How to Hire a Leadership Team
You’re never hiring just for tactical skill application. While hiring a new senior leader, there are plenty of things to consider that exceed surface level skill capabilities.
Determining whether or not a new hire is a good cultural fit for the team is crucial and will directly affect whether or not the candidate will be successful. We have identified three non-negotiables to use when vetting senior hire applicants that will help evaluate potential senior leaders.
1. Company Alignment
It can be difficult to tell whether or not a candidate will fit in with the company based off of the first touch point. Oftentimes we will think ‘I can’t know for certain.’ The best way to navigate this uncertainty is to not lead candidates while asking questions. Prompt them briefly and measure their response. Does it align with what you imagined you would like to hear? Ask less open ended questions and have them tell you about their experiences and real life applications.
2. Tactical Execution
To be a leader, one must first be an expert. Even if a candidate seems to align well with a company’s core values, there is no getting around the necessity of the technical aspects of the role. While a resume may mark accomplishments, ask candidates how they achieved their experiential status.
3. Leadership Responsibilities
A senior leader is like a CEO to an internal team. That is because they set the bar. They identify the execution strategy and KPIs. They lay the foundation for success and hold everyone accountable. Translated, they have a vision. This is where true leaders will shine through in the interview process. They have to have the ‘IT’ factor. Look for clarity. If they can't effectively answer one of your questions, how will they provide clarity to their team in a stressful situation?
The likelihood of finding a candidate who checks all of the boxes is slim. It's important to listen carefully and identify strengths and weaknesses as well as growth opportunities. Everyone has an area where they can grow. The real question is, will this candidate be able to grow?