Not every search is worth taking on.
Last week, we were briefed on two senior executive roles. At first glance, they sounded like strong mandates. But as we engaged with the leadership team, it quickly became clear there was no alignment. The role specs kept shifting, stakeholders disagreed on what was actually required, and there was no defined view of what success in the role should look like.
Taking on a search in that state is like throwing darts blindfolded. You might hit the board eventually, but you will waste time and damage credibility along the way.
And it is not just our time at stake. It is the time and reputation of top candidates who expect a professional, well-thought-out process. Presenting them with a role that is unclear risks undermining trust, diluting their interest in future opportunities, and reflecting poorly on the client’s brand in the market. This also erodes our credibility when we come across as not having detailed information about our clients and the position at hand.
That’s why we pressed pause. We guided the client to take a step back, align internally, and only then re-engage the market. A search without clarity is not a search; it is noise.
The moral of the story? Our role isn’t only to fill positions. It’s to guide, to advise, and to protect both our clients’ brands and our candidates’ time. Sometimes the best value we add is helping leaders get clarity before we even begin the search.
If your organisation is planning a critical hire and you’d like guidance on getting clarity before going to market, message me or email jayson@outsidecapital.co.za – I’ll share practical steps.
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