Viewpoint October 2007
Hire the Right Person for the Right Job - Sooner Rather than Later!
by Bob Gershberg
Managing Partner, Dick Wray Executive Search
Winston Churchill once said, “Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing – after they have exhausted all other possibilities.” I wonder what he would say if he were to analyze the American restaurant industry today.
Statistics abound indicating an impending talent crisis. Estimates of 7 to 10 million more jobs than people by the year 2010 are compounded by the current signs of skill-set shortage across all industries and disciplines. With the continued decline in average employee tenure, we may just be headed for the Perfect Storm.
We recognize the importance of hiring the right person for the right job and are painfully aware of the astronomical costs to our companies when we do not. Lowering our standards is not an option, nor is long time to fill on critical positions. Ram Charan, the highly acclaimed business advisor, speaker and author states, “Those leaders who deliver results consistently over a long period of time are the ones who recognize what an individual can do best. They link the business need and the person's natural talent. They take the time and effort to place individuals where their strengths can have the most impact……Without the right people in the right jobs, a company cannot grow and thrive.”
So how do we make certain we are winning the global war for rising stars when the demographically declining slope of skilled available talent is pounding us broadside?
• Streamline your process. Great talent will not be waiting for you.
• Hire when talent is available, not just to fill openings.
• Communicate the employee value proposition while interviewing.
• Flexibility in comp, benefits, vacation, work schedule and geography.
• Focus on diversity and inclusion.
• Develop proactive talent strategies.
The high energy and spiraling commodities’ costs we are struggling with currently will pale in comparison to the pressures of the upcoming talent crisis unless we begin to manage the recruitment process wisely.
All the best,
Bob Gershberg |Managing Partner|
bob.gershberg@dickwray.com
(888) 875-9993 ext 102
Matching the dreams, energy and experience of super-star candidates with the vision of our business partners.