When creating the list of core competencies that a new CEO must have, think about the role that social skills play in good leadership, especially for businesses in the startup stage.
Part of what makes a candidate best for an open position is their ability to communicate and manage many relationships. Since an executive recruiter will, by definition, have a strong network to turn to for possible applicants, they know from the beginning how good an individual is at this important aspect of business relations.
It's tempting to dismiss social skills as "trivial," but they represent more than just the means to hold a conversation. In a Forbes piece from 2013, Tanya Prive said that a CEO who is good at being social could naturally lead his or her company more effectively and build good relationships with investors, paving the way for future company growth.
"Startup leaders need to inspire people and give them reason to follow them through the uncertain journey, often where team members are required to make many sacrifices such as work/life balance, salary cuts, limited or no health insurance and so forth," she writes.
Furthermore, each startup has its own organizational quirks that require specific strategies for ensuring strong communication. For example, spread-out companies require a CEO who has experience connecting disparate employees, especially if they work remotely or are constantly traveling. This set-up creates a unique communication challenge that your incoming executive needs to be ready for.
Work with an executive recruiter who knows the best ways to find someone who has the competencies needed to lead your organization.
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