Frankly, many in the world of business believe you can't follow God and "make it" in the world of business. You have to choose. One or the other.
How many CEO's, for example, make decisions based on Biblical faith - AND lead successful companies? Can you lead such a company that grow profits dramatically and create corporate environments where people of all religious and cultural backgrounds thrive and achieve outstanding results? Really?
Can you name one?
Well, I fortunately can name more than one and their tribe is growing rapidly. As Mark Malnati, CEO of pizza franchise Lou Malnati's, said: "Every company that's going to thrive and be around for a long while is going to adopt Biblical principle
s."
What Joe Slawek, Ernst and Young's 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year and CEO of FONA International (FONA = Flavors Of North America) does in his powerful new book, Ingredients for Success: 10 Best Practices for Business and Life, is explain WHY and HOW? One step at a time.
I see this book as an incredible manual to train the future entrepreneurs and CEO's who don't want to separate faith and business but choose, instead, to succeed by doing business leadership God's way.
I attained my own insider information a few years ago, not only by spending time with Joe Slawek, but more importantly, by spending time with his main leaders at a retreat. They couldn't hide it. They loved FONA and loved the company they were building together! Honest to God!
In a world where 96% of businesses fail within 10 years, Joe Slawek shares the practical principles he followed to start and build a world - class company and consistently double profits using his 2 x 4 growth principles. Secondly, he shares how to create a value-based culture seeking continual growth where people feel like family and love coming to work. Not one or the other!
Do you think we should hear what he has to say about HOW?
Joe humbly shares where he learned these principle and tells the stories of how he came to see himself as an entrepreneur, start and lead FONA... and now build the next generation of leader. The truth that changed Joe's life and led to FONA's success: "God has something to say about your business."
Unlike many who write on business (many of them helpful as well) Joe teaches best practices of how he actually does these things - NOT from theory or statistics but from front lines leadership seeing what works and what doesn't. Some of the best stuff in the book includes Joe's zealous, but misguided mistakes! (By the way, Joe's a big fan of making mistakes! He actually believes that those who don't make mistakes in leadership can inadvertently lead their companies toward mediocrity!)
Worth how many years of business school?
For example:
1. Boldly yet compassionately tell the truth.
In a world where we have bought the lie that leaders should "spin" and "position," Joe shares,2. Know, Develop, And Use Your Unique Abilities
Joe models and invites his readers to invest continual resources in understanding and maximizing his own best abilities. He helps his staff do the same and constantly creates learning environments for them and for clients through Flavor University. He sees this as a first and primary stewardship of the gifts God has put under his care.Joe shares how he intentionally learned what he, himself, was best at, then freed others to do the same by and brought in talented people around him.
"We all have the responsibility to apply and grow our talents according to our abilities... Make no mistake, talent is not to be considered to as the replacement for hard work. The two go together, not one or the other."
3. Invest Your Talents Faithfully for Maximum Return
Frankly, knowing Joe, this could be his life message and what he now wants to mentor the future generation of leaders to know, through his example, books and influence. DON'T WASTE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN! YOUR INFLUENCE ESPECIALLY!Make no mistake about it. Joe Slawek loves making money. He also loves helping others make money as well. And Joe loves giving money! However, as he writes,
If you have the desire to lead others and to double your talents and resources, then I would strongly encourage you to do three things.
1. Purchase and read Joe Slawek's book. Here's the link on Amazon. Ingredients For Success: 10 Best Practices for Business and for Life.
2. Plan to go through Joe's book with other leaders ... one chapter at a time as a curriculum for how to lead a God-sized company. (great as a part of coaching or a business leaders retreat)
3. Hear Joe speak on radio or at one of the business forums he both leads and speaks at.
4. Do what Joe did and maximize your business leadership gifts!
