THE WISDOM OF MANY COUNSELORS

In his book The E-Myth, Michael Gerber tells the tale of the small business owner – an entrepreneur who is skilled in a particular area – Gerber refers to this person as the “technician”. One day the technician says, “You know, I’m pretty good at this. I should start my own company.” Gerber’s book is all about the challenge of making the transition from being someone who works IN the business (technician) to someone who works ON the business (owner). And what a challenge it is!

Almost 30 years ago, the Lord led me out of my chosen career as a high school teacher and coach and into the world of the small business owner. Thanks to God’s divine providence, I was recruited into the insurance and financial services business by someone I had known in college. On September 1, 1981 I found myself opening the doors of an insurance agency in Aliquippa, PA.

It took a little while to make the transition, but over time, I discovered that I was a pretty good technician. Back then, that was enough. The environment has changed dramatically over the last three decades, and I have discovered – a bit late, I admit – that I need help as an owner.

Pride is a huge stumbling block – it is for many, if not most people. In retrospect I realize that my pride has tripped me up many times over my lifetime. In business, it manifested in my unwillingness to ask for help, or even acknowledge to myself that I needed help! I could figure things out on my own. My way was the best way.

God has, over the years, made has me a more humble and submissive man. This is still very much a work in progress. The process involves some pride-induced pain from the mistakes that I make, a greater awareness of who I am in my relationship to God, and most importantly, a greater awareness of God and his character and nature.

A few months ago, I said “Yes” to something that, just a few years ago, my pride would have caused me to emphatically decline. I was offered the opportunity to have a team of people come into my office on three separate occasions to observe our business operation. The intent was to analyze strengths, weaknesses, the people who work for me, our facility, and knowledge level. I consented to the offer because I can now freely and humbly admit that I need help, and that God’s word is, once again found to be true – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”  (Proverbs 15:22)

I have great appreciation for this team helping me become a better owner. One is a great leader and an excellent trainer who brings genuine enthusiasm to all he does. Another is an outstanding analyst with an eye for detail and an ability to make complicated matters understandable. Another is also an outstanding trainer, equipped with the patience of Job,        and a mind boggling storehouse of knowledge regarding computer applications, company programs, and marketing. These three work in the field, and they are supported by the fourth person of the team – a kind person with a servant’s heart who takes care of all the behind the scene details that enable the others to do their work well.

I respect each of these individuals, and I know that they are a part of my life as a result of God’s sovereign plan for my life - and theirs as well. They have much to offer, and I pray that I will heed the counsel of God’s word – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)

May it be so…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria