"Cherchez de l'intelligence et du jugement et, surtout, une capacité d'anticipation, de voir au-delà des apparences. Cherchez également la loyauté, l'intégrité, une grande énergie, un ego équilibré et la volonté d'accomplir les tâches."

Choosing the right people to work with is crucial to achieving success. What you're looking for isn't just raw talent—though that's important—but a blend of qualities that make someone truly exceptional. Intelligence and good judgment are key. Without them, even the most energetic person can lead a project astray. But there's more to it. The ability to anticipate problems and opportunities, to look ahead and see what's coming around the bend, is what sets the best apart. Then, there's loyalty and integrity. You want people you can trust, who will stand by their word and by your side. Add to this a high energy drive, a balanced ego, and a strong desire to get things done, and you've got a winning combination.

This idea has been echoed through history, from ancient leaders like Augustus Caesar—who carefully selected his advisors—not just for their smarts, but for their foresight and loyalty—to modern business magnates like Warren Buffett. Buffett has often emphasized the importance of integrity in his partners, noting that without it, intelligence and energy can be dangerous.

Imagine this in a real-life scenario: Think about a startup company. You're the founder, and you're at the point where you need to hire your first employees. This is a make-or-break moment for your business. You want people who are not just smart, but who can make good decisions under pressure. You need those who can predict market trends and customer needs before they become obvious. They should be loyal, stick with you during tough times, and always act with integrity—no cutting corners or unethical behavior. Their energy and enthusiasm should be palpable, driving the whole team forward. And, importantly, they should have their egos in check—confident, but not arrogant.

To apply this wisdom, start by refining your hiring process. Don't just look at resumes and qualifications. Spend time talking with candidates about their past work, their decision-making processes, and how they handle failure. Ask situational questions that reveal their ability to think ahead. For loyalty and integrity, look for consistency in their career and life choices. Are they the kind of person who sticks around, or do they jump ship at the first sign of trouble?

Consider a story: Picture Sarah, a small business owner running a boutique marketing agency. When she started, she hired her friend Mike because he was the smartest guy she knew. But Mike often made decisions that benefited him more than the company. He was brilliant, but he lacked the ability to see the long-term consequences of his actions, and he wasn't particularly loyal to the company. Eventually, Sarah had to let him go. She then hired Jane, who wasn't just smart, but also incredibly dedicated and trustworthy. Jane anticipated market trends, made decisions that benefited the company, and always acted with integrity. With Jane on board, the business flourished.

So, next time you're in a hiring position or even just choosing a partner for a project, remember: it's about the whole package. Intelligence, foresight, loyalty, integrity, energy, humility, and a strong drive. Those are the qualities that will help you succeed, no matter the field.