The Next Level

1.Faith

The Bible defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. –Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). God provides a visual, intellectual and emotional picture of faith to his disciples when he says faith can move a mountain from here to there. –Matthew 17:20 (NIV). The Next Level: Breakthrough Performance Anchored By Faith unfolds a story of faith as the foundation for building career success beyond the traditional expectations of financial gratification and power. Faith brings hope and challenges us to believe in something greater than ourselves.

Achieving career goals and moving a business to the next level can be the outcome of faith. When evidence may point to a negative conclusion, faith will surface in the belief of a positive outcome. It only takes a small amount of faith to win in life and in business. God rewards people based on faith and obedience to His word.

Faith is something you can carry for yourself as well as for others. Having faith, working with someone who has faith, and having faith in each other are powerful combinations. We cannot always pick our boss or colleagues, but we can exhibit qualities of faith which are mutually beneficial. For example, faithful can mean maintaining a strong work ethic and encouraging others to do the same when your company announces a planned lay-off.

When adversity and negativity are mounting on the journey to career success, faith can seem futile and prayers unanswered. Do we need faith, a miracle, or both to achieve our aspirations? Be assured that God creates a miracle every day for the faithful. Hope alone is not a strategy. However, God makes a new reality for people who have hope and faith as a core aspect of their character. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” –Matthew 19:26 (NIV). During insurmountable situations, faith is a call to action. While faith does not guarantee a specific conclusion, it provides strength to handle disappointment, and humility to handle success. A difficult working relationship with your boss is leading you to pray for a new job so you can quit. Suddenly, your boss announces he is leaving the company. A friend randomly refers you as a candidate for a vice president level interview. The next month your current employer announces they are going out of business, and you immediately land a new job making more money. You have a demanding job with two children when your husband gets diagnosed with cancer—you need to do it all: work, nurture children, and support cancer treatments. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. –1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV). Faith can be a partnership that frees you from carrying the concern, issue, or burden alone. We gain freedom by—turning it over to God, putting it in God’s hands, or being an instrument for God to use.

One of my faith walks led to my dream job. I wanted to become a senior vice president at American Express. I set it as a goal when I was a manager in 1993. I put my head down and forged ahead through faith, respect, hard work, and results. Self-doubt led me to keep my aspirations quiet.  I did not go to the finest schools, I grew up in public housing, I did not have an MBA, and I did not have a corporate role model to guide me in my career. However, my mother and aunt prayed for my prosperity. Education was my way out, and I believed that God’s will prevails. Overcoming doubt is an ongoing battle but I have gained confidence out of moments of triumph (projects with extraordinary results), not dwelling on the few disappointments (bad decisions and unfair treatment), and accepting that my background is an asset. I finally told one person of my desire to be a SVP and he was very supportive. It took 10 years to achieve the goal of the corner office. In 2003, I became a senior vice president because of God’s will, my faith, sponsorship from leaders, and a track record of excellent performance. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. –Isaiah 7:9 (NIV). Do you have God and the right people on your team to increase your faith and support your dreams?

Believe the probability of success is greater than the logic of failure.