Why your first leadership hire matters more than you think

For a growing company, the first real leadership hire is a turning point. Until then, the founders set the tone. From that moment on, someone else starts to shape how decisions are made and how people are treated.

Hire for the next stage, not the current one

It is tempting to hire someone who fits the team as it is today. The better question is who can build the team you will need in two years. That often means someone who has seen that stage before.

Test how they lead, not just what they know

Ask candidates to walk you through a difficult situation with a team member. How they talk about people tells you more than any list of achievements.

• Speak to people who reported to them

• Let them meet the team informally

• Be clear about how much autonomy they will have

Take your time, but not too much

A leadership search usually takes longer than other roles. That is fine, as long as the process stays personal and candidates know where they stand.