John Stanko

"So Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt'" - Genesis 41:41.

There are two Pharaohs prominently featured in the Bible. One was the 'bad' Pharaoh who oppressed Moses and his people. The other 'good' Pharaoh was the one mentioned in today's verse who recognized Joseph's plan to save Egypt as sound, and promoted Joseph to the number two position in all the land. Keep in mind that Pharaoh had just met Joseph when the latter came into Pharaoh's presence to interpret two dreams. This appointment required great courage and wisdom, for Pharaoh turned to a convicted felon who had distinguished himself in jail rather than any of the other Egyptian advisers. Leaders must have wisdom in hiring the right people, and if they cannot recognize talent, then they need to have someone among their advisers who can.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Step today is to examine your hiring track record to see if you have wisdom where recognizing talent is concerned. Have the last few people you've hired become productive members of your team? Are you sure, or are you ignoring their dysfunction because you hired them? Are you hiring too quickly? Is there someone on your team who is more adept at recognizing talent? What is stopping you from relying on their insight instead of your own? Is it pride?