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Before You Launch a Search

Twelve questions, about three minutes. See how ready your organization is to recruit a senior leader, and where a search is most likely to stall.

0 of 12 answered

1Role clarityCould you describe, in two or three sentences, what this leader must accomplish in their first 18 months?

Yes, and it is written downRoughly, but not in writingNot yet

2Role clarityDoes the current position description reflect where the organization is going, rather than the last person who held the role?

Yes, it was rewritten for today's prioritiesPartly updatedIt is mostly the previous description

3Role clarityHave you separated true must-have experience from nice-to-haves?

Yes, three or four clear must-havesWe have a long list of requirementsNot yet

4Decision alignmentDo the decision makers (board, CEO, committee) agree on what success in this role looks like?

Yes, we have discussed it directlyWe think so, but have not discussed itThere are different views

5Decision alignmentIs it clear who makes the final decision and who advises?

Yes, roles are definedGenerally understood, not definedNo

6Decision alignmentHave you decided whether internal candidates will be considered, and how they will be treated?

Yes, and we have a plan to communicate itWe have discussed it informallyNot yet

7Market realismHas the compensation for this role been benchmarked against the current market in the last 12 months?

YesBased on the last hire or an older surveyNo

8Market realismAre location, hybrid expectations and relocation support settled?

Yes, all settledPartly settledStill open

9Market realismCould you explain to a strong candidate, happy in their current job, why this role is worth leaving for?

Yes, clearly and specificallyIn general termsNot convincingly yet

10Process readinessCan the decision makers commit to interview dates within the next two to three months?

Yes, windows are on calendarsProbably, not yet scheduledCalendars are a real challenge

11Process readinessIs the role covered in the interim so the search is not rushed?

Yes, a capable interim is in placePartly coveredNo, the gap is urgent

12Process readinessHave you agreed on confidentiality and how the search will be communicated internally?

Yes, there is a planDiscussed, no plan yetNot yet

Please answer every question to see your results.

How it works

Answer twelve questions across four areas we look at in every discovery conversation: role clarity, decision alignment, market realism and process readiness.

You will get a readiness score, a view of each area and the specific actions most likely to make your search faster and more successful.

Your answers stay in your browser. Nothing is sent to us unless you choose to share your results.

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