Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul [Hardcover]

John D. Beckett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1998

When Peter Jennings and ABC News did a story on John Beckett's company, they found something surprising. They found a company that was a living example of integrity and excellence in the workplace. They reported that this was a company where people could love their work, be people of principle and succeed. Jennings summarized the story for ABC by saying, "They are using the Bible as a guide to business." John Beckett's company uses the same unadorned truth that has guided individuals and civilizations for thousands of years but applies it to today's high-tech, fast-paced, market-driven world. This is a book that brings life together: work, belief, value, truth, character and joy. John D. Beckett reads the text. Perfect for the busy commuter, these three CDs allow you to listen to Loving Monday on the way to work--a great way to begin your day!

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 177 pages
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press; 1 edition (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830819266
• ISBN-13: 978-0830819263
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,443,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John D. Beckett was born and grew up in Elyria, Ohio. He graduated from M.I.T. in 1960, after which he worked as an engineer in the aerospace industry.

In 1963 he joined his father's small manufacturing business, and became president in 1965 upon the death of his father. The company has grown to become a worldwide leader in producing engineered components for residential and commercial heating. The company, with its affiliates, employs some 700 people.

Mr. Beckett is a founding board member of The King's College in New York City, and serves on the board of Campus Crusade for Christ, International.

His first book, Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul, was published in 1998, and is now available in sixteen languages. His second book, Mastering Monday: A Practical Guide to Integrating Faith and Work, was released in July 2006. *

Mr. Beckett received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Spring Arbor University in 2002 and The King's College in 2008. He has also been named "Christian Businessman of the Year" by the Christian Broadcasting network (1999) and manufacturing "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Ernst & Young (2003.)

He resides in Elyria, Ohio with his wife, Wendy, to whom he has been married since 1961. They have six children and sixteen grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must read" for any Chrsitian in today's workforce!, September 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul (Hardcover)

When it was first given to me, I put the book down and thought "great, another 'motivation' book under the guise of Christianity." It took me nearly a year o pick it up, and when I did, I regretted waiting so long. I found it to be a wealth of practical information set in a personal testimony to which I (and anyone) could relate. You won't find "three quicky steps to make life perfect" here. Instead, you'll get to know a man and his struggles, and how Christ helped him overcome them. If you've already arrived at the same conculsions Beckett does, the book will serve as a refreshing confirmation. If you haven't yet arrived at his conclusions, you'll be blessed. Read this book!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loving Monday is truly inspiring., August 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul (Hardcover)

John Beckett's "Loving Monday" is a concise "how to." for the person who seeks to integrate their faith with their business life. The book refutes the popular notion that one must be ruthless in order to succeed in the workplace. Instead, Beckett shows how applying Christian principles in dealings with customers, employees and the community has helped him build a thriving business. His examples are simple and honest, giving techniques that anyone can understand an apply. The book is an easy read. The success of "Loving Monday" proves that it fills a need, that this is something Christians have been seeking.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars . . . the Lord had a vital interest in my work.", March 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul (Hardcover)

This review appeared in Christian Library Journal.

John Beckett has been loving Mondays ever since he decided to run his oil burner business for the glory of God. He says, ". . . I had seen clear evidence that the Lord had a vital interest in my work. I concluded it would be utterly foolish for me to somehow partition my life into one way of thinking and conduct on Sundays and another during the work week. There needed to be a much fuller integration of my two worlds."

Three areas of focus make the R.W. Beckett Corporation notable:

First, extraordinary service. Management and employees alike strive to do their best. All are constantly looking for ways to improve their products so that they are always on the cutting edge of excellence. Examining their manufacturing process, they search for techniques that will enhance productivity and quality. They demonstrate their integrity in their contacts with customers and fulfillment of orders.

Second, commitment to employees. Company policies such as twenty-six weeks of maternity leave at quarter pay enable employees to put their families first. Management watches out for the best interests of labor, providing training needed for employees to be successful or to be promoted to the next level. Beckett has been so successful at forging caring employee relations that the plant voted to remain union-free.

Third, giving something back. Beckett's success has put him in a position to benefit the community. One of his projects is Advent Industries, which trains a workforce of disadvantaged people-who, because of criminal records, substance abuse, incomplete education or lack of skills are employment risks.

So exceptional is management style at the R.W. Beckett Corporation that Peter Jennings included a story about it on ABC News. Loving Monday explains in greater detail the Biblical principles that Beckett follows every day in running his business.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to love going to work--or who wants his employees to love their work.

--Andrea R. Huelsenbeck