Category: executive search seattle

The Critical Steps That Enable A Smooth Executive Search

Posted on by Diversity Recruiters ™
By Nicole Leckband

 

The Critical Steps That Enable A Smooth Executive Search

 

09/26/23

 

Hiring the right talent for your organization can be a challenging and time-consuming task, especially in a competitive and dynamic market. That’s why you need a seasoned executive recruiter who can help you find and attract the best diverse candidates for your organization. Your recruiter can’t do it alone… Organizations have a crucial role to play in making the hiring process faster and more effective. 

Here are some ways your organization can help:

– Communicate your needs and expectations clearly. The first step to a successful hiring process is to have a clear and detailed job description that outlines the responsibilities, requirements, and benefits of the position. This is something that Diversity Recruiters™ can help you complete. You should communicate your hiring goals, timeline, and budget to your assigned executive recruiter, so they can align their strategy and actions accordingly. Be honest and realistic about what you are looking for and what you can offer to the candidates.

– Provide timely and constructive feedback. Your recruiter will send you a shortlist of qualified candidates that match your criteria. You should review their resumes and profiles as soon as possible and provide your feedback to your recruiter. Let them know which candidates you are interested in, which ones you want to reject, and why. This will help your recruiter refine their search and focus on the most promising candidates. It will also show respect and appreciation to the candidates and keep them engaged in the process.

– Be flexible and open-minded. Sometimes, you may not find the perfect candidate that meets all your expectations. Instead of holding out for a unicorn, you should be willing to compromise and consider candidates who have the potential to grow and learn on the job. You should also be open to candidates from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, who can bring diversity and innovation to your organization. Don’t let your biases or assumptions limit your hiring options. Again, our expertise is specifically aligned in helping our clients in this area.

– Offer competitive and fair compensation. One of the main reasons why candidates reject or accept a job offer is the salary and benefits package. If you want to attract and retain the best talent, you need to offer them a competitive and fair compensation that reflects their skills, experience, and value. You should also be transparent and consistent about your compensation policy and process, and avoid lowballing or negotiating too hard with the candidates. This will help you build trust and rapport with the candidates and make them more likely to accept your offer.

– Streamline your interview and decision process. The interview and decision process is the most critical and time-consuming part of the hiring process. You should aim to make it as efficient and effective as possible, by following these tips:

    (1)  Plan and prepare your interview questions and format in advance, and make sure they are relevant, consistent, and unbiased.

    (2)  Involve only the necessary stakeholders and decision-makers in the interview process, and avoid having too many rounds or panels of interviews.

    (3) Schedule and conduct the interviews as soon as possible, and avoid rescheduling or canceling them at the last minute.

    (4) Make your hiring decision quickly, and communicate it to the candidates and the recruiter promptly.

    (5) Provide constructive and respectful feedback to the candidates who were not selected, and thank them for their time and interest.
 
By following these tips, you can help your recruiter hire faster and better, and secure the best talent for your organization. Remember, your recruiter is your partner in the hiring process, and you need to work together to achieve your hiring goals.
 

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Why Executive Onboarding Is Critical

Posted on by Diversity Recruiters ™
By Nicole Leckband

 

Why Executive Onboarding Is Critical

 

06/16/23

 

Executive onboarding is a critical process that is often overlooked or undervalued by organizations. It’s the process of integrating new executives into an organization to ensure they’re set up for success. The goal of executive onboarding is to provide new leaders with the information, resources, and support they need to quickly and effectively assimilate into their new role and make an impact on the organization.
 
While executive onboarding may seem like a simple process, it’s anything but. It requires a significant investment of time, resources, and effort from both the organization and the new executive. However, the benefits of effective executive onboarding are numerous and far-reaching. In this post, we’ll explore why executive onboarding is so important and how it can benefit both the organization and the new executive.
 
1. It sets expectations and goals
 
One of the most critical components of executive onboarding is setting expectations and goals for the new executive. When a new executive joins an organization, they need to understand what’s expected of them and what they need to achieve in their new role. Executive onboarding provides a framework for setting these expectations and goals, which helps the executive understand what they need to achieve and how they’ll be evaluated. This clarity is essential for building trust between the executive and their team, as everyone has a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
 
2. It reduces the risk of failure
 
The first 90 days of an executive’s tenure are critical. If they don’t achieve early wins or struggle to assimilate into the culture, it can be challenging to recover. Executive onboarding provides the support and resources that executives need to succeed during this critical period. By reducing the risk of failure, companies can ensure that their investment in executive talent pays off.
 
3. It accelerates time to productivity
 
Executives are often hired to drive change and make an impact quickly. However, without the right support, it can take months for a new executive to become productive. Executive onboarding accelerates this process by providing the tools and resources executives need to hit the ground running. This includes everything from introductions to key stakeholders to in-depth training on company systems and processes.
 
4. It helps with cultural assimilation
 
Every company has a unique culture, and executives need to understand how to navigate it effectively. Executive onboarding helps new leaders assimilate into the culture by providing an overview of the company’s values, norms, and history. This understanding is essential for building relationships with team members and creating a shared sense of purpose.
 
5. It facilitates communication
 
Effective communication is critical for success in any role, but it’s especially important for executives. Executive onboarding provides opportunities for executives to meet with key stakeholders and team members, which helps build trust and establish open lines of communication. This communication is essential for ensuring that everyone is aligned on goals and expectations.
 
6. It establishes a support network
 
Executive onboarding provides an opportunity for new leaders to build relationships with mentors, coaches, and other executives. This support network is critical for helping executives navigate the challenges of their new role. It can also provide a sounding board for new ideas and a source of inspiration when times get tough.
 
7. It increases retention and engagement
 
Effective executive onboarding can significantly increase the retention and engagement of new executives. When new executives feel supported, valued, and engaged, they’re much more likely to stay with the organization for the long term. This is particularly important given the significant investment of time and resources required to recruit and hire top executive talent.
 

In conclusion, executive onboarding is a critical process for any organization that wants to attract and retain top talent. By setting expectations, reducing the risk of failure, accelerating time to productivity, facilitating communication, establishing a support network, and increasing retention and engagement, executive onboarding sets new leaders up for success. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your new executive will figure it out on their own – invest in their success with a comprehensive onboarding program.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Importance of Diversity in the C-Suite

Posted on by Diversity Recruiters ™
By Tony Wright

 

The Importance of Diversity in the C-Suite

 

05/23/23

 

As the business world is becoming more global and complex, there is a growing awareness of the importance of diversity in the C-Suite. Despite this, the percentages of diverse executives in the C-Suite remain low, with women and people of color being overwhelmingly underrepresented. This lack of diversity can have a negative impact on innovation in a company.
 
Diversity in the C-Suite brings a variety of perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to more innovative ideas and solutions. A diverse group of executives can bring different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making to a company. This can help a company to adapt to changing market conditions, as well as to better understand and serve a diverse customer base.
 
One key aspect of diversity is gender diversity. Research has shown that companies with more women in leadership positions tend to have better financial performance and higher levels of innovation. Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the table, such as empathy, collaboration, and a focus on long-term relationships.
 
Another important aspect of diversity is racial and ethnic diversity. People of color bring a range of experiences and cultural insights that can help a company to better understand and serve diverse markets. They can also bring an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on innovation that can help a company to stay ahead of the curve.
 
In addition to the benefits of diversity for innovation, there are also ethical and social reasons to promote diversity. Having a diverse group of executives sends a message to employees, customers, and the wider community that the company values diversity and inclusion. This can help to attract and retain top talent, as well as to improve the company’s reputation and brand.
 

In conclusion, diversity in the C-Suite is essential for innovation in any company. By bringing together a range of perspectives and experiences, diverse executives can help a company to stay ahead of the curve and to better understand and serve a diverse customer base. Companies that prioritize diversity in the C-Suite also send a message that they value diversity and inclusion, which can have a positive impact on their reputation, brand, and bottom line.

 

 

 

 

 

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Harnessing the Power of Diversity

Posted on by Diversity Recruiters ™

Harnessing the Power of Diversity: Executive Recruiting Done Right

Diversity is a critical aspect of any modern organization. A diverse team can bring a range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences that can help drive innovation, creativity, and ultimately, success. However, achieving diversity can be challenging, especially when it comes to executive recruiting.

Executive recruiting is an essential process that can help organizations find the right leaders to steer their businesses towards success. However, traditional recruiting methods often lead to homogeneity in leadership teams, limiting the potential benefits of diversity. Here are some ways to harness the power of diversity in executive recruiting:

1. Define Diversity Goals: The first step towards achieving diversity in executive recruiting is to define diversity goals. Organizations should set clear objectives that outline the types of diversity they want to achieve, such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, and cultural background. These goals should be communicated to the recruiting team and be an essential consideration when assessing potential candidates.

2. Expand Your Network: Expanding your network is a crucial step towards achieving diversity in executive recruiting. Organizations can reach out to diverse communities, attend industry events and conferences, and build relationships with diverse professional organizations to expand their pool of potential candidates.

3. Reconsider Qualifications: Organizations must rethink their traditional qualifications when assessing potential candidates to achieve diversity in leadership teams. They should consider non-traditional backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets that can bring unique perspectives and ideas. Focusing on qualifications that only cater to a specific demographic can lead to homogeneity in the team.

4. Eliminate Bias: Unconscious bias can be a significant roadblock to achieving diversity in executive recruiting. Organizations should evaluate their recruitment processes and eliminate any unconscious biases that may exist. They can do this by implementing blind resume screening and avoiding questions that may lead to bias.

5. Diversify Your Recruiting Team: Diversifying the recruiting team can help ensure that the organization is considering a range of candidates from diverse backgrounds. Including individuals from diverse backgrounds in the recruiting team can bring new perspectives and ideas that can help identify the best candidates.

In conclusion, achieving diversity in executive recruiting is critical for any organization looking to achieve long-term success. By setting clear goals, expanding networks, rethinking qualifications, eliminating bias, and diversifying the recruiting team, organizations can harness the power of diversity and build strong, diverse leadership teams that can drive innovation and success.

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EDC Appoints Andrés Henríquez as Director of STEM Education Strategy

Posted on by Diversity Recruiters ™

 

EDC appoints Andrés Henríquez

March 19, 2021

 

 

EDC has appointed Andrés Henríquez as its director of STEM education strategy. Henríquez, a nationally known education innovator who was a key driver of the National Research Council’s Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards, rejoins EDC after decades of leading transformational education initiatives focused on STEM, literacy, and equity.

 

In his new role at EDC, Henríquez will launch and lead strategic partnerships and initiatives that will maximize the reach and impact of EDC’s STEM expertise, working closely with EDC vice president Sarita Pillaiand EDC’s team of STEM specialists. He joins EDC from the New York Hall of Science, where he was the vice president for STEM learning in communities and advanced a wide range of programs with the local Latinx community.

 

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Andrés Henríquez back to EDC,” said EDC senior vice president Cindy Taylor. “His visionary work to enhance STEM education, his deep dedication to equity and community engagement, and his accomplishments in strengthening educational policy and practice to benefit all learners are unequalled.”

 

Previously, Henríquez served as a program director for the National Science Foundation and a program officer for the Carnegie Corporation of New York, where he led programs focused on science, adolescent literacy, and English language learners. Earlier in his career, he held leadership and research positions with EDC’s Center for Children and Technology, where he managed a partnership between Bell Atlantic and Union City Schools that dramatically improved education in Union City, New Jersey, and received acclaim from President William J. Clinton.

 

Henríquez holds an MA from Teachers College and a BA from Hamilton College. He has held board positions with Excelencia in Education and Hamilton College and an advisory role with the U.S. National Parks Service. He will be based in EDC’s New York headquarters.

 

“I am delighted to bring my various experiences back to EDC to elevate the work in STEM education and workforce development.” Henríquez said. “I am looking forward to working with a group of creative, top-notch colleagues to improve our nation’s efforts in STEM and ensure the next generation of young people thrive.”

 

 

 

What It Takes To Achieve Diversity

Posted on by Diversity Recruiters ™

What It Really Takes To Achieve Diversity

By Diversity Recruiters™

 

In the wake of George Floyd’s death, there’s been an incredible uptick in inquiries by firms looking to improve their stance on D&I issues. In many cases, companies are looking to firms like Diversity Recruiters™ to assist them in making radical changes to their hiring processes. This is good news for all; however, these changes must be thoughtful, and they mustbe carried out with much care.

 

 

In the midst of the current environment, firms have also increased their focus on diversity hiring – particularly, in leadership positions. While having a diverse workforce is essential to any growth-oriented business, additional structure and systems must also be installed within organizations to ensure adequate representation in hiring processes.  

 

Our founder, Tony Wright, was recently interviewed by Bloomberg on this very issue. As he points out, strong diverse candidates are naturally skeptical about pursuing opportunities in new organizations without a thorough vetting. A major warning sign for these applicants is the lack of historical effort around D&I strategies. Talented employees require a sense of belonging to do their best work. This must be evident throughout the process of interviewing employers when evaluating a career change.

 

Bloomberg Article – https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-10/wall-street-s-campaign-to-hire-black-talent-isn-t-going-so-well

 

In addition to the hiring process, firms must understand how implicit biases negatively impact diverse individuals. They must fully accept, nurture, and guide all employees irrespective of their differences. In many cases, this type of support isn’t readily available for the under-represented population.

 

In today’s marketplace, talent retention and diversity are tremendously important. Employers with a full understanding of what it takes ‘beyond the hire’ are usually best equipped for growth and innovation. They, too, are best equipped to find the world’s best diverse talent.