Years ago, a South African rock star joked about his college days and how happy he had been when he failed his HIV exam. Today I wonder how many job applicants are happy to hear that they have failed their personality test.

It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? At yet, there are many hiring managers who still think you should submit to a personality test when applying for a job.

Basically, personality is that aspect of you that other people experience, those qualities that make you interesting and popular or maybe not. In the workplace, too much personality can serve the wrong purpose.

On the other hand, character has to do with moral fiber, with qualities such as honesty and integrity. And with the courage to do the right thing in tricky situations, even when no one is watching.

Surely it is obvious that at work we need more character and less personality.

Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.