Executive Hire: What to look for
The stakes are much higher when companies are looking to hire an executive. By default, executive roles are leadership roles; which means there is little room for error in the onboarding process. After all, executive hires are very different from hiring entry-level employees.
What are the most important traits to look for in a high-level leader? Many companies value cultural fit over skills. Typically, executive candidates come with impressive resumes which forces HR departments to seek alternative reasons to justify a new hire.
Here is a list of sought after capabilities and critical characteristics in executive hires:
1. Passion
It is critical that leaders are aligned with the company’s mission and vision. This foundation creates purpose and therefore enables effective communication to demonstrate passion to your team.
2. Entrepreneurial Acumen
This trait is a critical value to assess. C-suite execs are there to run and operate the business. Entrepreneurial acumen ensures foresight, awareness, discernment, and sound leadership to steer the ship.
3. Integrity
This characteristic may not come as a surprise; however, it is a key trait in an effective leader who will establish a trustworthy environment for their teams while keeping the best interest of the organization in mind at all times. A leader must stay true to his or her moral compass for the good of the company.
4. Emotional Intelligence
This one is a big one. In order to ensure the long term success of a company, the leader in charge must have a high EQ to draw a positive correlation between employee engagement and satisfaction with the overall company performance. This trait alone will determine the company culture and the company’s trajectory growth.
5. Humility
Humility is innate. An executive may have one of the most important roles at the company, but if they are adhering to their own ego, they can reflect negatively in their encounters with company employees and clients. Leaders leading with humility welcome collaboration, exhibit empathy, and are effective communicators.
6. Authenticity
Executive leaders are at the top of the food chain. Due to their influence, it's crucial to be the most genuine, authentic versions of themselves. Employees find a common ground with leaders who are human in nature, not a leader who is putting on a grandiose facade.
7. Intellectual Curiosity
This trait includes two characteristics: problem-solving skills and the desire to learn. Leaders who take a creative approach to complex problems prove their willingness and tenacity to introduce new ideas and make an impact. The desire to learn is not something that can be taught. Leaders that are unsatisfied with the status quo will introduce new opportunities to future-proof the organization and remain ahead of the curve.
8. Listening
Some people listen in order to speak and others listen to understand. Finding an executive hire who listens to understand is of paramount importance. Leaders must be thoughtful. Time is in short supply, but the pressure is high. Simply put, leaders who are unwilling to listen and understand will not and can not perform.