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Michael Zigarelli is now dean of Regent University's School of Business, after having been named the university's professor of the year in 2000-2001. While his Ph.D. is from Rutgers University in employee management, Mike has also done theological studies. So management and law are fused with ethics and practical theology in his teaching and writing. Recent books of his are Cultivating Christian Character and The Minister's MBA. Mike and his wife Tara live with their four children in Virginia.

Bosses who make praise part of their routine are an endangered species. That's unfortunate, since the desire for recognition is part of human nature, and praise is a no-cost motivational tool. CEO should stand for Chief Encouragement Officer.

Offer praise as a reward, in public whenever possible. Notice how Jesus praised people on the spot: Peter for confessing Him as Messiah in front of the other disciples, a repenting, sinful woman in front of the Pharisees, the trusting Gentile centurion in front of a Jewish crowd.

One CEO placed five coins in his pocket at the beginning of each day, then moved one coin to the other pocket each time he complimented a subordinate. A restaurant owner, whose schedule was too hectic to recognize his staff during working hours, took a few minutes after closing time to jot personal notes to those who made a real difference that day.

Adapted from Management by Proverbs (Moody Press, Moody Bible Institute, 1999) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to be a true encourager to someone around me who needs a lift.

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