Leadership

Module 4 · Lesson

Hiring Right

Exodus 18:21 / Proverbs 27:17 4 min

Select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain.

Exodus 18:21 / Proverbs 27:17

Moses' father-in-law Jethro gave him the earliest recorded leadership advice in Scripture — and it was about hiring. The criteria: capability, fear of God, trustworthiness, and integrity around money.

Notice what's not on the list: impressive credentials, personal likability, or availability. The non-negotiables were character-based.

Skill without character is a liability. A talented person who lacks integrity will cause more damage than a less talented person who is trustworthy.

Slow hiring and fast firing is a painful but accurate maxim. Take your time. If you've hired wrong, don't delay a necessary correction out of discomfort.

This week

Review your current team. For each person, honestly assess: are they capable, trustworthy, and do their values align with your mission? Note any gaps that need addressing.