The top leaders in any company are extremely important. They drive businesses forward, keep things running smoothly and help those below them perform to the best of their ability.
As the founder of Lift Brands, which boasts six companies under its umbrella (Snap Fitness, Kosama, Fitness on Demand, YogaFit, 9Round and STEELE), Peter Taunton has had 32 years of experience interviewing and hiring leaders to help steer his businesses.
Through those 32 years of experience, Taunton has discovered that there’s one key quality all great leaders possess. “They need to have passion, because that’s hard to teach,” he said.
As a result, whether Taunton’s hiring a COO or sales director, he searches for passion — although it helps if they’re organized and driven as well. “Because even if they do have passion, but are not organized, that can stall things from moving forward,” Taunton added.
Seventy five percent of Lift Brand’s directors were hired from within the company. According to Taunton, this is because there are a multitude of benefits to hiring leadership executives from within the company. “It motivates employees, because they know there’s somewhere to go,” he explained.
In addition, the on-boarding process is made a lot easier. “The [leaders] know who they’ll be working with and the company’s culture,” said Taunton. And when it comes to references, there’s no need to get them from outside sources — by hiring from within, a leadership prospect’s references are your own employees.
If you’re hiring leaders from outside your company, Taunton suggested companies find proven evidence prospects know how to lead. For example, look at their track record with other businesses and consult with both references and their current employer.
When Taunton interviews a possible leader to help run his brands, he looks for people who have the ability to mentor and who are sensitive to people’s varied work styles. “If your team is successful, you’re successful,” he said. “You have to be able to mentor. You have to be willing to take the time to invest in people.” This goes for your ability, as a CEO or owner, to mentor the leaders within your company as well.
To attract the best leaders, Taunton himself is sensitive to what becoming a leader of his company requires. “Let’s say there’s a move involved,” he said. “I’m sensitive to the stress involved with moving and trying to manage that process and make it as easy as possible.”
Taunton sees being sensitive to logistics such as moving as making an investment in his employees. “It certainly sends the right message to people who are applying,” he said.
Finally, Taunton added that leaders should be fully bought in to your company’s culture. “We think it’s important they understand the work culture they’re stepping into,” said Taunton.
Firing and re-training employees, especially leaders (who have more responsibility), can cost both time and resources. As a results, it’s important companies due their due diligence to find top-notch leaders to help drive the business to the next level. By finding a passionate, driven and motivational leader, you’re setting up your company for even further success.
By Rachel Zabonick
