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"In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you."
Warren Buffett, Chairperson of Berkshire Hathaway
Recognizing Poor Character Leaders
The April blog focused on the importance of good character – people who have integrity. The question is begged: "If good character is important, why are there so many leaders of poor character?”
Here is a description of leaders of poor character and several reasons why leaders of poor character can still rise to power.
Description of Poor/Mal-Intentioned Leaders
Leaders with traits such as narcissism, psychopathy, and authoritarian tendencies can significantly impact organizational culture. Leaders with these traits often rise to power because they can provide a competitive advantage.
Mal-intended, aggressive leaders can sometimes achieve things that leaders of good character might not be able to, due to their lack of integrity. They have a willingness to exploit others, disregard accepted norms and ethical considerations. These individuals may be more willing to use others as stepping stones and discard them when no longer needed¹.
Self-Aggrandizement to Gain Power is a Tool in the Poor Character Leader’s Arsenal
In today's social media-driven world, leaders who boast/exaggerate their accomplishments and qualifications can capture more attention, even if their character is lacking². The accuracy of information affects the quality of our decisions. Misinformation can pose significant risks, including the spread of false information that can lead to dangerous consequences. It highlights the importance of good character in leadership to prevent the dissemination of misinformation and maintain ethical standards³.
Misinformation and disinformation are identified as major global risks. Misinformation, which is the accidental spread of inaccurate information, and disinformation, which is intentional deception, can erode trust in authority, shift public opinion, and cause serious harm. An organization can be significantly affected by one leader of poor character.
The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024 emphasizes that misinformation and disinformation are among the biggest short-term risks, with implications for social stability, democracy, and business. Advances in AI and the prevalence of information wars further exacerbate these risks⁴.
Neglect of Character Development puts Organizations at Risk
Many leaders focus heavily on developing their skills and intellectual capacity, neglecting the development of their character. This can lead to a situation where their skills take them to a place their character cannot sustain, resulting in a lack of ethical leadership and a compromised organizational culture⁵.
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