This episode is part of our special webinar series on Using Your Platform For Good In Crisis.
Naturally, our hearts are drawn to making a difference in our own community – particularly in times of crisis. But we may easily tire of the constant request for funding, especially when we feel that we have so much more to offer. The idea of writing a check for meals or funding rent for a family about to be evicted is a privilege, but it’s not leveraged.
David Weekley is Chairman of one of the largest privately owned home builders in the US, David Weekley Homes. When he encountered his own business crisis more than 20 years ago, he decided that if God allowed the business to survive and thrive, he would commit half of his income and half of his time to serving others.
Since overcoming that season of crisis, he has given away millions of dollars to local, national and global causes and spent more than 20,000 hours working with nonprofits to find the best ways to maximize local impact in this crisis.
CLICK HERE to watch or listen to the recording of our conversation.
David recently joined Lloyd Reeb and Doug Piper to discuss lessons learned for leveraged impact. Here’s what he said…
1. It’s God’s money. It’s not our money. God has given us resources and we are, in a way, His investment advisors. We are His hands and feet here on this earth to bring about a return. We are called to use our God-given talents, gifts, and business acumen to ensure that those resources are invested wisely and create the most impact for His kingdom.
2. Fund the leader, not just the organization. You can have an organization with a great model for potential impact, but if the leader isn’t the right leader, the model won’t matter. At the same time, a struggling organization with a new and talented leader can often make things work.
3. Steward influence as well as affluence. We’ve each been given a platform here on earth, a network of diverse relationships. Often, we think about impact in terms of money when relationships can have a much broader impact.
4. Go places and attempt to help ministries where you have strengths. If you see a need but it’s not one of your strengths, don’t go there. We’ve each got unique and incredible strengths that should be used in the best possible way.
“My favorite definition of a leader is to define reality and give hope. How can you help leaders define reality and then give them hope that they can make it through?”
A major strength that halftimers possess is experience. Many nonprofit leaders have not been market tested through a challenging season like the one at hand. We have an opportunity to come alongside, encourage, and prompt leaders to deeply examine their organizational strategies. This requires a foundation of trust and courage to follow God’s prompting to give generously.
One way to employ our perspective and experience is by helping other leaders think through The Five Most Important Questions by Peter Drucker listed below:
- What is your mission?
- Who is your customer?
- What does your customer value?
- What results do you seek?
- What is your plan?
Great leaders during this time are purposeful, willing to be honest, and able to bring hope. Reach out proactively to those you have built trust with. Don’t be tentative!
If not you, who? If not now, when? We have an opportunity to show up in a dark time and be a bright, shining light for the Lord.
“We have a unique opportunity with this crisis to take stock of our lives and re-direct or re-focus if needed.”
As David reminded us, “if we are sitting on the sidelines, we are not doing everything God has called us to do”. If you’re not sure exactly what your strengths are, or how to maximize them for a leveraged impact, we’d love to help you explore that with a Halftime CertifiedTM Coach. Learn how One on One Coaching can help equip you for impact.
FRIENDS
For a limited time, we’re offering 3 sessions of Coaching at a significantly reduced rate. We want to walk alongside you as you navigate this current, unique season and consider what God has in store for you in the days ahead.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this special offering.
ABOUT OUR FEATURED ALUM, DAVID WEEKLEY:
David M. Weekley, Chairman of David Weekley Homes, began his home building company at the age of 23. Since 1976, he has been recognized twice by Inc. Magazines having one of America’s 500 Fastest Growing Companies; in 1986 he was the National Association of Homebuilders’ Builder of the Year; in 1989 he was named Houston Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. David Weekley Homes was also named the 2013 National Builder of the Year by Professional Buildermagazine for its second time – making the company one of only two builders to receive this distinction. David Weekley Homes was named a 2012 Customer Service Champion, and has ranked highest in Customer Satisfaction among new home builders in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Tampa, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
David Weekley is an avid student of the most progressive management methodologies, where people are the primary focus of the organization. The Company has been named to FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For®” list 14 times. David Weekley Homes has earned multiple honors in the areas of product design, marketing and management, and closed over $2.1 billion worth of new homes in 22 different cities in 2019.
As a community leader, David has served on the Vestry at Palmer Memorial Church and is Past Chairman and Executive Committee Member of the Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts, Past President of the Houston Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Past President of the Greater Houston Builder’s Association, former Chairman and Board Member of Metro Houston Young Life, former Chair of the Greater Houston Community Foundation, Trustee Emeritus for Kinkaid School and Chairman of Kinkaid’s $42,000,000 Capital and Endowment Campaign.
David holds degrees in Economics and Geology from San Antonio’s Trinity University. He and his wife, Bonnie, have been married for more than 40 years, have three children and seven grandchildren.
