Hiring with integrity is the foundation of building a successful team. Hiring, training, and developing employees involves various techniques. However, no matter the size of your team—whether it’s three or ten members—hiring with integrity is the one absolute key that should never be ignored.
When working with people, it can be challenging to apply absolutes. Employees may sometimes defy rules or expectations, but one principle remains constant: Always hire based on integrity.
Why Integrity Matters in Hiring
Integrity is one of the most crucial yet often misunderstood attributes. While frequently associated with morality, integrity stands on its own. To clarify this distinction and highlight its importance in the hiring process, let’s break it down.
If an employee lacks integrity, their talent, skills, work ethic, or productivity become irrelevant. Eventually, they will not only underperform but will also spread toxicity within your team. Worse still, individuals who lack integrity can influence other employees and negatively impact client relationships. A single dishonest hire can infect your workplace culture.
If your instincts tell you something feels off during the hiring process, trust your gut. Integrity is not something that can be trained, purchased, or instilled—it either exists or it doesn’t.
Real-World Example of Integrity in Hiring
Amy passed all interviews, skill assessments, and reference checks effortlessly. However, within five days of starting the job, red flags emerged. A glaring example was her first business trip, where her room service bill totaled $65 for a single dinner—a lavish expense given her $19,000 annual salary and reliance on public assistance. This behavior demonstrated an entitlement mentality rather than financial responsibility—a clear lack of integrity.
Hiring with integrity is non-negotiable. If an individual exhibits entitlement or dishonesty early on, it’s only a matter of time before larger issues arise.
Key Indicators of Hiring With Integrity in Employees
Hiring with integrity ensures long-term success for your team. Here’s what integrity looks like in the workplace:
- Doing the right thing even when no one is watching
- Bringing concerns to those who can make a difference
- Avoiding gossip and encouraging constructive conversations
- Maintaining consistency between personal and professional values
Signs of a Lack of Integrity
Conversely, these behaviors indicate a lack of integrity:
- Discussing unethical behaviors, such as cheating on a partner or making irresponsible financial choices
- Engaging in office gossip and secrecy, starting conversations with phrases like “Don’t tell anyone, but…”
- Displaying entitlement or dishonesty in financial or professional matters
Creating a Workplace Culture of Hiring With Integrity
As a leader, you can instill hiring with integrity within your team by developing and upholding a set of core values. Get your team involved in defining these values, then establish them as the foundation of your company culture.
Consider including values such as:
- Respect: Treating others as we wish to be treated
- Commitment to Family: Supporting work-life balance for all employees
- Community Contribution: Engaging in charitable activities to give back
- Spiritual and Personal Growth: Encouraging mindfulness and development to foster a positive environment
Publishing these values can help you assess both new and current employees. Additionally, sharing them with clients and vendors reinforces your company’s commitment to ethical business practices, fostering trust and increasing referrals.
Need Help Hiring the Right People?
If you need guidance on hiring with integrity or making tough termination decisions, we’re here to help. Explore our free resources on fire.h50.us/~hrgnmpwr/dev2/ for expert insights. Learn more through our blogs and tune in to our weekly podcasts for additional tips on team building and leadership.
Authored by Molly Hall McGrath
