Character matters more than we often acknowledge in the workplace. While we typically focus on skills and experience during hiring, a person’s character ultimately determines their actual value to an organization.
Think about it – we’ve all worked with highly skilled people who were difficult to trust or collaborate with. Their technical abilities couldn’t compensate for their lack of integrity, empathy, or accountability. On the flip side, we’ve seen employees with average skills but strong character become invaluable team members through their reliability, honesty, and willingness to grow.
That’s why I believe we need to put character first in our hiring and promotion decisions. Yes, verify the required competencies – but spend more time understanding who candidates are as people. Do they own their mistakes? Do they lift others up? Can they be counted on to do the right thing, even when it’s hard?
We should look for evidence of key character traits like:
– Integrity and ethical behaviour
– Humility and openness to feedback
– Empathy and respect for others
– Accountability and following through
– Courage to speak up and take principled stands
The best way to assess character is through behavioural interviews focused on past situations and choices. References can also provide valuable insights into how someone operates day-to-day. Here is a leader character framework with 11 key indicators.
Bapon (SHM) Fakhruddin, PhD
Water and Climate Leader| Strategic Investment Partnerships and Co-Investments| Professor| EW4ALL| Board Member| Chair- CODATA TG| Award Winner (SDG 2021, EWS 2025)
Leadership & Workplace Culture
Bapon (SHM) Fakhruddin, PhD 