Expectations

This picture came to my inbox today and got me thinking about “Expectations.” I once saw an interview of Warren Buffet and his longtime partner (who no one has ever heard of) Charlie Munger. The question was asked of them how they got along so well for so many years? They glanced at each other and without hesitation Charlie said,” We have very low expectations of one another.” Wow! There is an insight that everyone needs to understand!

As we approach Christmas, what does this truth mean to us? First it means that God has low expectations of you and me. When God became a man (Jesus Christ), he was willing to sacrifice everything and humble himself in the hope that we would respond to his free gift of love but he had no assurance we would. He had high hopes but low expectations of our desire to reconnect with him as our savior and creator. He gives with no expectation of a return on his investment. He even offers to pay the price of our admission to heaven for free. All we need to do is believe in him.

Secondly, we need to lower our expectations of God. Not because he cannot deliver but because when he does deliver it is always out of love and not because we demand it. We also need to understand that as God, he knows best and therefore does not give us everything we expect or even want because it would undoubtedly ruin our lives. We give ourselves to God with no expectation of what he will do with our life. We simply know that he has our best at heart.

Thirdly, we will get along better with others if we lower our expectations of them. Not only are you imperfect but so is everyone else. Let’s stop judging others by our own standards. That does not mean we expect nothing but let’s realize that there is a lot more going on than we realize and we need to be as generous as possible in expressing our judgment of others. We can afford to lower our expectations of others and it will reap large dividends.

When God became a man over 2000 years ago and lived among us, he gave up all his Kingly prerogatives to show us how much he loved us. In this Christmas Season are you willing to follow his example? This is the secret to a long-lasting relationship with God and others.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12 King James Version (KJV)

The Message of Leadership

I wrote the Message of Leadership as an inspirational book for leaders of all kinds. It contains 31 daily readings on different topics inspired by the 31 chapters of the ancient book of Proverbs which was written by the wisest man who ever lived.

My goal was to combine these proverbs with pithy personal insights and stories that will make a leader think about the way they exert their gift of leadership on those around them. It is suitable as a gift for those graduating from school, leaders in government, teachers, business associates, moms or anyone who leads others or aspires to do so. I originally intended it as a special way to say thanks to those who give of themselves for our benefit.

Not only will you get my inspirational thoughts, but you will also receive the entire book of Proverbs as translated by Eugene Peterson in "The Message." The volume comes either in the regular paperback edition or a special first edition cover and I will gladly autograph it to you upon request. This book is available directly from: http://www.danielsouthern.com/products.html

I hope this little book of insights will be a blessing to you.

Give or Take?

In almost 35 years of experience in the workplace, I have found that it is unusual to find businesses or individuals who give as much as they take. It is understandable that this occurs since we are all scrambling for resources, especially in this current economic environment, but the result will be to brand ourselves as “takers” and not “givers.”

It is far too easy to slip into a mindset of being the only one who has needs and to justify our attitude by the fact that we are doing something important.

To combat this sense of selfishness, I have made it a deliberate goal to give back as often as I can. I attempt to do this, not necessarily in kind, but from what I have. For example, if I am raising money, it is not necessary for me to give the donor an expensive gift in appreciation. But I can invest in them by helping in their personal journey through giving my time and being a genuine and caring friend. If I can help by offering advice or just a listening ear, I try to do so. I proactively seek opportunities to invest in the lives of others; not just selling advice as a consultant but to extend myself to those with whom I interact.

Here are 10 things you can give a friend that won’t cost you a cent!

1. Your heart – everyone needs at least 6 friends to carry them to their grave.
2. Your eyes – honestly tell them what you see from your perspective.
3. Yours hands – maybe you can do them a favor in a time of need.
4. Your ears – listen to them and demonstrate your care for them.
5. Your feet – “go with them” and walk a mile in their shoes.
6. Your nose – tell them what “stinks” if your intuition tells you something smells bad.
7. Your mouth – encouraging words and words of support will go a long way.
8. Your back – there may be a time to withdraw your support if they are in the wrong.
9. Your prayers – talk to God about them and let them know you are doing it.
10. Your experience – don’t let them waste their time learning something you already know.

"Try being a giver as an expression of gratitude for all that you have received and you will be amazed how it blesses you in return"