Oct.8(01)

Nice Guys Finish Last–Not!

You’ve heard the famous quote (by a well known baseball player) that “Nice guys finish last.”Oct.8(01)

According to a recent report about leadership and business, it simply isn’t true.

In fact, the opposite is true. Good people make good leaders.

Fred Kiel, author of Return on Character: The Real Reason Leaders and Their Companies Win, showed that leaders of strong character far exceeded the return on assets of leaders of weak character. Kiel conducted a seven year study of more than 100 CEOs and over 8500 employees.

Here’s what they found.

Leaders who made the most money for their companies had strong character habits. These habits showed these leaders followed four basic principles: integrity, responsibility, forgiveness, and compassion.

These are leaders who tell the truth, keep promises, and own up to their mistakes. They are forgiving, and they care about other people.

Leaders who show those traits almost all the time had five times better financial results for their companies than those who showed those traits only half the time.

I was amazed but not surprised at this study.

These are traits which come from God Himself. He told us to be honest, forgiving, responsible, and compassionate. God knows what’s good for us. He knows what motivates people and helps them do their best.

Why do we go on rebelling against God’s ways and God’s word?Oct.8(02)

One of my favorite verses tells us to do exactly these things: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Do these things and you will make the people around you much happier–and it will add to your bottom line.

Would you like to get another devotional like this tomorrow morning? Sign up for your free subscription at waylonbailey.com.

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4 Responses

  1. I remember Leo Durocher. In 1966 he was named manager of the Chicago Cubs after they had had several poor seasons, finishing in the bottom half of their division. He made the statement you mentioned and added that by taking over the team, he would make sure they finished where they belonged. That year the Cubs lost 103 games and finished last. Durocher is in the Baseball Hall of Fame but in 24 years of coaching he only won three pennants, and one World Series. He ended his career with a .540 winning percentage. I wonder how he would have done if he had followed the attributes you mentioned.

  2. I will say this over and over to young and old:

    Practice the 3 C’s

    Love God Completely
    Love yourself Correctly
    Love Others Compationately

    Thank you for this wonderful series, brenda

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