Years ago, Warren Buffett observed:

“Somebody once said that 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. You think about it; it’s true. If you hire somebody without [integrity], you really want them to be dumb and lazy.”

That’s excellent advice when interviewing candidates but also when considering whether or not to leave one organization and join another.

Socially, our associations play a major role in how others judge us. “You are known by the company you keep,” for better or worse.

In a workplace, our associations play a major role in our personal growth and professional development…also for better or worse.

In addition to the Bible and Shakespeare’s four mature tragedies, my best sources for advice are Benjamin Franklin and Warren Buffett.

What are yours?