us to keep them pure. No…friends are not optional.

Read about…
Jonathan's Friendship with David
Jesus' Friendship with the Disciples
Ruth's Friendship with Naomi

Still Waters Run Deep

I enjoy kayaking. I recall a trip my son and I took down a 7 mile stretch of the Brazos river a while back. There was a spot on the river where the rocky bottom dropped out of sight, giving way to sandy soil, and the rushing water had cut a deep groove beneath us. In that spot, the deep water almost stood still. We took advantage of the change in the current to kick back and relax a while. We put the paddles down and stretched our legs out over the kayaks; toes dangling in the water and arms behind our head. We enjoyed a good 10 minutes of the still water before the current picked up again and we were back to business.

This experience reminded me of the importance of “being still.” Too often we equate busyness with productivity. We assume that 30 minutes of unscheduled time on our calendar is an opportunity to schedule another meeting, make a phone call, do a load of laundry, sweep out the garage, etc. If we truly realized the value of “being still,” we would defend that extra 30 minutes in our schedule and realize it as an opportunity to let our thoughts run deep. For a Christian leader whose mind is set on the Lord, these quite times can often lead to confirmation of purpose. (Prov 19:21 - Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.)

God is exalted in our stillness and we will miss Him if we dwell only in the hurried current of the shallow water. (Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.")

Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you may have an extra minute or two to look up over the computer and stare out the window, or go sit outside and look up at the stars. Go ahead, take a minute to let your thoughts “run deep.”

Inquiring Minds

I ask a lot of questions. Not to be nosy; just sincerely curious I think. When I eat lunch with my buddies, I like to ask things like what books they are reading, what keeps them up at night, and what accomplishments they are celebrating in their jobs. I’ve decided that the questions we ask of others can reveal our heart’s passion. For example, my wife and I share a desire to see young couples develop healthy, dynamic marriages and I find that when I’m around young married men I usually end up engaging them in a discussion about their marriage out of a desire to encourage them in their love for their wives. I’ve also got a friend who runs his own business and invariably when we are together I inquire how things are going with developing his new team at work; revealing my keen interest in leadership.

I’ve been reading lately about another man who liked to ask questions. Nehemiah of the Old Testament. Nehemiah was an amazing leader responsible for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem around 445 B.C. His heart is revealed in the opening chapter of the biblical account bearing his name. Nehemiah’s brother and a few of his friends had traveled to Jerusalem and upon returning, Nehemiah was quick to ask about the condition of the Jews who had returned there from Babylonian captivity. Not, “How was your trip brother?” Not, “Did you do anything exciting on your vacation?” But, “What is the condition of our fellow Jews in the land of our Fathers.” This question was prompted by an urgency in his heart to see Jerusalem restored. Shortly after asking this question and hearing of the distress and reproach of his people, Nehemiah took leave of his prestigious position under the king of Persia, assembled supplies and laborers on his way to Jerusalem, established the city, and rebuilt the wall. Wow!

What great work is God stirring in your heart? It may be revealed in the questions you are asking today.

Pressing On

I decided recently that I should pay closer attention to my health and so I've taken up running. I was motivated by a desire to add some healthy discipline to my life and by my staunch resistence to moving up a waist size the next time I buy jeans. Anyway, this evening when I was enjoying a quick run before dinner, I was reminded of a simple truth: pressing on in pursuit of a goal sometimes requires focusing no further than the next step. Let me expalin. The mid-point of my typical run is the top of a fairly steep hill. I can see the top of the hill for several hundred yards out. For a novice runner like me, the incline is pretty tough and results in cramping calves and burning lungs. I find that when I focus on the hill ahead in the distance, I begin to entertain thoughts of quiting early. Do I really want to put myself through the pain? What's so important about this last half mile? Does it really matter if I make it up the hill? The hill can seem insurmountable when in becomes my focus. But I find that if I shift my focus to the road directly ahead of me; where I will plant my next step in the dirt, the task becomes much more manageable and even enjoyable. You see, there is nothing overwhelming about the simplicity of taking the next step, and then the next. Sometimes it is important for us to look no further than where we will plant our next step, recognizing that no matter how difficult or challenging our goal may be, each single step puts us closer to the prize.

In life, circumstances can seem overwhelming and goals can seem out of reach. Maybe it's the 24 semester hours remaining in your quest for your MBA degree. Maybe it's the 130 minutes remaining in a center seat on a late night flight home. Maybe it's the 18 months remaining until you get to see your family and friends back in "the States." Or maybe it's the 6 more weeks of chemotherapy or radiation treatment you must endure. Consider the importance of pressing on, on step at a time, and rejoicing in the fact that you are moving toward the prize!

Paul to the Phillipians (3:13-14) "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal ofor the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Declare Your Intentions

I was challenged by a good friend recently to "declare my intentions." His goal was to move us to determine the priorities in our lives and to publicly live them out. I began thinking about this assignment in terms of its importance among other key leadership qualities. Consider the importance of a leader publicly declaring his intentions. We wouldn't consider voting for a political candidate who kept his opinions on important issues silent. When we get a new boss, we are very uncomfortable until we know what organizational and strategic changes the new boss will be making. And how much more effective are our instructions to our children when they are accompanied by clear, consistent expectations of our behavior as parents.

So why are we reluctant to verbalize our intentions? Here's my theory. By being silent about our priorities, goals, dreams, and purposes, we are free to align ourselves with whomever and whatever is most convenient for the moment. No commitments, no enemies, no expectations. But the minute we declare our intentions, there will be those who line up behind us, and those who line up against us. But isn't that what leadership is all about - boldly charting a course motivated by our passionate pursuit of truth and holiness? The followers are incidental.

So here are my intentions:

* I intend to live by faith. The God of this Universe has a plan for my life which can not always be understood by rational theory or human explanation. There will be times I will be called upon to trust in things I do not understand. My character will be defined by my humility during those times. (Jeremiah 29:11)

* I intend to demonstrate generosity to others. Knowing that my needs will be met by the Lord, what more is there for me to do but tend to the needs of others. (Philippians 2:3-5)

* I intend to do my work with excellence. My gifts and talents are God given and to fail to use them to their full potential is unacceptable. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

* I intend to never compromise on absolute Truth. Believing that the Bible is the inspired truth of God, I will devote time to memorization and study so that I will not be easily lured away from the Truth. (Proverb 3:3)

Leadership When the Lights Go Out

Textbook leadership involves casting a vision, coaching people to progress toward that vision, removing barriers along the way, and celebrating victory when the team reaches the goal. Easy enough…..if you can see where you are going. The true test of leadership comes when the lights go out. When darkness falls on everything we thought certain. What are we to do when we are called to lead through times of uncertainty? How do we lead when 1st quarter financials are significantly below target and we’ve been told to cut half our team? What does leadership look like when enemy troops have staged an ambush blocking the only route out of hostile territory? How is a man to be the spiritual leader of his family when his wife has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer?

Even though we are Children of Light, God never promised that our path would always be illumined. In fact, he assures us that we will face dark and trying times. Check out Isaiah 50:10-11,

“Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment (ESV).”

Read that a couple of times and let it soak in. Did you catch the timeliness leadership truths buried there? During the dark times when the joy is gone and all evidences of heaven are clouded, we are called to demonstrate the one character trait that all the management books and conventional wisdom tell us have no place in a strong leader - FEAR. But Isaiah is talking about that paradoxical fear of God that produces unimaginable confidence through faith. When the dark times come, resist the urge to self-righteously “walk by the light of your own fire.” Instead, demonstrate leadership courage by fearing God. The lights will come back on.

The Glue That Holds All Things Together

I’ve been studying the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians lately. I’m amazed at how articulate he was in encouraging the Colossians with the fact the incomparable Christ could be such a relevant and practical solution to their everyday problems. He reminded them that ALL things in heaven and on earth were created by Christ for His good pleasure and that in Him, all things hold together (1:16-17). I like that…He is the glue that holds everything together. I would guess that if each of us would stop to think for a few minutes, we could identify an area of our life that is beginning to crack, crumble, or come unraveled. Maybe it’s a failed merger, an over budget project, a strained relationship with our spouse, a son whose failing chemistry, or a broken promise to a friend. These are everyday occurrences that too often leave us feeling hopeless. But there IS hope. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are ours for the asking through Christ. I challenge you to study the character and attributes of Christ this week and see if you don’t discover the “glue that holds all things together.” Start by reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

Don't be a Tumbleweed

Four days into the New Year and I anticipate that most resolutions are already history; good intentions that never translated into a behavior change. I've been thinking about resolutions this week and came to this conclusion....rather than "committing to a New Year's resolution," wouldn't it be great if we would "commit to being resolute in the New Year." Let me explain. Webster's New World Dictionary defines "resolute" as "having or showing a fixed, firm purpose; determined; resolved; and unwavering. " As Christian leaders, we should be characterized by our steadfast convictions rooted in the absolute truth of scripture 365 days a year. We must constantly be on guard against persuasive and trendy philosophy, politically correct fads, and shiny new ideologies. We must never be like the West Texas tumbleweed I've been watching on our 13 acres for the past several months; blowing back and forth between the south and north fenced boundaries depending upon the direction the wind is blowing. Let's be resolute in 2007!

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (New American Standard)
"Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."

Leadership Discipline

I'm proud of you for reading past this title. "Discipline" is not something most of us are interested in hearing about. But I've been consumed lately with thoughts about why some leaders seem to endure and others have a fairly short career at the helm and, to large degree, I think it boils down to discipline. We usually think of discipline in terms of hard work, perseverance, burning the midnight oil, or sacrificing for the team to get the job done. In many cases, these are in fact traits that describe most successful leaders. However, I believe there is another short list of disciplines that are absolutely critical though conventional wisdom would not necessarily associate these characteristics with good leadership traits.

Just a few of the often overlooked disciplines:

• Balancing work and home life - I strongly believe that the best leaders are those who prioritize taking care of their family and leading at home. Every leader needs a place to retreat for rest, relaxation, and encouragement. "Home" can be such a place but only if we choose to make the necessary investments. (see "Castle Walls" from 11/05/06 blog)


• Taking care of your body - Leadership stamina requires a healthy body. All too often leaders will set aside their own health and well being when the schedule becomes chaotic. I propose that the health risks associated with the added stress of leadership are all the more reason we should prioritize taking care of our bodies. Approximately 77% of men and 61% of women are overweight and only 31% of men and 29% of women engage in at least moderate physical activity on a regular basis (American Heart Association Annual Report 2006). Leaders must have the discipline to develop healthy habits.


• Schedule time for reflection and introspection - The executive leader is driven by schedule and agenda; both of which are typically overly optimistic of what can be accomplished in a given time allotment. Even the greatest of intentions will not win out over the next appointment beeping in on the blackberry. Therefore, if we are not intentional about scheduling time out for personal reading, reflection and prayer, the time will be filled with something or somebody else. Schedule a daily appointment WITH YOURSELF!


• Be an intentional listener - I'm always surprised how easy it is for me to go through the day and never really solicit anyone else's ideas. It is far too easy for us as leaders to fall into the trap of always being the one with the answer to give and never being the one with the question to satisfy. Imagine what we could learn if we approached others thinking more about what we could learn from them rather than what we could impart to them.

Remember, if it were easy and independently gratifying it wouldn't be called DISCIPLINE.

Things Come Together

It's been a grueling couple of weeks of study, business travel, endless meetings, and presentation deadlines. The climax came a few days ago when I came down with a nasty cold on my way to Chicago for a business presentation. Feeling lousy, I remember questioning everything...why me? why now? why this job? why here? After two days of flight delays and a NyQuil induced brain fog, I finally made it back home and began to recover; emotionally and physically.

Then on Saturday morning, I sat down with a cup of coffee and began to read over a Bible verse that a friend and I have been working to memorize, Colossians 1:24-29. To paraphrase the passage, Christian leaders should be about the business of admonishing and teaching others about Christ. It will not be an easy road but we can rejoice in our suffering if we are working in obedience to the Lord. We can persevere in our labor if we rely upon God's strength which makes us mighty men. Apostle Paul's words to the Colossians could just as well have been a personal note to me. This passage just brought it all together for me on Saturday morning. If I believe my leadership influence is a tool to minister to others, then I should expect suffering but I should rest assured in the victory because the Lord works in me to accomplish His purposes. Let's allow God to use us in a mighty way this week, regardless of our human frailty or fault!

360 Evaluation

360 Degrees

The 360 degree evaluation is making a comeback in the leadership development circles. The concepts is fairly simple; you send comprehensive surveys to your boss, peers, direct reports, friends, and family and ask them to give you honest feedback for the purpose of self-improvement and professional development. Done right, the evaluations are returned to a trained consultant who distills the results and packages the feedback in a way that will be insightful, constructive, and actionable. A couple of weeks ago I met with my consultant to get feedback from my latest 360. I have to admit it was pretty painful to have my weaknesses and shortcomings laid out so blatantly before me. We all know we have them but we assume we've become proficient at covering them up or compensating for them. Not so much I guess. Anyway, after licking my wounds a while, I'm now ready to roll up my sleeves and do what it takes to become a better leader!

I was intrigued by the process of the 360 evaluation. As helpful as it was to get feedback from those closest to me; their opinions and suggestions are limited to their observations of my behavior and actions. What I REALLY need feedback on is my heart, thought and motives. I was reminded of the prayers of Job and David and of God's faithfulness to "evaluate" us when we earnestly ask. Check out these verses:

Job 31:6 - "Let Him weigh me with accurate scales, and let God know my integrity."
Psalm 26:2 - "Examine me, O LORD, and try me; test my mind and my heart."
Psalm 139:23,24 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."
(New American Standard Bible)

So, if we are sincere about becoming better leaders, God offers the ULTIMATE evaluation. Just make sure you are prepared for the feedback!

Castle Walls

Castle Walls


occasionally, every leader must retreat temporarily. On the front lines, leaders are required to be self-sacrificing, out front, persevering in the face of opposition, tenaciously defending the cause, and tirelessly pressing toward the goal. It can be exhausting. I've been thinking a lot about the importance of retreating lately; of taking time out in a safe place to rest, reflect and regroup. I'm concerned that today's leaders don't prioritize and plan for retreat but I'm even more concerned that they don't have a PLACE to retreat. This led me to think about castles - the ultimate medieval retreat. Inside the castle walls the warrior could let down his guard, take off the armor, stow the weapons, stop looking over his shoulder, love his wife, play with the kids in the courtyard...You get the picture. And why was this possible? Planning and design. The medieval castle was designed with retreat and safety in mind. Let's look at the architecture of the castle:

• Walls - up to 20 feet thick and 40 feet high, these structures were designed to be impenetrable and unscalable.
• Moats - added protection against the enemy getting too close to the walls and possibly becoming undetected. Also kept hoists and ladders at bay.
• Drawbridge - tightly controlling everything coming into and leaving the castle.
• Portcullis - heavy, protective grilled gates opening and closing vertically at either end of a narrow passage way. A sort of "contingency" defense useful for trapping enemy troops successful in infiltrating the drawbridge.
• Watchtowers - set at each corner of the castle to provide keen monitoring of all the enemy activities and other approaching threats. Useful for surveying the activities within the castle walls as well.
• Authority and Order - the impressive defensive architecture of the castle was useless in the absence of clear direction and commitment on the part of the castle occupants. Peace and order on the inside only served to fortify the mechanical defenses.

I encourage you this week to evaluate your "castle." Is home a safe retreat? Have you been diligent to create an environment that is emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy? If you haven't been intentional in this area, chances are you'll find at least a few vulnerable weaknesses. Make sure you know who and what is coming and going. Not just through the front door, but through cable TV and the internet. Ask a few close friends to help you make an objective assessment of where you might need to shore things up a bit. Make sure unconditional love is communicated freely, creatively, and enthusiastically. You'll be a better leader if you can effectively retreat from time to time.

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 (NASB)

Rules for Life

Rules for Life

I read these "rules for life" written by Archbishop Edward White Benson a while back and they have stuck with me. Although written around 1882, they are timeless. I keep them in a frame on my desk and consult them daily as I sort out the important from the urgent. Parentheses are mine.

• Eagerly start the day's main work. (does your alarm have a snooze button like mine?)
• Do not murmur at your busyness or the shortness of time, but buy up the time all around.
• Never murmur when correspondence is brought in. (even though it contains bills)
• Never exaggerate duties by seeming to suffer under the load, but treat all responsibilities as liberty and gladness. (even mowing the yard)
• Never call attention to crowded work or trivial experiences.
• Before confrontation or censure, obtain from God a real love for the one at fault. Know the facts; be generous in your judgment. Otherwise, how ineffective, how unintelligible or perhaps provocative your well-intentioned censure may be.
• Do not believe everything you hear; do not spread gossip.
• Do not seek praise, gratitude, respect, or regard for past service.
• Avoid complaining when your advice or opinion is not consulted, or having been consulted, set aside.
• Never allow yourself to be placed in favorable contrast with anyone.
• Do not press conversation to your own needs and concerns.
• Seek no favors, nor sympathies; do not ask for tenderness, but receive what comes.
• Bear the blame; do not share or transfer it.
• Give thanks when credit for your own work or ideas is given to another. (ouch)

Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders (Moody Press, 1994)

Nothing New

Nothing New Under the Sun

Ecclesiastes 1:9
That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.

With an unexpected hour of down time resulting from my delayed flight out of Chicago O'Hare, I wandered into the bookstore in the airport terminal. My eyes scanned the latest best-sellers targeting the business traveler. As I considered the common themes on the bookshelf (motivating others, vision casting, ethics, productivity, creating learning cultures, strategy development, etc) I reflected on how relatively unchanged those themes have been over the past dozen years or so. I wondered if there could truly be that many original thoughts on the age old issues facing business leaders today. I was reminded of Ecclesiastes 1:9..... it has all been done before and there can't possibly be anything new under the sun. My thoughts turned quickly to the Old Testament Proverbs and I soon concluded that the conventional wisdom of today's business schools and leadership gurus are in many ways just variations on the timeless truths in scripture. Allow me to paraphrase a few:
Proverbs 29:18 - The survival of any organization, in part or in whole, is dependent upon the leader's ability to cast a vision.
Proverbs 21:5 - successful execution of business strategy begins with a well crafted business plan.
Proverbs 14:23 - increased efficiency is paramount to the bottom line.
Proverbs 16:11 - honesty and integrity toward employees, customers, partners, and suppliers is non-negotiable.
Proverbs 15:22 - executive accountability is good business practice.

I'm a firm believer in life-long learning and always enjoy reading other's thoughts on leadership. But I think it is important for the Christian leader to remember that "all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Can there be anything new under the sun?