The Pharaoh in Joseph's story doesn't get enough recognition for the excellent leader he was. The reasons he was so effective are many:
- He put the cupbearer and baker on probation rather than dismiss them immediately.
- In the long run, he retained the cupbearer and "fired" the baker, which proved to be wise since the cupbearer introduced him to Joseph.
- He knew how to recognize talent, for he hired Joseph on the spot.
- He gave Joseph unlimited authority to do his job of storing grain as he saw fit.
- He took care of Joseph, making sure he had a wife and all he needed to be successful.
Pharaoh once again showed his leadership ability when Joseph's family arrived from Canaan to stay in Egypt. He did not promise that he would employ all Joseph's family, but instead said this:
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock" (Genesis 47:5-6).
Pharaoh was not "into" nepotism, hiring people based on who they were related to. He only wanted those in his employ who had "special ability." In other words, he was directing Joseph to hire his brothers if they were good and skilled at what they did. Otherwise, Pharaoh was willing to provide for his family but not give them a job.
The real issue is that Pharaoh built his empire on the strengths of his people and not his whims or preferences. And that meant his people had to know what their strengths were so they could serve Pharaoh and Egypt effectively. What are your strengths? What do you do best? Do you know your spiritual gifts? If you are a leader, do you know the strengths of the people with whom you work? Do you hire according to who someone knows already in your organization or what they are able to do? Have you hired your family based on merit or relationship? Learn from Pharaoh and hire the best people, and if you have trouble recognizing who they are, get someone to help you.
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