Ageism happens - especially in the media. If you're moving into your fifties, you've probably seen it firsthand. Perhaps the easy job or sales interviews you used to get are harder to come by now. Maybe it's fewer auditions or business presentations. Some have see outright discrimination working in a culture that worships youth. Whatever your experience (and you're bound to have one sooner or later) here's a few ideas that will keep your resume - and you - looking younger: ... read more

A few months ago I wrote a post on how churches, ministries, and non-profits can survive the economic downturn. If you didn't read it, check it out and pass it on to an organization you know is struggling. Perhaps just as important would be your media strategy during difficult financial times. If you have a radio, television, web, or other media outreach, here are some things to keep in mind as we get into the summer: ... read more

I was thinking the other day about relationships I've had over the years and what I've learned. I've had a lot of clients, but here's a few things worth thinking about that I walked away with from an important handful: ... read more

There's a number of people and companies that deal with "strategy." "Strategic Planning, Strategy Consultants, and more. But what is it, and does it really matter? The word came into the English language around 1810, and by contrast, "tactics" came into use 200 years earlier. People had discussed "tactics," but it wasn't until 1810 that Carl Von Clausewitz began using it in battle. It began with 3 basic steps: ... read more

I find far too many organizations today paralyzed by a single deadly disease: Leaders who expect their people to follow orders without evidence or justification - as if being the leader somehow places you above defending decisions like everyone else. In companies, you hear executives say: "Trust me..." In churches, you hear pastors say: "I feel God told me…" In non-profits, you hear leadership say: "I've been doing this for a long time so…" But no matter which excuse you hear, be very careful. Those types of phrases aren't said to build support and teamwork, they're used to shut it down. ... read more

Ever wonder why so many leadership transitions from father to son, or leader to next generation leader fail? Especially in churches and ministries - and I've been involved in quite a few - they tend to fail at significantly high rates. I had my own ideas of course, and then I read this quote from James Lukaszewski, founder of The Lukaszewski Group. He consults businesses - especially during difficult times and is considered to be one of the top crisis management firms in the business. Here's what he said about succession: ... read more