by Alan Mait, President, Executive Search
For businesses, the process of hiring new leader is a critical juncture that can impact the trajectory of an organization. The path to hire, and successful integration of an incoming leader is often riddled with potential pitfalls, one of the most common is misalignment regarding the type of leader to hire.
Misalignment, or a lack of agreement, among the team regarding the characteristics, values, skills, and behaviors desired in a new leader, can result in long-lasting negative impacts to the organization. All the stakeholders involved in the hiring process need to be fully aligned on the expectations, goals, and cultural fit criteria involved in the hiring process. Otherwise, they risk issues such as cultural clashes, role ambiguity, and strategic missteps.
Examples of Misalignment
- Suppose the CEO prioritizes innovation and risk-taking, while the CFO emphasizes stability and risk mitigation. If these differing perspectives are not reconciled during the hiring process, it could lead to a mismatch when hiring a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) who must then navigate both innovation and financial stability. The likely result is conflict between the COO and other executives that hinders collaboration and decision-making.
- A Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is hired with the expectation that they will focus on digital marketing strategies to drive online sales. However, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) expects the CMO to prioritize traditional sales channels to maintain existing client relationships. This lack of clarity in expectations can cause confusion and frustration for the new hire, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
- Consider a situation where the executive team is divided on the company’s expansion strategy, with some advocating for international expansion and others preferring to focus on domestic growth. If this disagreement is not resolved before hiring a new Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), the CSO may struggle to develop a cohesive strategic plan that aligns with the organization’s goals. In this case, misalignment could result in wasted resources and missed opportunities for growth.
As illustrated in the above scenarios, the repercussions of misalignment can manifest in various ways, but perhaps one of the most immediate dangers is cultural dissonance. Executives set the tone for the organization and play a crucial role in shaping its culture—any incongruity between their values, leadership style, and the company culture can sow seeds of discord. This discord can lead to friction, disengagement, and morale issues among the team and broader employee base.
Strategies for Prevention
- Alignment with Company Values and Culture: Incorporate a culture interview into the hiring process. Engage individuals with a keen understanding of the company’s values to assess cultural compatibility beyond the surface level.
- Define Clear Expectations: Establishing clear expectations early on is paramount. Outline business goals and the role of the leader in achieving them to mitigate the risk of role ambiguity and to create a shared understanding of success.
- Intentional Interviewing: Curate interview panels strategically to ensure representation from diverse perspectives. Maintain focus on evaluating candidates based on agreed-upon competencies, skills, and behaviors aligned with the company’s values.
- Utilize Assessments and References: Leverage assessments and reference checks to glean insights into a candidate’s past performance and alignment with organizational needs. Look for patterns of success and compatibility with company culture.
- Regular Check-ins and Feedback: Schedule frequent check-ins to provide feedback and gauge progress. Address any misalignments or concerns proactively, preventing them from escalating into larger issues.
- Ongoing Development Support: Invest in the ongoing development of executives by offering mentorship, training, or coaching opportunities as needed. This fosters growth and alignment with the company’s objectives over time.
- Be Open to Course Correction: Despite thorough vetting, misalignments may still occur. Be prepared to course correct through coaching, role redefinition, or, if necessary, transitioning the executive out of the organization.
Misalignment when hiring new leaders is a challenge that can successfully be navigated with foresight and intentionality. By implementing strategies to align values, define expectations, and support ongoing development, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with misalignment and pave the way for successful leader hire and integration. The result is a culture of cohesion, productivity, and growth that propels the organization forward and enhances growth.
