The Recommendation Before The King and Lesson on Career Growth: “Remember me … mention me to Pharaoh”

He was sold by his brethren, and later found himself in a jail with servants of Pharaoh. They dreamt and he interpreted their dreams, a pro bono service which he used to showcase his abilities. But he did one critical thing: he told one of the servants to remember him when he finally gets out of jail.

Then Pharaoh had a dream and was troubled. None of his astrologers and thinkers could help. And one of the jailed servants, now free, told Pharaoh: “Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there…he interpreted our dreams for us… And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened”. Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he helped his master.

Some lessons here: 

(1) Joseph did a pro bono (not paid) and showcased his skills. And he added value.

(2) Joseph was very clear and told the servant to remember him. That request was clear and definite: “But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.”

This is the deal: until people could recommend you in your absence, the promotion may not come. Joseph was recommended before the king while he was still in jail because he did a great job, and he also spoke for the person to put good words for him.

How many times have you asked your colleagues to put “some nice words” when necessary for you, besides them just thanking you for a job well done? In my family here, when we wake up, we ask the Lord “as you send your angels on assignments today to bless men and women, remember us. Our hands are raised up unto heavens, for your blessings and they cannot miss us. Find us in the day and in the night for your recommendations.”

As we sing in the Scripture Union, the next praise will be better because more songs will be discovered; may His Grace be in abundance. Happy Sunday.

Reference: Genesis 40 and 41

Comment on Social Feed

Comment 1: There’s a place for giving out value without necessarily expecting anything in return.

My Response: When you do that consistently, you are making it harder for others to get that value.  But if you encourage the recipients of that value to tell others where possible, you can share more value. See it from the angle that you want to help more even if that adds no value to you. Most times we wonder why Foundations built to spend money advertise what they do: they want to reach more people with value.

A good person can add value to others without expecting anything in return. Yet, there is nothing wrong if more people can also be helped. That differs from how I see law practice in Nigeria and the US. A lawyer can advertise his services on TV, radio, billboards in America with clients giving testimonials. In Nigeria, that is not allowed. The problem is that in Nigeria, discovering great lawyers becomes difficult. Even if the Nigeria lawyer is rich and does not care, that system hurts many who would have received value.

“There’s a place for giving out value without necessarily expecting anything in return. “ Yes, but think beyond the giver to others who are denied value.

Comment 2: Thank you for sharing the story of Joseph and the valuable lessons we can learn from it. Joseph’s pro bono service and clear request for the servant to remember him were critical factors in his eventual promotion. It is indeed essential to showcase our skills and ask our colleagues for recommendations when necessary. Additionally, your family’s practice of raising hands to heaven for blessings is a beautiful way to start the day. Happy Sunday to you too!

Comment 3: We all have same opportunities like Joseph to offer a voluntary service, request for a referral and to be gracefully skilled enough to meet & surpass the expectations of the king.

Comment 4: About 8 years ago, I interviewed with a great Company. I strongly felt that my knowledge and skills were a good match for the advertised opportunity. I went through 3 sets of management interviews. The opportunity was given to someone else. I used the interview process as a teachable moment. I knew that I needed to communicate better and be more likeable. Less academic and more of a leader.

During the interview process, I “connected” with one of the people who had interviewed me. Later on, we linked up on LinkedIn. I asked him to remember me in case any other opportunity cropped up in our field.

In 2018, he joined an even greater Organization. An opportunity cropped up for a Senior Manager. He was a Director. He remembered me.

We have been working together for almost 5 years. Great team leader. One of the best experiences of my career. I have done the same along the way. Mentioning and recommending deserving hard working people along the way.

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