A partner needs three things: intelligence, energy, and integrity. If they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother with the first two.
– Warren Buffett
I’m never surprised to learn of a partnership’s demise when I know, hear, or read about someone who goes after the most talented person he can find, regardless of that person’s reputation or history. Reputations are earned: if everyone you talk to says Steve is an asshole, he’s an asshole. If Steve has failed to perform, broken up relationships, or been unethical in the past, he’s likely to do it again. Making good decisions has to start even before a relationship starts.
This applies just as much to personal relationships as it does business.
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