Is Character Fate: Hiring for Character – Does It Predict Success?

Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy SiegmundEpisode: 04Runtime: Approximately 45 minutesRelease Date: May 6, 2025Website: leadershipexploredpod.com

Episode Description:

In this episode of Leadership Explored, Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund dive into the nuanced and sometimes controversial topic of hiring for character. Organizations increasingly emphasize values-based hiring, but does it actually predict success? How do we assess character effectively without falling into the trap of unconscious bias, personality test overreliance, or hiring for culture fit at the expense of diversity?

Our hosts discuss:

* The role of character in hiring and leadership.

* The pros and cons of personality tests, values assessments, and behavioral interviews.

* Why high-performing, low-trust individuals can erode team culture.

* How to balance hiring for character with hiring for competence.

* The importance of learning agility and self-awareness in long-term success.

Ed and Andy provide thought-provoking insights and practical strategies to help leaders refine their hiring process—ensuring they’re not just finding the right fit for today but building adaptable, high-trust teams for the future.

Episode Highlights:

[01:00] – The importance (and challenges) of assessing character in hiring.[04:30] – How organizations over-rely on personality and values-based assessments.[08:15] – Behavioral vs. hypothetical interview questions: What actually works?[13:45] – The risk of hiring “people like us” and the impact on diversity.[19:20] – The dangers of the high performer, low trust hire.[26:00] – Why trust and adaptability outweigh rigid personality “fit.”[35:10] – How learning agility predicts long-term success.[42:30] – Actionable strategies to improve your hiring process.

Visit leadershipexploredpod.com for detailed show notes and additional resources.

Follow Leadership Explored on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with our latest episodes.

Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Send your suggestions to leadershipexplored@gmail.com.

Funk Game Loop Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Pros and Cons of RTO

Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy SiegmundEpisode: 02Runtime: Approximately 40 minutesRelease Date: April 8, 2025 Website: leadershipexploredpod.com

Episode Description:

In this episode of Leadership Explored, Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund dive into the hot topic of Return-to-Office (RTO) policies. With many organizations navigating the post-pandemic shift, the pros and cons of RTO remain contentious among leaders and employees alike.

Our hosts discuss:

* The leadership challenges of implementing RTO.

* Employee perspectives and balancing flexibility with productivity.

* How RTO impacts organizational culture, innovation, and collaboration.

* Practical strategies for creating inclusive and effective RTO policies.

They share insights, real-life examples, and actionable takeaways for leaders who want to make the right decisions for their teams.

Episode Highlights:

* [05:30]: Breaking down the major advantages of RTO.

* [12:45]: Exploring the pitfalls and risks of mandatory office policies.

* [22:00]: The role of psychological safety in a hybrid work culture.

* [32:15]: Case studies of organizations successfully navigating the RTO transition.

Visit our website leadershipexploredpod.com for show notes and additional resources.

Follow Leadership Explored on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with our latest episodes.

Have a topic you’d like us to cover? Send us your suggestions at leadershipexplored@gmail.com

Funk Game Loop Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/