How do you avoid assholes from the get-go? Jason Fried of 37signals has some advice:
I would never hire someone I didn’t like as a person. I don’t care if he/she is a rockstar designer or programmer or whatever—if I don’t like them as a person they won’t be working here.
You must trust the people you work with. You must be able to learn from the people you work with.
More than a living 
Great point and so true! I recently participated in a search committee with a Board Chair that I think very highly of. At the conclusion of the interviews, we had two top candidates. Her criteria for choosing between them? Who would I be willing to have over to my home for an evening of dinner and conversation? Once she put that question to the committee, the choise was easy and unanimous!
Peggy,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Great story, too!
I wish more folks would take this tact. All too often, companies write off personality and cultural fit in favor of “acquired skillset.”
Nowhere is this more prevalent and obvious than professional sports.
I wish more folks used the “buddy system” for selecting employees.