The Blessed Business Podcast

Hunter Haley

Welcome to The Blessed Business Podcast where we empower Christian entrepreneurs to LAUNCH and GROW blessed businesses! read less

Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment
Aug 15 2023
Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment
This is the fourth episode in a series of podcasts covering the principles found in Dale Carnegie's classic book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Link to the book below (amazon affiliate link, thank you!):  https://amzn.to/3PbSulR Download The Handout Here Part 4: Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment Begin with praise and honest appreciation. Starting with positive feedback makes the other person more receptive to criticism or suggestions for improvement. It helps in establishing a positive environment where the other person feels appreciated and respected.Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly. Direct criticism can make people defensive and resistant to change. However, addressing mistakes indirectly can be a less threatening way to point out areas that need improvement.Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person. This demonstrates humility and makes your critiques more acceptable. By showing that you too are fallible, you create an environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth, not as failures.Ask questions instead of giving direct orders. This encourages participation, making people feel part of the decision-making process. It gives them a sense of control and ownership over their work, which can be more motivating than simply following orders.Let the other person save face. Allow people to correct their mistakes without feeling embarrassed or devalued. This maintains their dignity and self-respect, which is crucial for maintaining a positive relationship.Praise every improvement, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging continued improvement. By acknowledging and celebrating progress, you foster motivation and confidence.Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to. This strategy inspires people to better themselves in order to meet your positive expectations. By expressing your belief in their potential, you encourage them to strive to reach it.Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct. Encouragement, instead of criticism, can inspire people to change and grow. If people believe they can easily improve or correct their faults, they're more likely to try.Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest. People are more likely to change their behavior if they see how it benefits them. Make sure to communicate the personal benefits they can gain from doing what you suggest. For more resources check out our resource page at: https://theblessedbusiness.com/resources
Winning People to Your Way of Thinking
Jul 25 2023
Winning People to Your Way of Thinking
This is the third episode in a series of podcasts covering the principles found in Dale Carnegie's classic book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Link to the book below (amazon affiliate link, thank you!):  https://amzn.to/3PbSulR Download The Handout Here Part 3: How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it. Arguments often breed resentment and rarely resolve disagreements effectively. Instead of arguing, try to understand the other person's viewpoint and engage in a civil discussion. This approach promotes understanding and cooperation rather than hostility.Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say, "You're wrong." Directly attacking someone's opinions can lead to defensiveness and close the door to further conversation. Instead, try to show understanding and respect for their viewpoint, even if you disagree. This approach can lead to more open, productive discussions.If you're wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically. Admitting our mistakes can have a disarming effect. It shows our humility and integrity, and it can foster respect and trust in our relationships. Additionally, it can make it easier for others to admit their mistakes too.Begin in a friendly way. Starting conversations in a friendly manner can set a positive tone for the interaction. It makes people more receptive to what you have to say and can facilitate a more open and constructive conversation.Get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately. Starting with topics on which you agree can help build rapport and make the other person more receptive to your ideas. It's a way of establishing common ground before moving on to more contentious issues.Let the other person do a great deal of the talking. People value the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings. By letting them talk, you're showing that you value their opinions, which can make them more open to your ideas.Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers. People are more likely to accept and act upon ideas that they believe they had a part in creating. By involving others in the ideation process, you can foster ownership and commitment.Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view. Empathy is a powerful tool in winning people to your way of thinking. It shows that you respect their opinions and understand their feelings, which can build trust and openness.Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires. Sympathy can validate people's feelings and show that you care about their perspectives. This validation can make them more receptive to your perspective.Appeal to the nobler motives. People like to see themselves as good and principled. When we appeal to these self-perceptions, we can often sway opinions and inspire action.Dramatize your ideas. Making your ideas vivid and engaging can make them more persuasive. This doesn't mean being dishonest or exaggerated, but rather presenting your ideas in an interesting and compelling way.Throw down a challenge. People often rise to challenges, especially if they find
6 Ways to Make People Like You
Jul 18 2023
6 Ways to Make People Like You
This is the second episode in a series of podcasts covering the principles found in Dale Carnegie's classic book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Link to the book below (amazon affiliate link, thank you!):  https://amzn.to/3PbSulR Download The Handout Here Part 2: Six Ways to Make People Like You Become genuinely interested in other people. Show curiosity and care about others' lives and experiences. Building relationships involves mutual interest; if we demonstrate sincere interest in others, they are likely to reciprocate that interest.Smile. A simple smile can warm up social interactions and make you likable. Smiles are universal signs of friendliness and openness and can create a positive first impression.Remember that a person's name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language. Using people's names in conversation personalizes your interactions. It shows attentiveness and respect towards the other person, which can help in building stronger connections.Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves. People love to share their stories and experiences. By actively listening, you show respect for their thoughts and feelings and make them feel valued, which promotes stronger and deeper relationships.Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Discussing what interests the other person can keep the conversation engaging for them. This indicates that we value their interests and are willing to engage in topics that they enjoy.Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely. Genuine acknowledgment of others' worth can boost their self-esteem and make them feel positively about you. Recognizing and respecting the importance of others shows our appreciation for their value and can enhance their feeling of self-worth. For more resources check out our resource page at: https://theblessedbusiness.com/resources
The Art of Conflict Resolution - Part 2
Apr 11 2023
The Art of Conflict Resolution - Part 2
In this episode, we continue to discuss the art of conflict resolution… This is part 2 of this topic. Check out part one for more related content! "An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind." – Mahatma Gandhi Book recommendations mentioned in this podcast: (affiliate links): Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (Travis Bradberry) https://amzn.to/3zpEoo0Relational Intelligence (Dharius Daniels) https://amzn.to/3Zx32xtNever Split The Difference - How to negotiate like your life depends on it (Chris Voss) https://amzn.to/3nA3qhk Developing strong conflict resolution skills is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment and fostering positive relationships. Here are 10 tips to help you improve your conflict resolution skills: Stay calm and composed: Approach conflicts with a calm and composed demeanor. Maintaining your emotional balance will help you think clearly and communicate effectively.Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Address conflicts promptly: Don't allow conflicts to fester. Address issues as soon as they arise to prevent them from escalating and causing additional problems.Matthew 5:25 - "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge..." Practice active listening: Give the other party your full attention and listen carefully to their concerns. Show empathy and avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions.James 1:19 - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." Use "I" statements: Express your feelings and concerns using "I" statements instead of blaming or accusing the other person. For example, say "I felt hurt when..." instead of "You hurt me when..."Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Seek understanding: Strive to understand the other person's perspective and feelings. Ask open-ended questions to gain clarity and encourage open communication.Proverbs 4:7 - "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Focus on the issue at hand: Avoid bringing up past grievances or unrelated issues. Concentrate on resolving the current conflict and finding a mutually agreeable solution. Philippians 3:13 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Be open to compromise: Be willing to make concessions and find a middle ground that satisfies both parties. Recognize that you may not always get exactly what you want, but a compromise can still lead to a positive outcome. Philippians 2:4 - "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
The Art of Conflict Resolution - Part 1
Apr 4 2023
The Art of Conflict Resolution - Part 1
In this episode, we discuss the art of conflict resolution… News flash… conflict is imminent! Are you ready for it? "Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means." – Ronald Reagan Book recommendations mentioned in this podcast: (affiliate links): Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (Travis Bradberry) https://amzn.to/3zpEoo0Relational Intelligence (Dharius Daniels) https://amzn.to/3Zx32xtNever Split The Difference - How to negotiate like your life depends on it (Chris Voss) https://amzn.to/3nA3qhk   The Case For Conflict: 1. People are wired to disagree ever since the fall of Adam into sin 2. As individuals, we are entitled to differences of opinion and operate with free will… however, there is a huge benefit and synergy to working together effectively so we can accomplish more together than we can separately 3. Conflict can be a very healthy thing if handled properly because it can facilitate and cultivate a spirit of unity rather than letting issues fester and tear people apart 4. Some (most) issues will NOT settle themselves so healthy conflict resolution skills are needed to bring peace to the situation Analogies Conflict Resolution as a Bridge: You can think of conflict resolution as building a bridge between two parties. Each side has its own perspective, interests, and goals, much like the land on either side of a river. The process of resolving the conflict is like constructing a bridge that connects these two sides, allowing for mutual understanding, cooperation, and collaboration. To build a strong and stable bridge, both parties need to contribute their resources, time, and effort. The bridge needs to be built on a foundation of trust, empathy, and open communication. Once completed, the bridge allows for the free flow of ideas and perspectives, helping to create a more harmonious and productive relationship. Conflict Resolution as a Puzzle: Resolving a conflict can be compared to solving a complex puzzle. Each party holds some of the puzzle pieces, representing their concerns, needs, and perspectives. To fully understand and address the conflict, all the pieces must be brought together to form a complete picture. This requires open communication, active listening, and empathy, as each person shares their piece of the puzzle and works to understand how it fits with the others. In some cases, compromise may be necessary to adjust the pieces to fit together more seamlessly. By working together to complete the puzzle, the parties involved can gain a deeper understanding of the conflict and develop a mutually beneficial solution. Developing strong conflict resolution skills is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment and fostering positive relationships. Here are 10 tips to help you improve your conflict resolution skills: Stay calm and composed: Approach conflicts with a calm and composed demeanor. Maintaining your emotional balance will help you think clearly and communicate effectively.Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." To be continued.
The Necessity of Delegation - Dumping vs Delegating vs Developing
Apr 1 2023
The Necessity of Delegation - Dumping vs Delegating vs Developing
Delegation is a crucial skill for business leaders, enabling them to maximize their team's potential and achieve greater success. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of delegation from a biblical perspective and share insights on how to delegate effectively.Tips for being a better delegator: Identify the right tasks to delegate: Not all tasks are suitable for delegation. Focus on delegating tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, or that require a specific skill set that someone else on your team possesses. Retain tasks that are crucial to your core responsibilities or require your unique expertise.Choose the right person: Match tasks with the skills, abilities, and interests of your team members. Consider their strengths, weaknesses, and workload before assigning tasks to ensure they can complete them effectively.Set clear goals and expectations: Clearly communicate the desired outcome, deadlines, and any relevant guidelines or procedures. Make sure the person you're delegating to fully understands what is expected of them.Provide the necessary resources: Ensure your team members have the tools, information, and authority they need to complete the delegated tasks. This includes access to relevant data, software, and any required budget.Monitor progress without micromanaging: Check in periodically to ensure the delegated tasks are on track, but avoid micromanaging. Give your team members the autonomy and trust to complete their tasks while offering guidance and support as needed.Encourage open communication: Create an environment where your team members feel comfortable asking questions, seeking clarification, or raising concerns. Let them know you are available for support and guidance throughout the process.Be patient and flexible: Understand that the person you've delegated to may approach the task differently than you would. Be open to new ideas and methods, and allow room for some trial and error as they learn and grow in their role.Provide constructive feedback: Offer praise for a job well done and provide constructive feedback for improvement. This will help your team members learn and grow, ultimately making them more effective in their roles.Recognize and reward good performance: Acknowledge the hard work and contributions of your team members. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and motivate them to continue performing well.Continuously evaluate and improve your delegation skills: Reflect on your delegation experiences and learn from both successes and failures. Continuously work on improving your delegation skills to become a more effective leader. By following these tips, you can become more proficient at delegation, which will ultimately lead to a more productive and efficient team and a thriving business.To learn more about this and other important topics related to Christian entrepreneurship and leadership visit www.TheBlessedBusiness.com