Warren Buffett’s Hiring Rule: Why Integrity Comes First
- Pierce Kraft
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Warren Buffett’s hiring philosophy has long been quoted in business circles, and for good reason. As he prepares to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, one of his most enduring insights continues to resonate with hiring managers and business leaders alike.
“In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”
This quote, featured in a recent MSN article, underscores a simple but powerful idea: integrity isn’t just a desirable trait-it’s a prerequisite.
Why Integrity Is Foundational
In high-stakes industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, the consequences of poor judgment can be significant. Intelligence and energy are essential for innovation and execution, but without integrity, those strengths can be misdirected. Integrity ensures that decisions are made with transparency, accountability, and long-term impact in mind.
Employees who demonstrate integrity tend to foster trust, reduce internal friction, and contribute to a healthier organizational culture. They’re also more likely to be considered for leadership roles, not just because they perform well, but because they model the values others want to follow.
Interviewing for Integrity
While résumés highlight skills and experience, interviews are the best opportunity to assess character. Behavioral questions - those that ask candidates to describe how they’ve handled real situations can reveal how someone thinks, reacts under pressure, and navigates ethical dilemmas.
Here are a few examples of questions that can help surface integrity:
Describe a time when doing the right thing came at a personal or professional cost.
Have you ever had to challenge a decision you felt was unethical? What did you do?
What’s your approach when faced with a situation that lacks a clear right answer?
How do you handle transparency when it might lead to uncomfortable conversations?
These questions aren’t designed to catch candidates off guard-they’re meant to uncover patterns in decision-making and values alignment.
Applying Buffett’s Rule to Modern Hiring
Buffett’s formula - Integrity + Intelligence + Energy - is more than a hiring heuristic. It’s a reminder that character is just as important as capability. In today’s competitive talent landscape, companies that prioritize integrity in their hiring process are better positioned to build teams that are not only high-performing but also resilient and trustworthy.
For hiring managers and recruiters, the takeaway is clear: don’t just hire for what someone can do. Hire for how they’ll do it-and whether you can trust them to do it right when no one’s watching.