The series, The Wisdom In This, are actionable insights from key topics, articles, authors, and interviews to help you quickly and easily apply wisdom in all things. These are emailed to you when you sign up for the Wisdom In All Things newsletter
Mind | Dumbing it down
“There’s a lot of pressure to make things dumber. Better to make it dumb than to have someone simply walk away, apparently… of course, if we dumb things down, they become dumb.” – Seth Godin
Simplifying without losing the integrity of information helps people learn effectively without oversimplification, where information is stripped of its substance. I like how Seth says it: “dumb things down and they become dumb.” Consider this approach when trying to explain biblical truth: make the seemingly complex ideas of Scripture accessible by starting with foundational principles and building understanding gradually.
Body | Research: How WFH Can Actually Strengthen Bonds Between Coworkers
I think I’ve mentioned–several times–how big a fan I am of remote work. With companies jumping back on the wagon of ‘get back into the office or else’, I really appreciated this HBR article. New research has found that remote work can actually make coworkers feel closer by giving them authentic glimpses into each others nonwork lives through video calls. They suggest that managers consider the benefits — and costs — of calling employees back in. The point I think is important is that we support the decisions we make. If we allow remote work, then support it. It doesn’t work when it is allowed but not supported. Now there is research to help us argue for at least a hybrid office.
Soul | Ask, Admire, Admit: Divine Appointments and Starting Spiritual Conversations
Randy Alcorn discusses the concept of “divine appointments”—moments orchestrated by God in which we have opportunities to share His love and truth with others. Citing Acts 17:26-27, he argues that God has intentionally placed us in specific times and places to help others find Him. He references Greg Stier’s method of “ask, admire, admit”. Here they are:
1. ASK questions to understand the person’s life and beliefs.
2. ADMIRE what you can about their perspective, just as Paul did in Acts 17.
3. ADMIT your own need for Jesus, sharing how He’s impacted your life and then presenting the Gospel.