Building Better Teams with Character-Based Hiring

Building high-performance teams is the single most important step a company can take to secure its longevity. While technical skills and experience are important, they only paint part of the picture. Increasingly, companies are recognizing the value of character-based hiring - evaluating candidates' personal values, integrity, and alignment with the organization's mission and culture.

The shift to character-based hiring marks a fundamental change in how talent is assessed. According to a recent MIT Sloan Management Review report, character can transform an organization's culture for better or worse. By making character a key factor in hiring and promotion decisions, companies have the opportunity to build stronger, more resilient teams.

Character-based hiring focuses on valuing a candidate's personal attributes as much as their technical skills. Taking a holistic approach helps ensure new hires not only have the skills to excel in their roles but also the values and behaviors that contribute positively to the team and organizational environment.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of character-based hiring, key strategies for assessing character, and how this approach can drive long-term business success. Insights from industry experts and real-world examples will demonstrate the transformative power of prioritizing character in talent acquisition and management.

The Business Case for Character-Based Hiring

Hiring for character offers significant advantages for organizations, from improved performance to stronger employee retention. A study published in HR Dive highlights the wide-ranging benefits of evaluating character, including:

• Greater returns and more effective leadership
• Increased psychological safety and employee engagement
• Stronger alignment with company values and culture

Neglecting character in hiring decisions can have serious consequences. The MIT Sloan report cites Boeing as a cautionary tale, where poor leadership decisions compromised plane safety and public trust, ultimately forcing the CEO's departure. The debate around Boeing's next leader centered on technical competencies rather than the character-based judgment needed to steer the company in the right direction.

Key Strategies for Assessing Character

Incorporating character assessments into the hiring process requires a thoughtful, research-based approach. Here are some essential strategies for evaluating candidates' character effectively:

1. Conduct Dedicated Character Interviews

Character assessments should be conducted as separate interviews, distinct from evaluations of technical skills. Unlike competency-based interviews, which are highly structured, character interviews are more conversational and personalized, allowing candidates to share their unique experiences and values.

2. Focus on Behavioral Dimensions

Effective character assessments evaluate a range of behavioral dimensions, such as judgment, drive, collaboration, and integrity. Crossan's "Leader Character Framework" outlines 11 key dimensions to consider:

• Judgment
• Transcendence
• Drive
• Collaboration
• Humanity
• Humility
• Integrity
• Temperance
• Justice
• Accountability
• Courage

3. Observe Clusters of Dimensions

During character interviews, it's important to observe how dimensions cluster together in a candidate's responses. For example, a candidate who demonstrates strong drive and courage may need to develop balancing dimensions like temperance and humility. Noting these patterns provides a complete picture of a candidate's overall character profile.

4. Provide Post-Interview Feedback

Offering candidates feedback after a character interview can be a powerful development opportunity. Sharing observations about their character strengths and areas for growth helps individuals gain self-awareness and chart a path for personal and professional development. After all, a candidate who didn’t make the final cut today may be the perfect pick in the future.

Promoting Character-Based Talent Development

Character-based hiring is just the beginning. To truly build a culture of character, organizations must also prioritize character development in their talent management strategies. The MIT Sloan report emphasizes the importance of considering character when promoting from within, as these decisions send strong signals about what qualities the company values.

Some key strategies for promoting character-based talent development include:

• Using 360-degree assessments of character and competence to identify high-potential candidates
• Providing targeted development opportunities, such as overseas assignments, to help employees strengthen specific character dimensions
• Recognizing and rewarding demonstrations of strong character in performance evaluations and advancement decisions

By embedding character into all aspects of talent management, organizations can cultivate a workforce that embodies their core values and drives long-term success.

Partnering for Success

Implementing a character-based hiring approach can be challenging, especially for organizations new to this concept. Partnering with talent management experts who specialize in character assessment and development can provide valuable guidance and support.

Ztek Consulting is a leading provider of innovative talent management solutions, leveraging a unique blend of human expertise and advanced AI technologies. Through their Recruiting as a Service (RaaS) and diversity-focused hiring models, Ztek helps clients build high-performing teams aligned with their values and goals.

With over 20 years of experience and a track record of delivering results, Ztek is a trusted partner for organizations seeking to transform their talent acquisition and management strategies. By combining best practices, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of each client's unique needs, Ztek empowers businesses to attract, develop, and retain top talent.

Building a Foundation for Long-Term Success

Building strong, adaptable teams has never been more important. Character-based hiring aligns talent with company values by assessing candidates’ character alongside their skills. This approach creates diverse, resilient teams ready to tackle challenges and drive success while prioritizing character development creating a workforce that embodies the organization’s mission.

Embracing character-based hiring is an investment in your company's long-term future. By partnering with experts like Ztek Consulting, organizations can transform their approach to talent and build a foundation for enduring success.

As businesses change, the way we evaluate and develop talent must also adapt. Character-based hiring offers a values-driven approach to building stronger, more agile teams. Making character central to your talent strategy helps create a foundation for success now and in the future.