Karen Anderson of #ORBiomember Acumen Executive Search contributed this article to share thought leadership about how in a tight bioscience market, can we position our companies and organizations to attract top talent.
The pandemic forced us to alter our focus to what is most important: namely family, human connection, good health, flexible work arrangements, and most importantly, the “why.” Needs and criteria of top talent have changed dramatically.
A recent Bloomberg News article stated some atop the corporate ladder seem to be paying attention. In a Jan. 12 PricewaterhouseCoopers survey of 133 executives, fewer than one in five said they want to go back to pre-pandemic routines. But only 13 percent were prepared to let go of the office for good.
Being able to accurately assess and articulate your company’s/organizations’s culture as well as its mission, vision, and values are key in capturing the best leaders and employees. Note mission is quite different from vision and it’s important to ensure all talent understands each and is aligned around both.
Top questions you need to ask yourself when attracting top level leaders:
- What is your organization’s unique value proposition? Why would someone leave their current position and join your organization?
- List the attributes and traits that describe your organization’s culture.
- Create a specific career path, reward system, work environment that reflect your culture and future goals.
- Identify what is in it for both parties — beyond just compensation
- Are there specific growth opportunities, appealing compensation, and/or a win-win exit plan?
- What is your competition doing and how will you differentiate?
Today, executives are reconsidering their futures. To attract them, you need to provide incentives, values-based engagement, and share a clear roadmap.
After nearly 15 years of recruiting executive leadership in the local bioscience/biotech ecosystem, Acumen Executive Search has seen a marked shift in candidate needs, who are now caring more about aligning themselves to a company’s mission/vision/values and being an active part of its success.
Review Acumen’s case studies:
Focused Leadership Takes Good to Great
World-Class Talent Brings “Deeper Bench” to Early Stage Medical Device Company