Kingsley Gate: Unlocking the Power of Decision-Making in Executive Hiring

In the fast-paced and competitive landscape of executive hiring, organizations often focus on qualifications, experience, and cultural fit when evaluating potential candidates. However, according to a new report by leading global executive search firm Kingsley Gate, decision-making is a critical and often overlooked factor in the hiring process. Titled "Bad Decisions: Why companies miss the most important factor in executive hiring," the report highlights the significant impact decision-making has on the success and satisfaction of senior executives.

The report reveals that a staggering 25% of senior executives did not explicitly discuss decision-making prior to taking their current leadership roles. On the other hand, candidates who did discuss decision-making were found to be 1.4 times more likely to be satisfied with their roles overall. Dissatisfied executives can have a detrimental effect on organizations, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.

The findings of the survey, commissioned by Kingsley Gate and conducted by FT Longitude, highlight the importance of leadership hiring in improving decision-making effectiveness. Respondents ranked company leadership as the most influential factor in enhancing decision-making, followed closely by the introduction of new employees. These people-centric factors were even ranked higher than technology, processes, data-analysis tools, and personal impact of senior executives.

Umesh Ramakrishnan, CEO of Kingsley Gate, emphasizes the need for organizations to delve deeper into decision-making during candidate interviews. He states, "Organizations must move away from the standard, surface-level approach to questioning candidates about decision-making. Digging deeper into significant moments of choice for candidates will uncover whether a potential hire can enhance an organization’s decision-making."

The report also highlights additional key findings, including:

- Senior executives who did not discuss decision-making before taking their roles were 30% less satisfied with their overall positions and 54% less satisfied with decision-making effectiveness at their companies.

- Executives who resign or consider resigning often cite dissatisfaction with decision-making or feeling disempowered to make good decisions.

- Satisfaction with decision-making effectiveness is strongly linked to overall job satisfaction. Executives satisfied with decision-making in their organizations are 3.6 times more likely to report overall job satisfaction.

- Only 36% of senior executives believe their personal decision-making style aligns with that of their organization.

The report offers valuable insights for organizations looking to improve decision-making in executive hiring. Decision-making should not be treated as just another factor in the recruitment process but should play a central role. Evaluating candidates' decision-making styles to ensure alignment with the organization's style is crucial for retention and improving decision-making within the company.

Creating a "good fit" does not mean finding candidates who perfectly emulate existing decision-making styles. It involves finding individuals who can bridge the gap between the organization's current culture and its desired future state, fostering progress. This approach requires challenging the decision-making status quo while respecting it. It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to decision-making, and this should be considered by talent acquisition teams and executive search firms.

To foster continuous improvement, the report suggests incorporating decision-making into performance reviews, lessons learned sessions, and other reflective milestones. By doing so, organizations can create a virtuous upward spiral that enhances decision-making at both individual and organizational levels.

Kingsley Gate, a leading global executive search firm, is committed to putting decision-making at the center of its approach. With their extensive experience and expertise, they have successfully helped numerous organizations across industries, functions, and geographies find and onboard effective decision-making executives.

Headquartered in New York, Kingsley Gate's consultants have facilitated the hiring and onboarding of thousands of decision-making executives since its establishment. Backed by private equity firm Crescent Cove Partners LP since 2022, Kingsley Gate remains dedicated to helping organizations unlock the power of decision-making in executive hiring.

To learn more about the importance of decision-making in executive hiring and to access the full report, visit [www.KingsleyGate.com](http://www.KingsleyGate.com).