As Buffett once said, "I really have only two jobs. One is to attract and keep outstanding managers to run our various operations." //

We look for three things when we hire people. We look for intelligence, we look for initiative or energy, and we look for integrity. //

Take a hint as to which of the three Buffett prioritizes first. In his own words, "If they don't have [integrity], the first two will kill you, because if you're going to get someone without integrity, you want them lazy and dumb."

Without integrity, intelligence, drive, energy will only get you so far. Hiring without it is also a big business risk. //

Psychologist and best-selling author Henry Cloud wrote the book on why integrity matters and sheds good light on the topic. In Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality, he says, "Who a person is will ultimately determine if their brains, talents, competencies, energy, effort, deal-making abilities, and opportunities will succeed." //

1. Be accessible
   A person of integrity keeps the lines of communication open with everyone in the organization. He or she gives access for others to express concerns or raise questions that can be addressed in a timely fashion. He or she knows that open and honest communication is not only the ethical thing to do; it's what builds trust and increases value so work gets done efficiently, and without barriers, bureaucracy, or politics.

2. Be your word
   Do you practice what you preach? Follow through on your promises or commitments? Leaders walking the talk deliver on "doing the right thing" and set a good example. //

3. Be true to yourself
   How would you feel if, every day, you said what you meant, stayed true to yourself, and behaved in accordance with this? Imagine the self-respect you'd feel. Being true to yourself is far less stressful than being someone you are not.