[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”3440px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.6) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” custom_padding=”150px|5%|150px|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”75px||75px||true|true” custom_padding_phone=”60px||60px||true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”c1ea0ce8-fa26-4ab1-8333-6788dcc9131f” header_font_size=”40px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”35px|30px|35px|30px|true|true” header_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_font_size_phone=”27px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_free_form=”selector h1 {|| margin-bottom:0px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-hero-text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”140%” link_font=”||||on|||rgba(255,255,255,0.5)|” link_text_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”||35px||false|false” custom_padding=”25px|30px|25px|30px|true|true” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”selector p {|| margin: 40px 0px;||}” border_width_left=”5px” border_color_left=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Executive search does not start with a job description.<\/p>\n
It starts with the business problem.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/frankrechsteiner.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/frank-2023-22.jpg” background_position=”top_center” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”min-height: 600px !important;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”min-height: 400px !important;”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Most executive search processes start with a position:<\/p>\n
We start one step earlier. Because a company does not hire a leader because a position exists. It invests in a leader because an economic problem needs to be solved, growth needs to be generated or a strategic change needs to be implemented.<\/p>\n
That is why strategic executive search does not start with the job profile. It starts with the business case of the appointment.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”gd-lbc-dark” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0b0b0b” custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text gd-lbc-panel” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The decisive CEO question<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Before a strategic search begins, five questions should be answered. They form the basis for the search strategy, the candidate assessment and the decision as to which talent solution makes sense at all.<\/p>\n
Business Problem<\/p>\n
Which concrete economic problem should this person solve?<\/p>\n
Weak wording:<\/strong> \u201cWe need a new VP Sales.\u201d Robust wording:<\/strong> \u201cOur enterprise growth is stagnating. Within 24 months, we have to win five strategic accounts and build a scalable enterprise sales model.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Business Outcomes<\/p>\n Which three results must be visible after 24 months?<\/p>\n Define results instead of activities or general competencies. What has been built? Which customers have been won? Which business has been created? Which capability exists in the company afterwards? Which transformation has been implemented?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Evidence<\/p>\n What must a candidate already have proven for us to trust them with these results?<\/p>\n \u201cStrong sales experience\u201d, \u201centrepreneurial thinking\u201d or \u201cexperience in team building\u201d are not enough. What counts is verifiable evidence: which strategic customers were actually won? Which business was built? Which organisation was created? Which change was implemented?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Unfair Advantage<\/p>\n What could a candidate bring that immediately improves your starting position?<\/p>\n Customer access. Market trust. C-level relationships. Talent network. Build-up skills. Specific know-how. Or a well-established team. Exceptional candidates do not just meet requirements. They bring assets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Talent Solution<\/p>\n Which solution really fits the business case?<\/p>\n Only now is it decided whether a classic external appointment is the best solution at all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”gd-lbc-dark” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0b0b0b” custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text gd-lbc-panel” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before you fill a position<\/p>\n Which talent solution creates the greatest business impact in the shortest time?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f5f5f6″ custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A strategic leader is not a vacancy. They are an investment. Over several years, they influence revenue, customers, employees, decisions, budgets, capabilities and the development of the organisation.<\/p>\n That is why a key appointment should meet the same standard as any other strategic investment: what result do we expect \u2013 and what evidence gives us the certainty that exactly this person can deliver it?<\/p>\n Before the search begins, it must be clear what should be different twelve, 24 and 36 months later because of this person: which customers were won? Which business was built? Which capabilities were created? Which transformation was implemented?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Leadership Business Case changes how candidates are selected. Instead of discussing the CV backwards, we check whether the previous career provides concrete evidence for the future business case.<\/p>\n The candidate who most resembles the past is not automatically the right one. What matters is the person with the strongest evidence of being able to shape the next version of the business, the role or the organisation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f5f5f6″ custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Especially when building new business areas, practices or markets, a well-established team can create a considerable time advantage. A leader brings experience and a network. A leader with two or three proven key people also brings shared implementation experience and operational speed.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”gd-lbc-dark” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0b0b0b” custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text gd-lbc-panel” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n CEO check<\/p>\n If these five questions are not answered, the search is not ready yet.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f5f5f6″ custom_padding=”90px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”gd-pb-text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The quality of a strategic appointment does not start in the candidate market. It starts with clarity about the economic difference this person should make.<\/p>\n Do you have a strategic key position to fill?<\/p>\n Then we do not talk about candidates first. We talk about your business problem, the expected impact and the talent solution that can create this impact the fastest.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/frankrechsteiner.de\/en\/ceo-conversation\/” button_text=”DISCUSS YOUR LEADERSHIP BUSINESS CASE” button_alignment=”left” button_alignment_phone=”center” button_alignment_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”gd-lbc-cta” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”35px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" LEADERSHIP BUSINESS CASEExecutive search does not start with a job description.It starts with the business problem. Why this is a matter for the CEOMost executive search processes start with a position:\u201cWe need a new VP Sales.\u201d\u201cWe are looking for a Head of Data & AI.\u201d\u201cWe have to replace our managing director.\u201dWe start one step earlier. Because a company does not hire a leader because a position exists. It invests in a leader because an economic problem needs to be solved, growth needs to be generated or a strategic change needs to be implemented.That is why strategic executive search does not start with the job profile. It starts with the business case of the appointment.The decisive CEO questionWhat must be different economically in 24 months because of this person?Yesterday\u2019s questionThe question for 2027What are the tasks of our new VP Sales?Which growth problem does he have to solve?Which competencies does our Head of Data & AI need?Which business, capability or change should this person create?Who fits the existing job description?Who can demonstrably deliver the future business impact?The Leadership Business CaseBefore a strategic search begins, five questions should be answered. They form the basis for the search strategy, the candidate assessment and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":5354,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6600","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nWhich talent solution really fits?<\/h3>\n
Why this matters to the CEO<\/h2>\n
We are not looking for CVs.
We are looking for evidence.<\/h2>\nThe best solution does not have to be a single appointment<\/h2>\n
Is the search ready?<\/h3>\n
\n
Do not commission a search before you know the business case of the appointment.<\/h2>\n