Integrity
Matters
March 24, 2004
Integrity
still key in hiring
 
Question: (E-106)
Dear
Jim:
As
an employer, what are the right things to look for in
an employee? How does one identify integrity? Can integrity
increase team effectiveness?
Response:
The
answers to your three questions are: Integrity is what
you look for, observation is how you find it and yes,
integrity among leaders is a key to success.
Regarding
your first question about what to look for in an employee,
the following wisdom, from an unknown source, is a great
place to start, and it begins with integrity:
"When
selecting individuals to join an organization, or entrusting
them with the responsibilities of leadership, one must
value:
"Integrity
above motivation, motivation above capacity, capacity
above wisdom, wisdom above experience, experience above
knowledge, and knowledge above training."
"What
must be known and considered is not a list of claimed
positions or achievements, but the qualities and characteristics
of the person."
As
you know, integrity will always be apparent in the consistency
of the actions of those who have it. More often than not,
those with integrity recognize their own imperfections,
acknowledge their mistakes matter of factly, and are aware
that their flaws are only fatal when ignored or denied.
Integrity
will thrust itself upon an organization when leaders understand
values, people and communication.
In
November 1994, a client asked for our help in addressing
conflicts between and among the company's top leadership.
We interviewed a dozen senior-level executives and came
up with this observation, recommendation and solution
to their problem:
"Understand
the required skill sets to make their team productive;
are valued by and bring value to the organization; are
committed to the vision, mission and strategy; and are
signed on to the organization's supported behavior
and culture, then no issue can polarize the group or create
destructive behaviors."
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