Top Management: How to Recruit the Best

In the search for talent, headhunters remain highly sought after. Henri Vidalinc, President of Grant Alexander, shares his methods for identifying top managers.

In his “Management Chronicle” published today on L’Express.fr, Claire Padych focuses on top manager recruitment. Henri Vidalinc, President of the Grant Alexander group, provides advice on the qualities to look for. Excerpts:

[…] Listening to needs and finding the ideal candidate is part of Henri Vidalinc’s daily work. His first piece of advice: “Do not bet on a lone wolf, that’s a dealbreaker for a top manager. You need someone who values their team and shows interest in others.”

[…] Even if a top manager sits at the top of the hierarchy, accustomed to the Comex and Codir, they must be neither arrogant nor unpleasant. While they may need to step into the predecessor’s shoes, perhaps adjusting them later, they must also possess other virtues, according to Henri Vidalinc: “Be capable of forming an opinion, having a vision, and advocating for it.” They should be charismatic, inspiring others to get involved and emulate them. […] At the high level, introverts—though excellent at managing close teams—are less suitable. “At this level, it’s good to be somewhat extroverted, assertive, communicative, and to have values you live by,” explains the expert. Authenticity is crucial: “When you play a role, people can sense it.”

Yet personality alone is not enough for engagement; technical skills and, above all, mental strength are essential. Mental fortitude must be “strong” […] Grant Alexander has implemented the “athlete thinking” program to enhance maximal potential.

Finally, being “connected with the world in which you operate […] At 40 or 50, it’s your network that makes the difference,” notes the expert.

The full article is available on lexpress.fr (subscriber access).