Like most of us, I don’t remember everything from business school.  However, one phrase from an instructor has always stuck with me. The professor said, “There will be times in your business career when all of your choices are bad, and your job will be to carefully analyze and select the least bad option.” Unfortunately, I have experienced this when none of my options were attractive.

We all have employees who come to us and share personal problems and information. My experience has taught me not to become overly involved in an employee’s personal challenges. I listen and endeavor to triage the situation when somebody is venting legitimately. For example, if a spouse has a cancer diagnosis, I allow them an opportunity to express their pain and suffering. We need to be good listeners.

There are several reasons I don’t to get involved in staff issues such as financial difficulties, marital concerns or other personal issues. I avoid this, not because I don’t care, but because when I insert myself into an employee’s problem; the situation becomes partly my problem. I don’t give investment advice because if what I suggest goes wrong, the person will likely blame me even if other ideas turned to gold.

Investors have learned that buying houses and renting them to college students is a good way to make money.  They have also learned that building businesses that cater to students brings a good return on their investment. This includes pizza parlors, bars, and coffee shops. These businesses have done well in many situations because of the students who patronize them.

However, over the past eight years there has been a significant decline in student enrollment in colleges as the chart below demonstrates. Across the country today, news reports a significant reduction in in-class teaching, with some schools going to online instruction only.

Every day, great ideas flow from our employees. Owners and managers who believe they have nothing to learn from their staff should consider how King David managed his army: “Then David consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, even with every leader” (1 Chronicles 13:1). Considering the size of David’s army, that was a lot of people to ask. We will gain important information we need to keep our business intact.

Most people in the United States have a Will or Trust directing where assets will be placed after death. The Bible is clear on the concept of tithing, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (Malachi 30:10 ESV)

Most of us have a tendency to hang onto most of our assets until pasted on at death. Charles Feeney recently provided an outstanding example, he give away  $ 8 billion  over the last several decades. His goal was to give away all of his funds prior to his death.  A key advantage of giving money away while still alive affords the opportunity to be focused and ensure the funds went to the correct causes and organizations with effective management, producing consistent results.

John Wesley taught many years ago three key principles regarding financing giving: