Recruiting character and talent

Question: Despite suspension over honor code violations and an ongoing investigation into his recruitment, Auburn's Cam Newton last week won the Heisman Trophy--an award meant to honor "pursuit of excellence with integrity." The award raises a dilemma faced by many organizations: In dealing with top performers, how much should leaders overlook corner cutting, rule breaking and other integrity issues?

When Joe Gibbs was building the Washington Redskins into Superbowl champions, his stated criteria for drafting players was character and talent. Gibbs said he could coach players with these qualities to be successful in the NFL. But he could not coach someone to run 50 yards in 4.4 seconds or transform an unethical person. The Redskins have suffered when they have deviated from this policy, and so have all the organizations I've worked with.

By Michael Maccoby

 |  December 14, 2010; 3:51 PM ET
Category:  Accomplishing Goals , Ethics , Leadership personalities , Leadership weaknesses , Making mistakes , NFL , Organizational Culture , Quarterbacks , Sports Leadership , Wrong-Doing Save & Share:                 
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