In today’s competitive job market, finding exceptional talent feels increasingly difficult. We often focus on the standard metrics: competency, credentials, and cultural fit. While these are necessary qualifications, I’ve learned through painful experience that they’re not sufficient. I’ve hired people who checked all three boxes yet still failed spectacularly, either leaving on their own or requiring termination.
But there’s a rare breed of candidate I call the “Triple Crown” hire – someone who possesses qualities so valuable that when I find them, I’ve yet to be disappointed. These individuals are worth their weight in gold, and I’ll pay whatever it takes to bring them aboard.
Beyond the Traditional Hiring Criteria
The standard hiring playbook looks at skills, experience, and whether someone will mesh with your team. These are important starting points, but they don’t tell the whole story. I’ve been burned by candidates who looked perfect on paper but couldn’t deliver when it mattered.
What’s missing? In a recent conversation with Richard Morell, we discussed three fundamental qualities that truly separate exceptional hires from the rest. These qualities aren’t typically listed on resumes, but they’re what make the difference between an employee who merely performs and one who transforms your organization.
The Three Essential Qualities
The first quality is common sense. This might seem obvious, but how many brilliant, credentialed people have you met who lack basic judgment? Common sense is the ability to assess situations practically and make sound decisions without constant guidance. It’s surprisingly rare, even among highly educated professionals.
The second quality is work ethic. I like to ask: “Do they come with batteries installed?” Meaning, are they self-starters who generate their own momentum, or do I need to “wind them up” every morning? The best hires don’t need constant motivation – they bring their own energy to work each day.
Some indicators of strong work ethic include:
- Consistent follow-through on commitments
- Willingness to tackle difficult tasks without prompting
- History of going beyond minimum requirements
- Taking initiative to solve problems before they’re asked
These traits indicate someone who doesn’t just work for a paycheck but takes genuine pride in their contributions.
The Hidden Quality That Makes All the Difference
The third and perhaps most critical quality is integrity. This one requires real investigation because it’s not easily detected in interviews or reference checks. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It means being honest when it’s uncomfortable and standing by principles when it would be easier not to.
You can’t assess integrity from a resume or even from carefully rehearsed interview answers. You need to dig deeper:
- Talk to former colleagues, not just supervisors
- Ask about ethical dilemmas they’ve faced and how they handled them
- Look for consistency between what they say and what they do
- Pay attention to how they treat people who can’t directly benefit them
Someone might have impressive credentials and charm, but without integrity, they’ll eventually undermine your team’s trust and effectiveness.
Why These Qualities Matter More Than Ever
In my experience running four successful companies and coaching countless CEOs, I’ve found that these three qualities – common sense, work ethic, and integrity – are the foundation for exceptional performance in any role. Technical skills can be taught, but these character traits are much harder to develop if they’re not already present.
When you find someone who possesses all three qualities, hold onto them. These Triple Crown candidates are rare, but they’re worth every effort to recruit and retain. They’ll not only perform their own roles exceptionally well but will elevate everyone around them.
The next time you’re hiring, look beyond the resume. Ask questions that reveal common sense, probe for evidence of work ethic, and do the extra work to verify integrity. It takes more effort upfront, but I promise you’ll save countless hours of management headaches and disappointment down the road.
Find that Triple Crown candidate and you can bet on them with confidence. No matter what you have to pay them, hire them. They will work out brilliantly for you, and they will help you win the race.
