Issue 44
Kingdom Neighbors

Looking for 4C and PHD workplace talents

Having more soldiers and fewer generals is the norm in business or military activities. The problem is that capable "generals" (talents) are hard to find. Many business owners or managers often feel that their subordinates or employees have too many mediocre soldiers, but generals who can lead the company towards its goals are Talents are few. Therefore, "Thousands of troops are easy to come by, but one general is hard to find. Where can we find talents in a vast sea of people?" This is often the common sentiment of companies, enterprises or organizations looking for talents.


Since ancient times, talent has been the key to career success. The ancients said: "ZTE is based on talents." They also said: "Times create heroes, and heroes create times." There are many touching stories in history of successful founders who braved hardships and overcame obstacles, or of heroes who turned the tide and turned things around. His deeds are all talked about and praised endlessly. The waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead, and a new generation replaces the old. God raises up different talents in different eras.


When Chu and Han fought, Liu Bang defeated Xiang Yu and unified the world. Someone asked him how to succeed, and he said: "I am not as good as Zifang when it comes to strategizing and planning, and winning a battle thousands of miles away. I am not as good as Xiao He in controlling the country, caring for the people, providing food and supplies, and never running out of food." With an army of millions, we must win in battle and capture in attack. I am not as good as Han Xin. These three are all outstanding, and I can use them. This is why I conquer the world." A leader can make good use of people who are stronger than him. Achieve great things.


At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Bei formed an alliance with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in Taoyuan. He visited the thatched cottage three times and invited Zhuge Liang out. Then he allied with Sun Quan and defeated Cao Cao in the Battle of Chibi. Therefore, the situation of the Three Kingdoms was created.


In the Bible, we also see that after Pharaoh listened to Joseph's dream interpretation, he immediately said to Joseph: "Since God has shown you all these things, it can be seen that no one is as wise and wise as you. You can take charge of my house, my The people will obey your voice.” (Genesis 41:39) Joseph was immediately transformed from prisoner to prime minister. After Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the king immediately exalted Daniel and appointed him as prime minister over the entire province of Babylon and over all the wise men of Babylon (see Daniel 2:48). We believe that this is God's will, but we have to admire these two kings for not only knowing people, but also for their wisdom and courage to make decisive decisions.


In the past, when companies hired employees, especially executive-level talents, they often relied on education, work experience, and even factors such as age, gender, and race. However, from the Bible we see that the requirements for “stewards” are to be kind, loyal, and knowledgeable (see Matthew 24:45 and 25:21); in addition, as recorded in Acts 6:3 , the apostles put forward the conditions for selecting worthy and capable deacons: "People with a good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit, and sufficient wisdom."


Over the years, I have worked in the workplace and participated in community services, and I have found that it is very important to have the right talent for the right place; especially finding talents with 4C and PHD is a real treasure.

What is 4C?

Character:This is the first condition. Even if a person is rich in knowledge (several Ph.D.s) and has outstanding talents, if he has poor character, he will not be able to hold a big position. Therefore, detailed inspection is very important before appointment. You can understand his character and conduct from what he has done in the past and the people he has worked with in the past. The Bible says: "A good name is better than great wealth, and favor is better than silver and gold." (Proverbs 22:1) A good reputation is indeed a very valuable asset. The Bible also says: "Overseers must also have a good reputation outside the church, lest they be slandered and fall into the devil's snare." (1 Timothy 3:7)


Capability:Only by finding talented people can we successfully complete the task; if he is not capable enough, he will often get half the result with half the effort, or even be in vain. How to find talents with high character and ability is the key to career success. It is necessary to conduct open and covert investigations, have the spirit of thirsty for talents, and even have the courage and mind to "not avoid relatives when doing things internally, and not avoid enemies when doing things externally". Sometimes, you have to look around the thatched cottage and use an open-minded and sincere attitude in order to be moved and gain the other person's approval and willingness to work with you.

▲If a team can appreciate each other, support each other, and encourage each other, what a blessing it is.


Commitment:Leaders are born with God’s gifts, coupled with acquired environment and hard work. But what is even more valuable is his willingness to commit himself and serve faithfully. He is not an opportunistic person. You need to find a partner who has the same vision and like-minded goals, so that he can share the joys and sorrows with you. He is a committed person, not a person who has different ideas, forgets his integrity for profit, or betrays his friends for the sake of glory.


Chemistry:The ancients said: "It is important for people to know each other and understand each other's hearts." What a blessing it is for each other to appreciate, support, help and encourage each other. If it is difficult for two people to communicate spiritually, agree with each other, or have different values, even if they are both good people, it will be difficult for them to cooperate sincerely. Every company or group has its corporate culture. If newcomers cannot appreciate and identify with it, it will be difficult for them to integrate.

▲Enthusiasm is the driving force for career success. It makes you tireless and persevering. You need to find passionate people to work with to get the job done.

What is PHD?


Passion:Without passion for your mission, it will be difficult to achieve your goals. Similarly, if there is no enthusiasm for work, it will be difficult to achieve outstanding results. Enthusiasm is the driving force for career success. It enables you to work tirelessly and forget about food and sleep; it also allows you to work tirelessly and persevere to continue working hard. You need to find passionate people to work with to get the job done.


Humility:Humility is a very important virtue, and a humble person is also a person who is liked by both God and man. People don't like to associate with arrogant people. The Bible says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 5:6); “Pride comes before destruction, but before honor comes humility.” (Proverbs 18:12) Humility means recognizing one's duty, having the courage to take responsibility, knowing that everything is received from God, not daring to boast, and looking wholeheartedly to God's blessings. The Bible says: "Moses was an extremely meek man, more meek than anyone else in the world." (Numbers 12:3) God therefore chose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.


Diligence:The ancients said: "The best in work is hard work, and the most wasteful work is play." The Bible also reminds us again and again of the importance of hard work. "The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy will suffer. The sluggish will envy, but will gain nothing; but the diligent will have plenty." (Proverbs 12:24 and 13:4) A diligent person will be able to overcome difficulties when encountering difficulties. Always thinking and looking for solutions to problems, not only does his work perform well, but he can also influence his peers to work together to overcome difficulties. However, lazy people often look for excuses, exaggerate difficulties, and refuse to invest; when they fail, they like to blame others, shirk blame, and are arrogant. The Bible says: "The sluggish man says, 'There is a lion in the road, and a strong lion in the streets.' The sluggard thinks of himself as wiser than seven men who are good at dealing with it." (Proverbs 26:13 and 16) This kind of person who cannot work diligently People in an enterprise not only hinder the growth of the enterprise, but also bring harm to others. How to find talents with 4C and PHD is the first task in building a team. How to have the spirit of Bole looking for a thousand-mile horse requires heavenly wisdom and prayer. How to cultivate them, have the courage to do things, and encourage them so that they can use their talents to achieve great things in different fields. This not only allows everyone to use their talents and suit their duties, but also allows God to be glorified. This is far-sighted. Business executives need to run their business carefully.


Author profile Lin Fengliang served as chairman and CEO of Payless Car Rental System Inc., one of the six largest car rental companies in the United States, from 1989 to 2013. Currently, he is a director of the Christian Messenger Association and is dedicated to the ministry of workplace missions and corporate transformation.