International Chairman's Message

By Steve Watson, Chairman of Stanton Chase and Managing Director of the Dallas office

Never before has it been more important for clients and friends to build strategic and deep relationships with Stanton Chase International. The importance of hiring and retaining talent who can help shape a company's future has never been more important than today. Talent demand is complex. With an increasing number of baby boomers retiring, new emerging world markets demanding leadership and management skills, globalization that has flattened our world creating new business models, and business ethics and integrity at the forefront, we believe it is critical to understand the strategic initiatives of our clients and to help attract and retain people who can make a difference.

We see four distinct general trends today that will continue over the next few years. First is a heightened emphasis on hiring early career-stage, smart, high achievers with advanced degrees. These are people who can help craft a company's direction, implement it, measure it, and refine it over the next 10-15 years. Secondly is hiring proven skills in enhancing productivity, improving processes, and cutting costs. It is the "know how" to do more for less. Lean thinking has never been more important than today. Third is a continued trend for skilled managers who know how to build, direct, and motivate teams. It is a mind set of listening and collaboration, and one focusing on "we," rather than "I." Large egos do not seem to make it to the offer stage. Fourth, but certainly not last, is the importance of understanding global markets. International experience seems to become more of the "ante in the game," rather than just a "nice to have." People who have lived overseas and helped develop joint ventures, Greenfield operations, or new sourcing models are in demand. It is the wide-visioned executive who can see beyond their backyard, and think creatively how things can get done in our flat world at a lower cost with higher quality and enhanced service that is sought-after.

Great talent, along with the right culture fit and mind set for a company, is hard to find. It does not come easy, nor does it happen overnight. That is why it is important that companies and executive search firms get closer today than ever before–to better anticipate strategic new hires and to get ahead of the curve. To stay competitive will require the right people leading the right team in the right direction, the right way.

Additionally, the need to retain talent and develop proper succession planning is paramount. This requires identifying, developing, and mentoring high performers who possess the skill and aptitude to take on more responsibilities, and more challenges. Retaining and promoting talent is vital to the long-term success of your company.

We would encourage you to reach out to Stanton Chase International and find out how we can be of assistance to you when you hire for today and retain for tomorrow.