STUCK? IT’S LIKELY YOUR OWN FAULT

RPH, this is outstanding. I haven’t really considered the potential of having a great overseas system of coaching for B4T teams like mine before. I just assumed that untrained unexperienced entrepreneurs like myself will continue to be launched into frontier countries and have to rely on a patchwork of semi-committed business coaches who really just answer our specific questions, but don’t have the capacity to be a thorough business coach.

Your observations about the personal challenges of simply living overseas also resonated with me, and again, I haven’t had much hope that there are any solutions for these problems. I really liked your comments and ideas about trying to strengthen team commitment.

I think your perspective is unique as a seasoned businessman who is living overseas. Most of the B4T policies are being created by non-business people who have never lead a viable business. Not meaning to throw stones at them, but your insights are unique and could be helpful for every organization trying to support B4T efforts.

My partner and I feel like you’re a coach who understands a lot more of the intangibles of B4T, and even being understood in that way goes a long way to decrease our feelings of isolation.

Does this resonate with you?

The wisest man who ever lived wrote “Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without the advice of others” (Proverbs 18:22).

We are at war. We need good advice. Our network has nearly twenty coaches who are underutilized. All are experienced business people who have been to 2+ B4T Expos and they have been trained to serve B4Ters.

The model of business people training organizations to coach B4Ters is being tried over and over and it doesn’t work. Mission organizations that wish to keep all their services inside their own walls are going to fail those they serve. The key to success is outsourcing. We all need to recognize where our strengths and weaknesses lay, and then have the humility to seek help where we need it.

Solomon adds, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice but many counselors bring success” (Proverbs 15:22).

Are you struggling in your job overseas? There are counselors who wish to bring you success, both with business problems and non-business issues. Just write and ask.

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.