Article from Footwear News Issue 05/18/2009
CEO Summit: Executive Hiring Tips
John Jonas, president of executive search firm The Jonas Group, shared his tips for hiring and retaining top talent.
1. “A” Players
“When business is as tough as it is now, only the companies with the best talent will survive and thrive.”
2. Top Grading
Replacing “B” and “C” players with “As” is crucial to a company’s success because “eagles fly with eagles.”
3. Smart Hiring Techniques
A well-defined and transparent process is key. Jonas recommends behavior-based interview questions to ensure a good fit.
4. How to Best Get “A” Players
Jonas advises companies to partner with an industry-specific search firm to target and recruit the crème de la crème.
5. Retention Tips
Check in regularly with staffers, give them generous praise and encourage on-going development. “If you promote the growth and self-discovery of your people, you maximize them, your company and your ability to retain them,” Jonas said.