Maintaining Control in Executive Search
Mastering In-house Executive Search
Effective executive search requires you to maintain control of the process while guiding hiring managers towards the right decisions. The importance of assertive leadership throughout the search process cannot be under emphasized.
Strategies for maintaining control:
Be the driver: Direct the recruitment process down the road you want to go. You own this process.
Lead with expertise: Hiring managers should be calling you for advice, not the other way around.
Be assertive about strong candidates: If you feel strongly about a candidate, push for their consideration.
Ask the right questions: Maintain control by asking probing questions and orchestrating the process.
Set clear expectations: The hiring manager's primary role should be to interview and provide valuable feedback.
Orchestrate the process: From sourcing to offer negotiation, take charge of each step.
Educate and guide: Help hiring managers understand market realities and best practices in executive hiring.
Remember, your time is valuable and should be spent assessing, consulting, and negotiating with qualified candidates. By maintaining control, you ensure a more efficient and effective search process.
If a hiring manager pushes back, don't be afraid to stand your ground. Explain your rationale and the benefits of your approach. Your expertise and market knowledge are valuable assets — don't be afraid to leverage them.
By maintaining control in executive search, you'll build stronger partnerships with hiring managers, improve the quality of hires, and demonstrate your value as a strategic talent acquisition professional.
