271. Character vs Skills: Decoding the Hiring Dilemma with Dave MacDonald

What truly matters more in hiring—skills or character? Dave MacDonald, founder of Better Together Group, brings hard-earned wisdom to this age-old question. After being fired multiple times in his twenties ("I was a lousy employee"), Dave transformed these setbacks into powerful leadership lessons that now guide his successful HR and staffing business.With refreshing honesty, Dave introduces us to his "WTF philosophy"—Work hard, Tell the truth, Finish the job—and explains how these principles shape his approach to identifying standout candidates. Through his powerful furnace metaphor, he demonstrates how the right combination of intensity (the fire), integrity (the firebox), and intentionality (the ductwork) creates teams that genuinely thrive together.Beyond philosophical frameworks, Dave offers practical, immediately applicable interview techniques. Learn why asking for multiple examples of the same character trait reveals authenticity, how pattern interruption separates rehearsed answers from genuine responses, and when to prioritize filling a position versus waiting for the perfect candidate. His advice balances real-world business needs with the pursuit of character-driven cultures.Perhaps most compelling is Dave's vulnerability about his own leadership journey. "I'm still very confident, but I'm also a scared little boy inside at times too," he admits, reminding us that authentic leadership requires acknowledging our full humanity. Whether you're hiring for your organization or preparing for your next career move, this conversation provides a fresh perspective on what truly matters in building successful teams.🌐 Connect with Dave:• Website: https://bettertogethergroup.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdave-macdonald/Send us Fan MailThe Thrive Careers Podcast My career wasn’t a straight line—it was a series of pivots, survival jobs, and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Support the show✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favourite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below. 🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here:  https://linktr.ee/mickspiers 📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XVIf you would like a signed copy, please reach out to [email protected] and we can arrange it for you too.If you're thinking about starting a podcast or upgrading your hosting, Buzzsprout is a great option! This link will give both of us a $20 credit when you upgrade:👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1701891Create forms easily with Jotform! Sign up with my link: https://www.jotform.com/?referral=AkWimLxOBzGet extra Dropbox space—sign up with my link: Dropbox Referral LinkWise Referral link: https://wise.com/invite/dic/michaels11434Strea...