THE INNER CIRCLE

An inner circle of advisors is one of the most powerful ways to personally and professionally improve while simultaneously avoid making wrong decisions.  The Scriptures are indeed right on the mark when they proclaim that "there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors." Here's a good list of criteria for any person you're considering to be in you inner circle:

• You like them.

• They like you.

• They add value to you.

• You in turn add value to them.

• They have their life in order.

• They have high moral standards.

• You are open and transparent with them.

• Their age range should be +/- 10 years relative to your own.

• They are committed to personal and professional improvement.

• They have a track record of success in the area in which they mentor you.

• You act on their advice the majority of the time (else they'll stop giving it).

• They have your permission to talk bluntly with you without you being offended.

• They can ask you anything they want and you'll answer truthfully.

• They know how to keep a confidence without blabbing it to everyone.

• You meet with them at least once per month and talk with them at least twice per month.

• If they give you an assignment, you complete it on time and to their satisfaction.

• You willingly submit to them and their counsel and be accountable for your actions.

Suggested areas where you need an inner circle counselor/advisor:

These 10 people below are in my inner circle (in alphabetical order):

Richard C. Baker, Principal, Baker & Associates - Rick has run his own nation-wide consulting business since 2004, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, operational excellence, and consolidation. A degreed engineer, he has previously held Senior Management, VP, Executive VP, and Presidency positions with aerospace, commercial, and fitness organizations, some in the Fortune 500. He has won national and international awards and has met with US Presidents, Senators, and Governors. Rick mentors me in business analysis and valuations. A calm, level-headed professional, Rick can run any business and size up any business and pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses in all areas.

Gary J. Hammons, President, Continuous Improvement Concepts, Inc.- Gary has a wide range of business experiences, both in corporate as well as private environments. He is self-employed as a consultant and is expert in all areas of business operations, especially so in Lean Manufacturing and Finance. He mentors me in business practices, leadership, and "thinking like a businessman" in both career and personal development. A straight-shooter, Gary is a leader of leaders and develops leaders.

David C. Jordan, Brother- Dave is a successful aerospace/medical device journeyman machinist. His perspective on family and extended family issues is very helpful for me. He and his wife and their son enjoy many of the things my family does, including motor home camping, church life, and public service (Dave is a former Brier City Councilman). We talk candidly about many things having been raised in the same home!

Leslie C. Jordan, Wife - My best friend since we were married in 1979, Leslie and I are raising eight children. Our kids are all well-adjusted, enthusiastic, able to interact with kids as well as adults, are all accomplished in their fields of interest. Our personal finances are in order and our marriage is very strong. We think the same in almost all areas and jointly agree on child raising, financial, spiritual, educational, and career matters.

David Potter, Software Developer, - David is founder and director of Catalyst Drama, a Christian touring drama team presenting Christian-theme drama in churches and correctional facilities. David is expert at computer hardware and software and is happily married with four children.  A Microsoft engineer, he mentors me in drama, technology, websites, and relationship within the Christian community.

Damon R. Stoddard, Master Black Belt- Damon develops curriculum to communicate difficult technical subjects in a way easily understood by the hearer. A pioneer in the "one page" model of communication, Damon distills books and themes into highly usable, practical formats that adds value to the reader. A former aerospace engineer, he mentors me in communication, training, and professional development.

Greg Von Tobel, Executive Director, Prisoners For Christ Outreach Ministries- He heads up the prison ministry I'm a part of. He leads a volunteer organization of over 1000 persons, raises funds for the maintenance of the office, is the best prison preacher I've ever heard, and has impeccable standards for himself. He is a leader of leaders. He has more vision and spiritual dedication than any single person I know. He's a mentor to me in areas of ministry, spiritual living, and vision.

Mark L. Youngs, Owner, Action Accounting- For over 20 years Mark has specialized in small business accounting and taxation as well as personal income taxes. Additionally, he is well experienced in stocks, bonds, real estate, and precious metals investing. A well-read financial leader, Mark advises and serves clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. He mentors me in personal business incorporation, taxation, investments, financial health, and financial independence.

Be advised that if I every messed up morally these people would come down on me like a ton of bricks! Yet all of the above would hold me accountable and come after me with a hammer (in love...) if I abandoned my honor and integrity. They would not just "let me be me" but, having responsibility to my family as well as to me, they'd confront me. Powerful incentive to stay on the right path!

My inner circle does not simply exist to advise me within their area of expertise, but they also contribute wisdom to me in any area that I ask of them. My friendship, and even close friendship network adds much value to me also. Just because a friend of mine is not in my inner circle does not mean that they are not important in my life. The inner circle are those that meet all of the criteria above and that I can also have very regular contact time with (email, phone, in-person). An inner circle member who is not available is not much use to you. The inner circle person knows you and knows you well and watches you and sees you and this simply cannot be accomplished by someone out-of-state or out of the region.

Other outstanding friends who add much value to me, and also serve as counselors to me: