Hire the Right W.H.O.M. : How to Build High Performing Teams with Work-Ethic, Heart, Optimism, and Maturity

by Omar L. Harris

Publishers Note: Read the Ground Breaking Book and then leverage a unique Access Code within to identify your character DNA!

Most hiring mistakes aren’t caused by a lack of skill.

They’re caused by hiring the wrong person.

Smart leaders do everything right on paper.
They hire impressive résumés.
They run structured interviews.
They select candidates with the right experience, credentials, and technical ability.

And still, the hire fails.

Performance stalls.
Culture erodes.
Teams lose momentum.

Why?

Because skills tell you what someone can do.
They do not tell you how someone will show up when it matters most.

In Hire the Right W.H.O.M., leadership expert Omar L. Harris exposes the blind spot at the center of modern hiring and team building. Most organizations hire for skills and hope for character. The best organizations reverse that equation.

This book introduces WHOM, a character-based lens that explains why two people with the same skills can produce radically different results and how leaders can predict performance before it breaks down.

WHOM focuses on four human drivers that determine how people actually perform inside teams:

• Work-Ethic: how consistently someone executes when no one is watching
• Heart: what motivates them to contribute beyond themselves
• Optimism: how they respond to pressure, change, and uncertainty
• Maturity: how they exercise judgment, self-awareness, and accountability

Together, these traits reveal what résumés, interviews, and assessments routinely miss.

Through real-world leadership examples, practical tools, and clear diagnostic insight, Harris shows how hiring failures are rarely random. They are predictable. And once you learn how to see them, they become preventable.

This book is for leaders who are tired of:
• High-potential hires who never deliver
• Talented individuals who drain the culture
• Teams that look strong on paper but struggle to execute
• Repeating the same hiring mistakes with different people

If you believe people are your greatest asset, Hire the Right W.H.O.M. will change how you evaluate, hire, and lead them.

Because great teams are not built by accident.
They are built by design.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

150 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2023

About the author

Omar L. Harris has been creating high-performance organizations for over twenty years. While working in corporate, start-up, and entrepreneurial endeavors on four continents he developed 20 Team Performance Acceleration Principles, and blueprints for servant leadership and J.E.D.I. leadership that any leader at any stage of their journey can adopt to improve and accelerate group success. Omar is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach; a bestselling, award-winning fiction author; independent publishing guru; entrepreneur; and twenty-year veteran of the global pharmaceutical industry. His published works are: One Blood, From Authors to Entrepreneurs (F.A.T.E.), Leader Board: The DNA of High Performance Teams, The Servant Leader's Manifesto, and Be a J.E.D.I. Leader, Not a Boss: Leadership in the Era of Corporate Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Leading Change: The Four Keys (Context, Confidence, Construction, and Culture), Hire the Right W.H.O.M. (Work-Ethic, Heart, Optimism, Maturity): Sourcing the Right Team DNA, Every Time, and The J.E.D.I. Leader's Playbook: The Insider's Guide to Eradicating Injustices, Eliminating Inequities, Expanding Diversity, and Enhancing Inclusion.

Reviews

[Lydia Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What elevates this book above others is its focus on qualities that shape not only great employees but also resilient human beings. Harris focuses on qualities that really matter long term: work ethic, heart, optimism, and maturity. My daughter is graduating this year with a Masters Degree in Architecture. After reading the great book I gave it. to my daughter to read. Highly recommend.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost I would love to thank the author, Omar L. Harris, for this book and the sweet personalized message in the book. I won this book in a giveaway and would like to thank Omar and Goodreads for the opportunity to do so.

I believe anyone who is in a hiring position should definitely read this book. The W.H.O.M. System is a fantastic hiring concept to implement. I have hired many people at different companies in my years and the hiring techniques and questions used by many companies just don’t cut it. Their focus is all wrong. Implementing a system that hires for work ethic, heart, optimism, and maturity is exactly how hiring should be done. I will definitely be telling others about this method and letting anyone who wants to read it do so. I love that he has included ways to attain the assessments needed as well. Overall I think this book would be so helpful for many companies but this system would be a huge asset to all.

[jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for a copy of his book through Goodreads Giveaways. More so, much gratitude for the kind hand-written message inside.

Excellent resource for hiring managers and for those in leadership of any company or organization. I very much appreciated the practical information, specifically the model questions which give the reader a simple road map to building a winning team through the interview process. Sharing with HR!

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hire the Right W.H.O.M. by Omar L. Harris is a groundbreaking guide that redefines what it means to build truly high-performing teams. Instead of focusing on résumés and surface-level credentials, Harris challenges leaders to look deeper into the Work Ethic, Heart, Optimism, and Maturity that drive real success. His W.H.O.M. framework is both practical and inspiring, offering a fresh lens through which to view talent and culture. With clarity and conviction, Harris dismantles outdated hiring myths and replaces them with actionable strategies grounded in character, trust, and long-term alignment. Each page is infused with his signature wisdom and authenticity, making this book a must-read for any modern leader. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or HR professional, Hire the Right W.H.O.M. will transform how you see people and how you build teams that last.

[Manik and Sayee |favbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hire the Right W.H.O.M. by Omar L. Harris takes on the lingering question Jim Collins left open in Good to Great: how to truly identify the “right people.” Harris introduces the W.H.O.M. framework—Work Ethic, Heart, Optimism, and Maturity—as the essential qualities that define outstanding contributors. The book explains how these character-driven traits, rather than résumés or technical skills, shape long-term success within organizations. Structured with practical tools, assessments, and real-world strategies, it guides leaders on how to recruit, nurture, and retain high-performing talent. Harris connects leadership theory with practical application, showing how teams built on character thrive through uncertainty and change. Beyond hiring, the book highlights how these four qualities impact culture, morale, and leadership development. By reframing the hiring conversation around values and character, Hire the Right W.H.O.M. moves beyond theory, offering a practical roadmap for building resilient and aligned teams.
 
Review: Omar L. Harris’s Hire the Right W.H.O.M. is a refreshing and much-needed contribution to leadership and business literature. What makes the book stand out is its human-centered approach; instead of getting lost in metrics and jargon, it zeroes in on qualities that often get overlooked but make the biggest difference. The stories, examples, and case studies bring the framework to life, making the ideas accessible to both experienced executives and newcomers. The W.H.O.M. model itself is memorable and easy to apply, and the author does a great job balancing theory with practical steps, such as tools for assessing candidates and advice for cultivating these qualities within teams. 
The writing is straightforward and engaging, never bogged down by unnecessary complexity. The simplicity of the model is also its strength; it’s adaptable, relatable, and immediately useful.  Harris blends research, experience, and storytelling in a way that keeps the reader engaged, never dry or abstract. What elevates this book above others is its focus on qualities that shape not only great employees but also resilient human beings. The title itself captures the essence of the message, hiring the right “whom” instead of just looking at “what” someone has done. 
Far from being just another HR manual, it’s a framework for building authentic, high-performing cultures. This book will resonate most with leaders, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to build teams that go beyond surface-level credentials. It earns its 5-star rating for offering clarity, practicality, and a values-driven perspective on hiring and leadership.

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Elements to Turn Your Organizational Tide

Hire the Right W.H.O.M. is a May 2023, ten-chapter book by leadership expert Omar L. Harris. The 143-page, two-part book cover’s subtitle describes the initialized W.H.O.M. framework, which is short for Work-Ethic, Heart, Optimism, and Maturity.

Basically, the book’s subtitled chapters are divided into two major sections: Part 1: The W.H.O.M. Framework, with four chapters; and Part 2: The W.H.O.M. Framework in Action, with six chapters. 

Earlier on, the author Harris writes that a company’s success may be hindered by the very employees hired to realize its vision. Through his “W.H.O.M.-worthy narrative, he thus lists the tell-tales and employees’ ideals that turn the tide. 

Largely based on his hard-won professional experiences and historic references, where human elements proved weighty, and emphasizing the importance of aligned leadership philosophies, the book’s organizational change narrative is a gateway to transformative outcomes.

The earliest chapter cautions against blind focus “on the wrong criteria, and tools,” especially by using a historic genius’ visionary example and his twisted insight in modern resumes, which lays the groundwork for his job interviewing narrative that calls for “hiring who is right… [instead of] who looks right.” 

The subsequent chapters build on this concept, where he breaks down the W.H.O.M. framework’s behavioral blueprint. Here, I especially liked the corporate’s Energy, Engine, Edge and Excellence purposes and how they relate to the Work-Ethic’s “executing”, Heart’s “influencing”, Optimism’s “Strategic Thinking, Maturity’s “Relationship Building” and foundational behaviors.

The book continues in this informative vein: from the scientific aspect and obstacles associated with W.H.O.M. to attracting, selecting, onboarding, leading, and nurturing the right fits. 

Chapter Seven: Selecting With W.H.O.M. is my favorite section, especially for its “uncovering character…looking past the surface to see who will elevate your culture” discussion. I particularly liked the assessment tools and the interview framework’s questions for the candidates’ personality assessments.

From understandable word choice and relatable experiences to visual breakdowns and valuable backlinks, the recommendable Hire the Right W.H.O.M. is a timely handbook for organizational leaders.

[Caroline Musyoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hire the Right W.H.O.M. is a helpful guide by business coach Omar L. Harris. It offers a fresh way to think about hiring and leading teams. The book explains Harris’s W.H.O.M. method, which stands for Work-Ethic, Heart, Optimism, and Maturity. This approach focuses on a person’s character, not just their skills, to help companies find and grow great employees.

Instead of looking only at résumés and technical abilities, Harris encourages leaders to pay attention to the personal qualities that lead to long-term success. Each chapter covers one of the four traits in detail, with tips, tools, and real-life examples to make the ideas easy to use. The method helps leaders move away from old hiring habits and notice talented people who might otherwise be missed.

Harris writes in a clear and friendly way, mixing research, personal stories, and case studies so the book feels relatable. It’s not just for HR - it’s a guide for building workplaces where people feel respected, valued, and motivated. By connecting leadership ideas with practical actions, Harris shows how teams built on strong character can succeed even in tough times.

In the end, Hire the Right W.H.O.M. teaches that hiring should be based on values. It shows leaders, managers, and business owners how to create teams that work well together, stay motivated, and are ready to succeed.

[Kibet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a refreshing and much needed guide for leaders who want to move beyond résumés and credentials to uncover what truly drives high performing teams, character. Instead of the typical hiring manuals that focus on technical skills or surface level traits, Harris introduces a framework centered on Work Ethic, Heart, Optimism, and Maturity, the four attributes that define not only strong contributors but also resilient and adaptable teams.
What makes this book stand out is its practicality. Harris doesn’t just talk about these qualities in theory, he offers clear tools, assessments, and strategies for applying the WHOM model in real world hiring and leadership contexts. Whether you’re screening new candidates or developing leaders within your organization, this book shows how to shift the process from guesswork to intentional, character driven decision making.
The framework is also deeply relevant in today’s environment of constant change. Harris demonstrates how teams built on WHOM principles can thrive in uncertainty, handle challenges with resilience, and embody the kind of adaptability organizations desperately need. His approach connects research and decades of leadership experience into actionable advice that any manager, executive, or entrepreneur can use.

[Phin Ejike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omar Harris has put together an outstanding book for business owners and HR professionals everywhere. In essence, he’s cracked the code on how to know who to hire using a framework he found after years of research. Divided into two parts, this book explains the WHOM framework. What it means, what to look for, and obstacles to it. He breaks down outdated systems, pointing out their inherent flaws and why they fail to produce results. And I found myself especially agreeing when he noted that current systems, though widely used, often gloss over amazing job candidates.

He then explains how the WHOM framework changes things. He describes what you need to set in place within your workplace to make it work, and the benefits it produces. This book is thoroughly researched and written in a manner that’s digestible and appealing to all people (not just HR professionals). I enjoyed it and really resonated with it.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway. Here is my honest review:

I don't own a business or do any hiring, but this book has sound advice on what to look for if you're thinking about recruiting quality teams and don't want to rely on AI or faulty resumes. I agree that we've moved past having a simple list of qualifications and so-called talents (some of which are fake) as our main hiring guideline. A resume alone can't judge or express talent, leadership skills, adaptability, or creativity. It more likely just shows off the degrees the privileged were able to afford at their high-end, fancy colleges. It's not proof that you'll be a good worker or team player.

W.H.O.M is a set of rules and ideas that measure things employers would be better off looking at if they're searching for quality workers who will actually get things done and stick around - not just clock in their hours and do the least amount of work necessary in a 'I can't wait to go home' kind of mood.

[Iron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a fresh take on something every leader struggles with — finding the right people and building a team that actually works well together. I liked how practical and human it feels. Harris doesn’t just talk about skills or résumés; he focuses on qualities that really matter long term: work ethic, heart, optimism, and maturity.

Throughout the pages, Harris breaks things down in a way that’s easy to follow, with clear steps and insights that make you stop and think about how you’re currently hiring or managing people. It’s straightforward, relatable, and you can see how to apply it right away whether you’re building a startup team or leading within a bigger organization.

It’s one of those books you’ll want to keep close if you care about leadership and want your team to not just perform but actually feel aligned.

[Hannah Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! Not only did I learn about myself, but it also allowed me to grow into possibilities for the future.

What I appreciated most about this read is that it helps people see beyond the check marks, the status quo, and the rote expectations of our society—allowing someone to see the human being sitting before them.

I loved the reframing of the hiring structure: "transform hiring from résumé-driven guesswork into character-based decision-making". Ultimately, allowing for teams that are "equipped to thrive in uncertainty and change" and for leaders who(m) embody the traits W.H.O.M. delivers to us.

Omar L Harris has a success on his hands with this book. By being true to who we are and embracing the ability to see others as they are, and working together to build greatness, we can truly begin to dismantle capitalism and thrive as a community.

[Al Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hire the Right W.H.O.M. is a thoughtful and straightforward book about building great teams by focusing on character, not just skill. Larry Credle explains how work ethic, heart, optimism, and maturity form the foundation of reliable, motivated employees. His approach feels real and down-to-earth, with examples that come from experience rather than theory. It’s the kind of book that reminds leaders why hiring the right people matters more than filling roles quickly.

Some parts repeat the same ideas, and readers looking for detailed hiring systems may find it light on process. Still, its simplicity is what makes it memorable. It’s a book built on values rather than jargon, and it leaves you reflecting on how you choose and lead people.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, Hire the Right W.H.O.M. seems written for managers and HR professionals, but its value extends well beyond the workplace. Rather than focusing on résumés or performance, the book centers on character ( Work-Ethic, Heart, Optimism, and Maturity) as the true predictors of stability and trust in any environment.

Read outside a business context, the framework becomes a mirror for personal reflection and discernment in everyday relationships. It gives clear language to qualities many of us sense intuitively but struggle to name, emphasizing consistency, emotional steadiness, and integrity over charisma or credentials.

This is a thoughtful, grounding read for anyone who values depth over performance and wants a clearer lens for understanding people.. including themselves.

[Maheen Zahid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hire the Right W.H.O.M. by Omar L. Harris is about hiring and developing high-performing teams by focusing on work ethic, heart, optimism, and maturity over just skills. It demonstrates shows leaders how work ethic, heart, optimism, and maturity create high-performing teams. It combines practical strategies with relatable, human-centered leadership.

The book offers actionable insights, helping leaders build cohesive, motivated teams that thrive together. It is a highly recommended book that people should get hold of and teaches practical lessons.

[Misty Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Hire the Right WHOM, we are given a blueprint to follow when it comes to hiring the right team member based on character, not what looks good on paper.
Each chapter goes into deeper details on what to look for in a person you're considering hiring, such as work ethic, heart, optimism, and maturity. This is a highly recommended book for every company hiring manager and anyone who wants to land the perfect job, to see what is recommended, and how they can get ahead.

[Akhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a very useful tool and resource. I appreciated it’s length and thought Omar L. Harris wrote it well and succinctly. There are a lot of great tips.
I think this author knows what he is talking about. I have always thought character is the most important thing to look for in a prospective employee. I hope to be in a management position someday where I can apply these tools.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graciously received a free copy from the author through Goodreads.

There are some good points in this book but to me it's surrounded by too much fluff. I want more action steps instead of just telling me over and over again how great WHOM is