Wisdom Key Success Factors in Business

Key Success Factors in Business

WISDOM & THOUGHT

By Mike McLoughlin,
Youth With A Mission, Marketplace Mission
Visit the Scruples Small Business Forum at www.scruples.net for more information.

Proverbs 8: Joseph Character Study
PERSONAL/BUSINESS EXAMPLES	BIBLE EXAMPLES
PLANNING I think logically about what I am doing and what I am going to do. I try to foresee possible obstacles when I am making plans. I do not plan on the assumption that all will go well I anticipate and plan for problems. I try to plan how I will get over difficulties before they actually happen.	"And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance.... The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. -- Genesis 41:33-37
INFORMATION SEEKING I find out myself what I need to know. When I am going to do something, I first of al make some inquires to find out how to do it. I make extensive methodical inquires about how to do things. If a problem needs to be analyzed, I analyze it myself.	Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts. -- Proverbs 24:3
PROBLEM SOLVING If there are several alternatives, I think carefully about each of one of them BEFORE I make my decision. I find ways around problems which other people have failed to find. I find innovative solutions to problems. I develop new ideas.	A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks and suffers the consequences. -- Proverbs 27:12
DISCRETION & PRUDENCE I think twice before making a decision I know to be risky. I purchase an expensive product only after careful consideration. I consult with my parents, spouse, friend or business associate before making a large loan to another person. I always check a person's previous record before extending them credit or hiring them as a new employee.	Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. -- Proverbs 2:11
DISCERNMENT & UNDERSTANDING I can tell whether or not someone is telling me the truth when they are explaining why a problem happened. When someone does something that makes me angry I always try to understand why they did it before I react. When something goes wrong I am quick to ask why it happened and I am ready to shoulder my share of the blame. When making a difficult moral or ethical decision I can usually see what is the right thing to do.	My son, preserve sound judgement and discernment, do not let them out of your sight they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble when you lie down, you will not be afraid when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. -- Proverbs 3:21-24
CONFIDENCE I believe I can overcome obstacles. I know I can do what I set out to do. When I start a task I am confident that I can complete it. If I meet a challenge I believe I can overcome it.	Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God's constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid but can calmly face his foes. -- Psalms 112:6-8 TLB
ABILITY TO INFLUENCE OTHERS I learn useful facts because I keep in touch with the right people. I try to build networks of contacts in order to find out what I need to know. I try to develop friendships because they are a fundamental resource for success. I look on my friends as part of my strength for the future.	As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. -- Proverbs 27:17

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