There is no “I” in team, but there is an “I” in business—and yours should hire with attention to certain characteristics, including one that begins with “I.”
Source: arbuzu / iStock / Getty
In fact, one expert says this trait is nonnegotiable.
Key Ingredient
A recent article at Inc. references a quote from Warren Buffett, CEO of multinational conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, on what traits you should look for in an individual. “You’re looking for three things, generally, in a person: intelligence, energy, and integrity. And if they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother with the first two.”
Yet, companies are often so focused on intelligence and energy that they overlook integrity.
Or perhaps they don’t know how to screen for it.
Ask About It
The blog Rework from Cornerstone, a provider of talent management solutions, shares one approach:
“The CEO of a predominant design and building company Maravelas [author and speaker Anna Maravelas] had worked with stuck out in her mind for a unique interviewing tactic. The CEO would interview candidates directly, starting off with warm, getting-to-know-you conversation. A bit into the interview, the CEO would then ask, ‘If we ever got into a bind with a client, would you be willing to tell a little white lie to help us out?’
“If the candidate said yes,” Maravelas explains, “the offer evaporated. You really have to have a lot of integrity to say no.”
Of course, not every interviewer is comfortable asking such a direct question.
However, you can assess integrity by asking other questions. Here are a few examples:
- Were you ever been asked to do something at work that conflicted with your personal values? And if so, how did you handle it?
- Were you ever privy to an ethically questionable situation at work? And if so, how did you handle it?
- Have you ever had a boss or coworker lie to you about something job related? And if so, how did it make you feel?
- What would you do if you found out one of your direct reports was stealing from the company?
A Little Integrity
When it comes to integrity, there is no gray area. It brings to mind the scene in the Seinfeld episode, “The Chaperone,” where Elaine Benes interviews for a job. Here’s the dialogue:
Landis: [interviewing Elaine for a job] Not many people have grace.
Elaine Benes: Well, you know, grace is a tough one. I like to think I have a little grace. Not as much as Jackie O . . .
Landis: You can’t have a little grace. You either have grace or you don’t.
Elaine Benes: Okay, fine. I have no grace.
Landis: And you can’t acquire grace.
Elaine Benes: Well, I have no intention of getting grace.
Landis: Grace isn’t something you can pick up at the market.
Elaine Benes: [annoyed] Alright, alright, look, I don’t have grace, I don’t want grace, I don’t even say grace, okay?
Landis: Thank you for coming in.
Elaine Benes: Yeah yeah right.
Landis: We’ll make our choice in a few days and we’ll let you know.
Elaine Benes: I have no chance do I?
Landis: No.
If an interview reveals that a candidate has no integrity, the person should have no chance.
 |
Paula Santonocito, Contributing Editor for Recruiting Daily Advisor, is a business journalist specializing in employment issues. She is the author of more than 1,000 articles on a wide range of human resource and career topics, with an emphasis on recruiting and hiring. Her articles have been featured in many global and domestic publications and information outlets, referenced in academic and legal publications as well as books, and translated into several languages. |