Genesis 24:1-8 “Abraham was now old …He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, ‘ … I want you to swear by the LORD … that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites … but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac … lf the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine …”

I presume this chief servant was Eliezer of Damascus referred to earlier. Here is a trustworthy associate, well-trained man who fully knows the mind, heart and mission of his employer.

Principle: Hire, train and retain highly competent people on your management team.

On critical projects, entrust the mission to highly reliable people who have proven ability and loyalty. Pay them well. Ask for a commitment. Clarify the mission, the desired results, and the schedule. Don’t try to anticipate every “what if’ question, but directly address issues and challenges.

Allow your managers to handle the “how” questions based on their track record of trustworthiness. Trust. Release it.

Discussion:

1. What are the challenges in recruiting, training, and sustaining a competent management team?

2. If your time, focus, and energy are the issues, what can you do to prioritize?

3. If cash flow is the issue, what are some options to overcome that challenge?