Is Character Fate: Hiring for Character – Does It Predict Success?

Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy SiegmundEpisode: 04Runtime: Approximately 45 minutesRelease Date: May 6, 2025Website: leadershipexploredpod.com

Episode Description:

In this episode of Leadership Explored, Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund dive into the nuanced and sometimes controversial topic of hiring for character. Organizations increasingly emphasize values-based hiring, but does it actually predict success? How do we assess character effectively without falling into the trap of unconscious bias, personality test overreliance, or hiring for culture fit at the expense of diversity?

Our hosts discuss:

* The role of character in hiring and leadership.

* The pros and cons of personality tests, values assessments, and behavioral interviews.

* Why high-performing, low-trust individuals can erode team culture.

* How to balance hiring for character with hiring for competence.

* The importance of learning agility and self-awareness in long-term success.

Ed and Andy provide thought-provoking insights and practical strategies to help leaders refine their hiring process—ensuring they’re not just finding the right fit for today but building adaptable, high-trust teams for the future.

Episode Highlights:

[01:00] – The importance (and challenges) of assessing character in hiring.[04:30] – How organizations over-rely on personality and values-based assessments.[08:15] – Behavioral vs. hypothetical interview questions: What actually works?[13:45] – The risk of hiring “people like us” and the impact on diversity.[19:20] – The dangers of the high performer, low trust hire.[26:00] – Why trust and adaptability outweigh rigid personality “fit.”[35:10] – How learning agility predicts long-term success.[42:30] – Actionable strategies to improve your hiring process.

Visit leadershipexploredpod.com for detailed show notes and additional resources.

Follow Leadership Explored on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with our latest episodes.

Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Send your suggestions to leadershipexplored@gmail.com.

Funk Game Loop Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/