Sunday, September 4, 2011

How to Hire a Successful Executive Team

For many entrepreneurs, the idea that their company needs executives can be mind boggling--not to mention exciting. As the initial thrill of leading a successful company dies down, the real work begins. How do you find the right people to help lead the company as it continues to grow? Not every executive is created equal, and choosing the right person to fill a senior position can be crucial to your company's continued success. But knowing where and how to search for executive talent can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to consider if you want to successfully create your own executive team.

Begin by creating a clear mission statement for your company. Ask yourself questions such as, "What is the overall vision for the company? What is the company's mission? What are its guiding principles?" and, "What are the key objectives for the next three to five years?" Clearly articulating the answers to these questions will not only impact but also create the company culture. The executives you hire should fit this culture; don't look for people just with the right skills and experience. To ensure the potential executive is a "good fit" with the company culture and purpose, use the mission statement as your guide.

MISSION VALLEY

After you have laid out your company's purpose, another important step to take when creating an executive dream team is to assess your own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. A successful executive team complements one another, so it pays to look for people with abilities that balance your strengths. For instance, if your strength lies in advertising, build a team that can supplement this strength and pick up your weak areas. While this is not the time to list all possible areas of improvement, the goal of the self-assessment is to enable you to surround yourself with people who enhance your company's future prospects of success.

Once you have outlined the abilities your executive team will require, take the time to consider your company's prospects--and the people who already work for you. Don't be too hasty to hire outsiders until you have assessed the abilities of current employees. You may be surprised if the talent you need is already on the company payroll. At the same time, keep in mind the fresh perspective new talent can bring. Thoughtfully evaluate your management needs for the next few years, and create a plan to train current employees as well as hire new talent with clear priorities and objectives.

By considering the needs of your company and following these tips, you are well on your way to hiring the executive team that will take your company to the next level.

How to Hire a Successful Executive Team

MISSION VALLEY

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