Three Ethical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a CEO
A leader’s moral compass is more important than ever.
Bring some ethics to the table.
Photographer: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Having spent the last decade serving on the boards of various large global organizations, I can attest that one of a director’s most important — and most difficult – jobs is the hiring and firing of chief executives. I have also come to a crucial realization: The process needs an ethical upgrade.
Traditionally, in considering potential CEOs, boards have focused on a conventional array of qualities. What’s the candidate’s track record for delivering growth and profits? Appetite for risk? Ability to seek opportunity? Operational history, including any safety issues? Capacity to lead in a crisis, such as a recession or pandemic? Leadership style, including commitment to teamwork, to motivating the workforce, to earning the respect of shareholders, and to engaging with stakeholders such as regulators and the wider community?