Selecting a CEO: Value of Employee Input

Hiring a new CEO, General Manger, or Executive Director is a pivotal moment for any organization. Welcoming a leader who embodies the organization’s values and is committed to delivering success is key to transformation. At TransPro Executive Placement, we follow a recruitment process that is tried and true, ensuring that each agency is matched with candidates that will guide the delivery of defined priorities. How do we know what characteristics to look for in a candidate? We ask the agency! By conducting extensive engagement with both the board and employees, we are able to identify the preferred agency priorities and key competencies needed for the new hire to succeed.

Recently, TransPro was engaged by an agency in the Pacific Northwest to conduct a search for a top-level executive. Here’s how TransPro facilitated employee engagement in the recruitment process.

1. Identify agency priorities – Work closely with the board and agency leaders to understand the current state of the organization and the short- and long-term priorities. This engagement can be done in workshops, one-on-one discussions, or via questionnaire.

2. Receive employee input – Allow the organization’s employees to provide input on the key characteristics they would like to see in a leader. This type of engagement allows the recruiting team to identify the ideal personal and professional characteristics, and brings to light the workforce’s primary concerns. The key themes from these sessions may highlight the challenges that the incoming executive may face upon arrival. To receive input from staff, focus groups or a questionnaire may be most effective.

3. Ask the right questions – To facilitate a productive board and employee engagement process, the recruiting team must ask the right questions. Not only should we focus on the candidate’s professional experiences or academic background, but there should also be a focus on core values, personal characteristics, and the definition of success for the organization.

By considering these three key points, the development of a job description and the active recruitment process will be fruitful. Selecting the right person to lead an organization can be a significant determinant of success.

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