Search Committee Code of Conduct

Yesterday I commented on an interesting blog written by Allison Vaillancourt, PhD., VP HR at the University of Arizona----here is the link to her blog
http://chronicle.com/blogs/onhiring/is-it-time-for-a-search-committee-code-of-standards/28628#disqus_thread

Allison's blog received over 50 comments from various professionals at universities ( primarily) involved with the search process. Dr Vaillancourt's idea that it is perhaps time for a "Code of Conduct" for search committees to observe. This makes some real sense if for no other reason than to let committee chairs and members know that there are basic ground rules that will be productive for them to follow. Good rules, generally help everyone --- and, of course, in a civil society no matter how great it might seem to think that ultimate freedom = no laws---that notion went out sometime before Hammurabi.

For search committees the rules need to stem from the "Golden Rule"---treat others as you would have others treat you. Because search committees are composed largely of volunteers who are often selected by the administrative staff because they like and trust them, this should not be confused with the idea that despite their most often well-meaning intentions, the search committee chair and members, know how to handle the subtleties of the search process. This is not due to any lack of intelligence or willingness---it is almost always related to a lack of experience and knowledge about what constitutes a truly effective search process. At KULPER & COMPANY we have created guideline booklets for search committee teams that are used for both academic and corporate searches. The booklets help the committee members be better prepared for the interview process and touch on some basic ideas as: the inadvisability of "ad-hoc" back-channel reference checking, the best ways to conduct a candidate visit/interview and other fine points of the search process. We never assume that the guide books are read---but we are always pleased when they are, since it makes the guidance we provide to search committee members that much more easily accepted.

Like with good etiquette, a good search process is fair and considerate to everyone. And also like good etiquette when people are considerate of others, people become relaxed and are at their best. An interview is a very stressful experience for everyone involved. So, to the extent that a "Code of Conduct" for search committees can be adapted by accredited academic institutions, all the better---because it will make it that much more likely that the right hired candidate will get the job!
Nice work, Allison.

All the best,
Keith

Reference Checking: It does work!

Please see article by Professor Gene Fant in today's Chronicle of Higher Ed and my comment; good stuff.
http://chronicle.com/blogs/onhiring/reference-checks/28674?sid=oh&utm_source=oh&utm_medium=en

All the best,
Keith

Networking, a timeless skill set

Here is an article written by an professor at Assumption College who directs their Honors Program---it is on the topic of Networking. Very nice job by Professor James Lang; hope you find it helpful.
http://chronicle.com/article/How-Do-You-Teach-Networking-/127008/#disqus_thread

All the best
Keith

Keith D. Kulper, President KULPER & COMPANY, LLC Executive Search: Sharing what you know....

Keith D. Kulper, President KULPER & COMPANY, LLC Executive Search: Sharing what you know....: "Clients like to be sure that they will be working with the right executive search consulting firm before they decide to sign the contract an..."

Sharing what you know....

Clients like to be sure that they will be working with the right executive search consulting firm before they decide to sign the contract and get started. We work hard to provide prospective clients with as much information as we can about the outcomes we achieve, our work flow process and how our current clients feel about working with us.

Yesterday I was speaking with the founder and owner of competing firm. Always a good thing for any professional services provider to do. This firm is doing excellent work and has a following of clients that we aspire to here at KULPER & COMPANY. She said to me. "Keith, we have 97% repeat business from our clients. The unique way in which we work is what makes that possible. We guard our process closely and do not speak about it with other firms".

I think the magic formula for any successful professional services provider is to know why they are successful and to learn from others, too. Some firms guard their process like the Coke people do their secret formula. Why give it away? Right?

A long time ago, I was in the presence of one of the most successful operators of hospital systems in the New York/New Jersey area. Ron DelMauro was then the CEO of St Barnabus Hospital in West Orange, NJ. We were talking with him and his CFO about their plans for growth. Ron said, " Keith, if any hospital system calls wanting to know why we are successful at St Barnabus we are happy to share our approach with them ; we are an open book. Our secret is not our process, it is all in the execution." Over the years, since that initial meeting with Ron, he has gone on to form the St Barnabus Medical System---comprised of many hospitals in the NJ NY region. He continues to be a top operator, highly successful, well-liked and highly respected; he is a big guy who is truly "big".

I believe that the most successful people in business and life are like Ron---they are open and willing to share their time and wisdom with people who call upon them; they share, teach, help and then share, teach and help some more. My hat is off to Ron. I have told and re-told this story about him many times because it so profoundly influenced my professional approach.

So, if you are interested in knowing how we do what we do here at KULPER & COMPANY....we will be glad to explain it to you; in fact, we are happy to do so. We always learn from others when we share information about our search practice; talking shop and collaborating is interesting, enlightening and fun. Our goal is to be considered by our clients as the best search firm with whom they will ever work--and that translates to 100% repeat business for us. So, if you are a fellow practioner of executive search consulting and are curious about how we do what we do please call me anytime; I will be glad to share our approach with you and perhaps learn something new, too.

Peace, Keith

Where Academia Meets Corporate Innovation: KULPER & COMPANY

As an owner of my own executive search firm for close to 15 years, I am always working at developing my search practice. Deciding which areas to focus on is a key concern. Last year our advisory board suggested that I make our value prop clearer to our prospective clients, so with the help of a few great friends we came up with the tag line for KULPER & COMPANY...."Where Academia meets Corporate Innovation" .

The idea behind this approach is to convey to current and prospective clients our strong interest in working on search assignments for universities and companies who drive research and new product innovation. This is a fascinating and rewarding space since through our interactions we often witness new product and business creation. KULPER & COMPANY has worked on search assignments for VP Research at companies as well as VP Research & Innovation at universities.

A bonus of these activities is the opportunity for me to participate in the birth of new companies as both as a search professional and as an "angel" investor. As the economy returns to health and unemployment continues to abate there will be more and more demand for our services in this very interesting niche area. The companies we support range from early stage Advanced Battery to Bio Tech to Global Specialty Chem and Pharmaceutical ----the universities can include large internationally famous centers to scrappy independents with a vision. R&D is driven by great people with determination and persistance to turn their quest for new knowledge into something that is ultimately practical and useful. If your company or university is considering a VP or Dean level search for the right leader of your research we might be the right search firm for you; we love these assignments!

Much success, Keith