How do we find reliable people of quality?

I will look with favour on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he who walks in the way that is blameless
shall minister to me. (Psalm 101:6)

David is looking for reliable staff with a high moral standard: people who share his values and have an appropriate character. It is hard to find and select these kinds of people. It is easier to look for a connection in a common desire and leave the shaping of the company principles and culture to the staff members. We see this happening with David. He does not start with the most trustworthy people, but they do share a common goal. They all want to escape from Saul’s regime (1 Samuel 22:1-2). Later they become his heroes and the people who give shape to and guard his culture (1 Chronicles 11:10).

Take Linda, with a university education in the food sector. Entrepreneurs see her as ‘high potential’. She is welcome to start at any work placement, but she is not interested in the money. She rejects great offers from a big dairy company, a branding agency, and a big retail chain. She starts for little money with a pioneer in meat substitutes. It is this company that represents her dream: healthy food without environmental burdens. The personal values of the entrepreneur stem from the Bible. She has no problem with that, for she shares the entrepreneur’s values of goodness, justice, reliability, and faithfulness. In this company, she can be her natural self and it provides her with a sense of worth and meaningfulness.

As an entrepreneur it is important to know what the decision factors are for young professionals to apply for or start a job with a company. What I have heard and experienced is that one of these factors is a company culture that allows people to pursue their dreams with all their energy. Besides this, it is important that your company works on the basis of trust. Staff members must feel involved in the decision-making process and that your company provides space to grow. They must see your business as is a company that invests in the social environment, contributes to a better world, and that allows their staff to develop.

People that feel free to work on their dreams in a — for them — positive environment are generally also loyal to the company and the environment in which they work. This creates opportunities for the entrepreneur to also involve his values. This helps you as an entrepreneur to work on multiplying that which you find important and good.

Question for the day
What type of staff members are you looking for and how are you going to find them?