Most organizations place immense importance on certain sector-specific skills when searching for high-performing executive talent. Today, this recruitment methodology makes perfect sense, as business leaders must now take to the trenches to help staff navigate mercurial markets.
Unfortunately, in this quest to hire executives with the necessary management skills, some companies are overlooking another key recruitment variable: attitude.
Executives with the right attitude can transform entire organizations, facilitating innovation with each project they touch, according to Harvard Business Review. Plus, these individuals aren't afraid to learn new things and dive headlong into challenging situations.
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Pinpointing the nebulous qualities that form the basis for an ideal executive attitude can be difficult. However, there are some telltale interview behaviors that might give you some insight.
For instance, candidates with extensive team experience usually possess favorable behavioral characteristics, CIO discovered. Big thinkers and proven change-makers usually also have the mental outlook necessary to tackle problems of any kind.
Additionally, as you look over resumes, try to spot instances of professional progression.
"Were they an object – someone that change happened to – or a subject – someone who made change happen? Were they trying to find their way; exploring new opportunities and taking on new challenges?," Sacha Labourey, founder and CEO of the technology company CloudBees, said in an interview with the magazine. "Even if someone changed jobs a lot, that's not necessarily a red flag for me. Depending on how they tell their story, it could mean they weren't satisfied and needed to affect change in their work lives."
As you look for executives with ideal attitudes, try not to get caught up on skill-based role requirements. Professionals ready to take on anything are usually more than eager to learn and will gladly accept training opportunities. If you plan to go all-in on this strategy, get to work developing a robust professional development program, Inc. recommended.
Ready to start your search for the right candidate with the right mindset? Contact YES Partners. Our executive search consultants can connect your with talented executives from across the globe.
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