“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.”
– Warren Buffett, American businessman, inventor, and philanthropist
Image from Flickr by blu-news.org.
If there is a single quality that I look for in a potential coaching candidate, it’s integrity. Whenever I examine the reasons for the success of all the individuals I’ve coached, integrity seems to trump all other factors – perhaps because it’s foundational for many other qualities and characteristics, including:
- Honesty
- Quality of relationships
- Leadership
- Courage
- Hard work
- Dedication
- Persistence
- Loyalty
- Character
- Service to others
- Passion
- Purpose
- Drive
Just as a building will stand firmly on a solid foundation, a life and career built on a foundation of integrity will stand powerfully and endure.
Exercise:
What actions can you take today to associate with others of high integrity? What steps can you take now and in the future to be the type of person who Warren Buffett would gladly hire?