Hire the right leader, the first time!

P2 provides analysis, training, and implementation ofbenefits. For executives this estimate grows to
lean manufacturing strategies. Our COMPASS and400% of annual salary and benefits. It is prudent to
MAPP analysis direct you to the most profitablehave a hiring procedure for all tiers of responsibility.
improvements and ensure that the improvements willAny extra diligence invested in an objective
bring real & lasting change to your corporate culture.procedure for top leadership selection will save
The most important leadership decisions are oftenmoney, momentum, and cultural fallout.
made without the benefit of objective data. In fact,The most effective hiring procedures involve clear
I have been told by a few business owners thatjob requirements. In addition to these, make a list of
they choose top leaders the way they would choosethe characteristics missing in your team's current
a buddy. "Would I invite this person to a Bar-B-Que"skill-set. Once the field of applicants has been
or would this person fit in with the managementnarrowed by the appointed team of leaders (including
team". Many base selection of top leadership on firstHR professionals) far sighted employers utilize the
impressions and social skills. While these areobjectivity offered by selection specialists. These
important, first impressions are incomplete and it's theprofessional are able to predict performance by use
information in our blind spots that result in poorof skilled interview and a cadre of more powerful
selection choices.psychometric tests that are unavailable to the
To improve your ability to see into these blind spotsaverage HR department. They act as sub contractor
and hire the right person the first time you mustto the employer and must perform their service in
take two critical steps. Step one is to take a goodcompliance with best practices for selection decisions
look at your current leadership team's skills andas outlined in the Standards for Educational and
abilities as well as their readiness to embrace thePsychological Testing and the Principles for the
changes necessary for the transformation to becomeValidation and Use of Personnel Selection Procedures.
a Lean enterprise. This provides you with a clearThe right leader will have the skill and style to
view of their current skill set and the characteristicscomplement and challenge your team. This leader will
required of a candidate to fit and complement thebe the one that best fits the requirements of your
team. Prepare for the addition of a new leader bygoals for performance and culture. So first, clarify
discussing the challenges you discover with the team.your leadership selection criteria so that the person
Let them know that you are more committed toyou hire will be able to succeed. Then use the
improvement than you are to harmony. No brilliantobjectivity afforded by your improved hiring process
and charismatic change agent can overcome theto make the choice. By following these steps the
status quo alone, so let your team know that youenvironment will be prepared for the new member of
are committed to removing obstacle to positivethe leadership team to get up to speed and
change.contribute quickly and to be confidently followed by
The second step is to establish a standard hiringyour key employees. You will gain confidence in
procedure for key leaders. This will improvesecuring the right leader and avoid considerable
objectivity and save tens of thousands of dollars.expense in money and cultural impact. As a bonus
The cost of hiring the wrong employee has beenyou will possess the knowledge of how to best
measured at one 150% of the person's salary andmanage and equip them to thrive.