CONFRONTATION 101
June 6, 2020

You can probably remember the first time you learned to drive. Your brain had to think about everything, and putting on your seatbelt and using your blinker weren't second nature. Now, take a moment and think about what it's like to drive a car now.


You've probably had times when you've "zoned out" and not remembered specific moments of a car ride. Driving has become so much like clockwork, that what was once difficult has now become both normal and natural.


Confrontation is a lot like driving. At first it is both uncomfortable and awkward. Confrontation is also a lot like leadership, public speaking, and any other skill you learn. At first, it may feel unnatural, and you may even feel incompetent.


However, as you grow and develop, it will begin to feel more natural. As a matter of fact, the truth is that confrontation is normal, and just because something is hard does not mean it's bad.


Ultimately, the ability to address people and issues is needed from every servant leader. So, here are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to embrace healthy confrontation in your life.


1. Confrontation is normal, so stop treating it like it's not

Confrontation goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when God confronted Adam and Eve. Wherever you are in your leadership journey, you are sure to have faced moments of confrontation. It is normal, guaranteed, and even expected. 


However, it is also true that when people are forced to deal with issues, they often see them as giant obstacles standing in their way.

So what is the solution? Well, just as you embrace the title of a leader, parent, or friend, you must also embrace the title of a peacemaker. Confrontation and peace do not generally go together, at least not on the surface.


However, peace doesn't necessarily equal the absence of noise, but rather a stable environment filled with trust. Sometimes the best way to create peace in a relationship is to first rock the boat. When done properly, this rocking will create waves of trust that flow from honest conversations. 


You see, the problem must be addressed before it can be solved. Confrontation is not easy, but the greatest leaders understand confrontation is not only necessary, but normal. 


2. Care enough to confront

Healthy confrontation requires a high level of care for the person being confronted. As a leader, you have an opportunity to shift your perspective on what it means to confront others.

What if confrontation could be done in a way that showed love to the person being confronted? Like a parent disciplines their child, and like God disciplines you, you surely know that the best lessons are learned through hard conversations. 

Yet too often, we think we are caring for others by neglecting to confront them over an issue. We are afraid to hurt their feelings, or do not want to make them upset. When we do this, rather than caring for them we choose to stay comfortable in our own little bubble.

Comfort may make us happy for a short time, but the unaddressed issue will sooner or later return to the surface. So, take advantage of the opportunity to show tough love by choosing to care for others.


3. Questions are your friends

When issues arise, never make assumptions when there are still questions on the table. Believe it or not, questions are your friends. They break down walls of defensiveness and create bridges of trust in your relationships.

Questions such as "Can you help me understand this?" or "Can you explain why you did it this way?" promote mutual conversation and understanding. They create environments of collaboration and problem solving, and they create safe spaces for people to open up.

Once questions are asked in a respective manner, the emotions of the responder will typically follow suit. On the flip side, when people feel attacked with statements or accusations, they typically do one of two things. They either become defensive and loud, or they shut down emotionally. So, lead with grace, and let your questions be an invitation to mutual understanding.

Confrontation is not easy, but it is normal. Do not let it catch you by surprise, but rather embrace this responsibility and duty of every servant leader. Remember, hard things are not to be avoided. Just like driving a car, the more we do it the better we become.

Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs as Agents of Change

By Elizabeth Rivas • March 14, 2023
Faith-driven entrepreneurs, like our Branches Worldwide Leaders, can play a significant role in positively impacting their communities through their businesses. These individuals have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world, which can drive them to create innovative solutions to community problems and to lead with integrity and compassion. One way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by creating jobs and economic opportunities (like AJ in South Africa ). By starting and growing successful businesses, they can provide employment for local residents and stimulate economic growth. This can help to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, faith-driven entrepreneurs may choose to pay fair wages and provide good working conditions, which can help to improve the lives of their employees and their families. Another way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by addressing social issues through their businesses. For example, they may choose to start a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need, as Alice has done for girls and women in Kenya. Such entrepreneurs may also choose to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into their for-profit business models. This can include implementing sustainable practices, fair trade policies and supporting local charities, which can help to improve the lives of people in their communities. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as role models for others in their communities, particularly for young people. By demonstrating the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, they can inspire others to pursue their own business dreams and to strive for success in their own lives. Furthermore, their demonstration of faith in action through their businesses can serve as a powerful example of how one can live out one's values and beliefs in the world. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as leaders in their communities. They use their influence and resources to bring about positive change through various initiatives, such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental conservation, and working to improve the overall quality of life for their community members. Our Leader, David , is doing exactly this in his international school in India. Our Branches Worldwide Leaders are proving the multitude of positive effects that faith-driven entrepreneurs can have in their communities. From providing direct assistance through jobs or providing services to those in need to being a source of inspiration for others, these entrepreneurs are creating change that will reverberate across geography and generations. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .

Merging Business Mentorship and Christian Mentorship

By Elizabeth Rivas • January 30, 2023
Business mentorship can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow and succeed in their careers. A business mentor is an experienced individual who can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you navigate the often complex and unpredictable world of business. Meanwhile, Christian mentorship is a type of mentorship that involves a Christian mentor providing guidance, support, and advice to a mentee, with a focus on spiritual and moral development. Branches Worldwide Mentors serve as both business and Christian Mentors. We believe that faith and business can not only coexist, but that they can mutually strengthen each other. Our Mentors not only guide our Leaders in pragmatic elements of business, but also in their spiritual journeys. One of the key benefits of business mentorship is the opportunity to learn from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the field. Our Mentors share their own experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping our Leaders avoid common pitfalls and to make better decisions. This can be especially useful for those who are just starting out in their career, as they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as more seasoned professionals. Our Mentors also serve as role models, offering guidance and support as the Leader navigates their own faith journey. They may provide biblical teaching and encouragement, as well as offer practical advice and application of the scriptures. Another benefit of merging Christian and business mentorship is the opportunity to network and build professional relationships with other entrepreneurs of faith. Mentors can introduce Leaders to other like-minded industry professionals, giving Leaders the chance to expand their network and strengthen their spiritual development. Overall, mentorship is an invaluable resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life and business. We at Branches Worldwide are honored to work with a number of such individuals. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .
Share by: