August 11. Dried Up Ponds.

Are you a purpose driven leader, stuck in a company bogged down in what needs done and how to do of business? As entrepreneurs and leaders, we know that our systems and processes are run in exchange for revenue. But when the revenues become the primary focus, we restrict value.

I do not have the ability to measure endorphins yet, but when we connect with our clients at the why level I would bet they go sky high. That flow of endorphins picks up and gives us a boost. I believe when the "why" connection happens, that revenue flowing is just a natural extension of the relationship as well.

It is as natural of a flow as are the endorphins. Where are your teams restricted from the why? That is likely where the revenue and endorphin flows have been dammed up, diverted, or maybe even dried up going underground. Maybe you can open the flow again or get some repairs done while there is a dry channel.

A focus on the "why" is likely to help you spot the opportunities. It might even open the clarity to see other partners and team members that can help. When ponds dry up, the landowner performs maintenance. Many times, the pond will be modified and serve better because of the experiences those connected with the pond have had.

Landowners reshape the boundary, extend the dam or raise it, and they might even add an island somewhere that has been too shallow. Maybe a new island of revenue and value is waiting for those that are willing to evaluate the purpose again.

Will you be accountable to be the one to lead the evaluation process? A pond will not perform maintenance on itself. What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days?

As Christians, we can be a very productive people. Our call to love and be in a relationship has little if any restrictions. Our call however, is not to be disengaged, to be lazy or unproductive. Our faith walk can include a desire to find a way to provide value to others.

Often the ways to provide value are things that others need or should want to pay for. If you are a great vegetable farmer, then I'll bet that you could take your produce to the farmers market where others would give you money in exchange for your product.

Work is good, but what if we were to transform our work into a different perspective? "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23 NLT. Can you show up for work today envisioning that it is God’s company or service?

That he is the owner? How might you go differently about your professional duties today? If a person would apply for a position, how would God handle the interview? How would the applicant answer questions if they were answering to God?

The results of working for the ultimate Creator are rewards that are priceless and unmeasurable. This concept is in alignment with the idea of building a kingdom-based business or a kingdom-based team. Where can you improve your value proposition this week?

Are you willing to be accountable to building your team in some shape of format mentioned above? What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Boss, Father God, thank you for the opportunities of the past. Thank you for the shaping of the world and of me. We are your people. Put us to work as you would have us to do. Inspire our employment to bring you honor. Connect our work, while at recreation and play, to glorify you as well.

Reward the work in our relationships with your glorious sunrises, sunsets, and everything else that we might need from you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,