“We look for three things when we hire people. We look for intelligence, we look for initiative or energy, and we look for integrity. And if they don’t have the last one, the first two will kill you.”
This topic has been extensively researched and documented by historians and scholars. Source
This powerful statement comes from Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in history. He built his empire not just on savvy financial moves, but on a foundation of unwavering principle. While many leaders praise intelligence and drive, Buffett places a third quality above all others: integrity. His wisdom suggests that integrity is not just a moral nice-to-have. Instead, it is the essential operating system for success. Without it, talent and ambition can become destructive forces.
This simple framework provides a profound lens through which we can view personal and professional conduct. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider what truly builds lasting value. Let’s explore why this single character trait holds the key to sustainable success. Warren Buffett – Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
The Three-Legged Stool of Success
Warren Buffett’s hiring philosophy can be visualized as a three-legged stool. Each leg represents a critical quality: intelligence, energy, and integrity. A stool needs all three legs to remain stable and useful. If one is missing, the entire structure collapses. Buffett argues that the integrity leg is the most important one. Without it, the other two legs create a dangerous imbalance.
Intelligence is the capacity to learn, reason, and solve problems. It is undoubtedly crucial. Energy, or initiative, is the drive to apply that intelligence and get things done. An intelligent person without energy accomplishes little. Conversely, an energetic person without intelligence may work hard but achieve poor results. These two qualities are the engine and the navigation system of a career.
However, integrity is the rudder. It directs the engine’s power and the navigator’s intellect toward an ethical destination. A person with intelligence and energy but no integrity is a significant liability. They have the cleverness to identify opportunities and the drive to pursue them. But without a moral compass, they might exploit systems, mislead colleagues, or cut corners. Consequently, their talents become tools for creating harm, not value.
Why Integrity Is the Ultimate Multiplier
Think of it in mathematical terms. Intelligence and energy add to a person’s value. Integrity, however, multiplies it. If integrity is present, it amplifies the positive impact of the other two traits. If it is absent, it can turn the entire equation negative. A brilliant and energetic person without integrity doesn’t just fail to add value; they actively subtract it from an organization and its reputation.
This is why Buffett warns that the first two qualities