This piece is inspired by C.S. Lewis, the renowned British author and theologian best known for The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity. One of his most provocative works, The Screwtape Letters, was written as a fictional series of letters from a senior demon (Screwtape) to his apprentice (Wormwood), offering...
Dear Tom, It is that time of year when we begin to make our strategic plans. But, I have to tell you, I have done this many times and have never felt satisfied with what happened afterward. Sometimes my team has created a great plan only...
Hi, Tom. You probably have heard this from other business owners – I love my job, except for all the people problems! Even after years in leadership, they are a mystery to me and an endless source of frustration and irritation. I wonder if it will ever...
Hi, Tom.I know inflation is affecting everyone, but it is killing my company. Our vendors have raised their prices to us, and everything costs more. I have friends that have experienced high inflation in their careers as business owners. This is the first time for me....
Hi, Tom. We work hard to hire and promote the right people. Unfortunately, I hired a senior leader that is not working out. At first, she seemed like a great fit. She said the right things, and everyone felt good about adding her. Her projects since then...
Hi, Tom. Okay, I hear more and more about what it means to somehow be more “Christian” in my company. I have always been a faithful Christian involved with my church, but it seems awkward and risky to talk about it at work. After all, many...
Hi, Tom. I have been doing my business for ten years. We are profitable and growing, but my culture feels like chaos. It seems like we are a bunch of people with nothing in common who spend most of our time disagreeing. It is wearing me...
Hi, Tom. It’s hard getting the right people to work at my company. We’ve been “forced” to take applicants who are not a great fit to get our work done. It always seems to come back to bite us. I feel like we are floundering. How can...
