Scary Trend... or Opportunity?

Interesting article in Feb. 12 Business Week about the short tenure of many top-level managers. Whether for poor fit or lack of immediate results, top hires are being ushered out quickly as corporate Boards and senior executives refuse to grant much of a honeymoon period.

And therein lies the opportunity. If you were NOT the first choice for a job you covet, keep in touch with the hiring manager... keep an eye on company results... and be available should the new hire fail. Similarly, don't be afraid to approach target companies that don't have appropriate openings for you right now - you never know what's going on in the Boardroom or when a key player will be given the boot.

A pull quote from the article: "About half of executives brought in from outside will fail within two years." Legal, financial, and marketing execs are especially vulnerable.

Finally - harking back to some great branding/fit articles that appeared on this blog recently! - do everything you can to ensure a very close fit before you accept your next job. Get it right, make it happen, or be prepared to start your job search again. Now that's a scary thought.

Posted by Louise Kursmark