BETWEEN INTEGRITY AND FACIAL IMPRESSIONS, WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?

One of modern world's richest men, Warren Buffet is reported to have opined that when hiring any one, employers look for three key things: Intelligence, Energy and Integrity.

And, he reportedly added, if the applicant lacked integrity, don't bother to hire him or her even if the rest two qualities are OK.

So, now let us turn the table: If you find an applicant with integrity, intelligence and energy, will you hire him if he pierced his ears; has tattoos all over his body or spotted beard and moustache of the uncared for type?

Research study conducted in the United States in 2017 and posted online in February same year by Payscale.com indicate that 81.3% of the times, the one with facial piercings will be turned down, while visible tattoos will miss the mark 64.3% but facial hair could be given the thumbs down 16.9%.

However, that may not be sure go ahead for job seekers with intelligence, integrity and energy to grow beards, because in some industries and callings, to grow one is to give the wrong signals. 

Many banks and finance organisations frown at it because it is believed to detract from customer confidence; the very profitable commodity all such institutions deal in.

In many political climes too, it is hard to see the bearded look at the very top except years past when it signalled revolutionary flavour in some emerging nations.

Yet, some say wearing a clean and well trimmed beard, signals confidence, good health and cleanliness and aggressiveness seasoned in years 

Besides, in some professions, like the creative world, it is a welcomed expression of independence, creativity and self confidence.

Some companies too may be inclined to insist on being clean shaven for safety reasons to allow for safety masks to sit comfortable on faces and effectively keep off work place dust.

But don't forget, many history making characters in the past spotted beards: Charles Darwin, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein to name a few and of course, from Jesus Christ down the beard conferred some authority within spiritual circles especially more of the all white type.

The point though has to be noted: That between integrity and facial expressions, there should be no contest. If you are lucky to find a man with real integrity, hire him, vote for him and hold on to him, no matter the temporary facial expression he might showcase on his face or body.

Here in Nigeria, no one could say that President Buhari had enough intelligence or energy for the job but many assumed that he had more than enough integrity for it.

Unfortunately, the majority now know better. He appears to be too sectional in his thinking and deeds; too unable to take tough decisions and follow through till the end and too quick at shifting blame to any one else but Himself, at whose desk the Nigerian buck has been stopping since May 29, 2015.

Those are not tell tale moves by a man of integrity, they go more with he who is more readily prepared to shift goal posts to suit his own warped perception of things. 

Oh who told Nigerians to choose only by body language and seemingly credible credentials?