Why do so many appointments through conventional Executive Search fail?
Appointing effective leaders is always difficult. Experience in a similar job is not a reliable predictor of future performance in a new job and focusing on the known contacts of an Executive Search-consultant or an Executive is highly unlikely to lead to approaching the most suitable and diverse future leader(s) you need. Errors in selection are even more likely when the speed of change is increasing, and leadership roles are becoming ever more complex.
Widely cited research is clear, 40-60% of leader appointments made using conventional approaches fail.
Read the words of our CEO Richard Moore
Conventional approaches used in mainstream Executive Search and leadership recruitment fail when predictions of a ‘match’ are unreliable. The extent to which a hiring manager and a candidate like each other is an extremely poor predictor when forecasting long term success at work – as are previous connections and job titles. Widely used sourcing approaches restrict opportunities and so diversity. Despite the many excellent HR experts, business Executives and Executive Search-consultants working in leader selection, mainstream approaches to Executive appointments are often undermined by the poor performance.
Our science-based approach delivers much more reliable outcomes. MU Executive Search is a modern and reliable way of recruiting leaders that dramatically reduces the most significant inherent risks (the ‘performance’ and ‘diversity’ problems) associated with conventional Executive Search methodology.
The pace of change is increasing complexity and amplifying the risks associated with conventional Executive Search idea. Effective leader selection has never been harder or more important. Conventional approaches are no longer fit for purpose. Organisations require diverse and sustainably effective leadership:
Organisations rightly demand better results, and leadership candidates expect a professional and transparent process. To be more successful in Executive appointments a more scientific and tailored method for selecting leaders is required.
MU Executive Search is a more modern way of recruiting leaders that dramatically reduces the impact of the ‘performance’ and ‘diversity’ problems associated with mainstream Executive Search:
With MU Executive Search hiring decisions are based on hard facts and logical arguments reflecting a deep insight into the candidate´s competence and potential and a detailed understanding of the unique performance criteria for the specific job and context, and are not based on generic models or theories associated with leadership
By employing leaders based on what they can actually do, rather than on what they did before, who they know, or how well liked or ‘generally talented’ they are, MU Executive Search consistently delivers leaders who immediately perform and achieve sustainable results.
Effective leadership is best secured by using MU Executive Search – a predictive, fair, and rational method that is consistently applied, regulated, and validated long-term.
Often the right leader is not currently living in your local market, our Executive Search experts can find them wherever they are. If your market is increasingly international, we have the expertise to search across the globe for the capabilities you need. Many Executive roles are international by nature and require an international approach. Having a local presence as well as a broad international candidate network is a prerequisite to succeed in Executive Search across borders.
MU is a leading global Executive Search firm operating in more than 60 different countries. As one global company we have no internal barriers inhibiting what we can do for you – we support our clients through Executive Search worldwide.
When choosing MU for Executive Search, we offer local knowledge with international reach, which means that you have access to search capabilities globally. Your local Executive Search-consultant will make sure that our engagement is in line with your expectations, wherever they may be.
MU Executive Search is a high-quality science-based service, which finds and matches the best available candidates with your specific business needs, ensuring you select the candidate with the best potential to deliver results.
Our Executive Search experts have the knowledge and expertise - as well as the analytical tools and methods - needed to understand our clients’ strategic goals, business, and organisational culture. This understanding guides the delivery of our services in all markets and in all regions of the world.
* Regularly published validation studies
** Client perception surveys conducted in >15 countries, 2020-2022.
*** Reoccurring validation studies, annually audited by DNV
Mercuri Urval helped us to deliver on the strategic introduction of a brand new Directorship level. Of particular not is their Executive Search to find us an IT Director. We appointed Mercuri Urval to the assignment and they delivered a superb result in a particularly challenging timescale. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Mercuri Urval to any organisation that is looking for Assessment or Search providers, they will not let you down or dissapoint, and will truly go the extra mile to ensure the job is done in a way that the client and candidate are delighted with."
– Tom Lyas, Talent Acquisition Manager
Perhaps more true than for any other industry, we constantly face new challenges and changes. Climatic and geopolitical factors are indeed shaping our future , but a true connection and a strong relationship to the market are in our own hands to decide. We chose Mercuri Urval to headhunt for a managing director capable of bringing us closer than ever before to the Swiss market. Mercuri Urval delivered exactly what they promised and we highly recommend them."
– Yannis Tavanidis, Director European Sales Operation
Mercuri Urval gave us extremely professional support in filling a business critical role in Vienna. Despite our very specific requirements they were able to provide a number of qualified candidates who did not only meet the formal criteria, bur also showed the necessary cultural fit. Thank you Mercuri Urval for your higly appreciated service."
– Stefan Krämer, Managing Director
Again we had a successful collaboration with Mercuri Urval. Together we developed a new sales organisation that is up to specifications. We rely on them for fast delivery of appropriate candidates, first-class C-level service and for making sure that the hired employees have long-term commitment and good performance. Mercuri Urval is fully perceived as a trusted advisor by us and we can fully recommend their services within Executive Search and Professional Recruitment."
– Jörn Schütte, General Manager
It's our business to never leave anything to chance, and in our group leadership the same level of care applies. We needed a leader who could bring a central business unit back on track, and secure its long-term success. We knew personality would be an important factor as well, so we decided to give Mercuri Urval the mandate to search for our new executive. They proved to be a first-rate firm, and we now have a successor ready to head the business unit and to step into our group leadership."
– Claudia Bussmann, Head of HR