Here we are trying to hire managers and executives and if we
do more than interview based on a resume it’s not much. So why not ask an aspiring
leader for a proposal. Yes a business proposal supported by a business case. We
do this when we pursue other business relationships (e.g. vendors, technology investments,
consultants, etc.). So what is wrong with applying this principle to the hiring
process for managers?
Think of the advantages.
1.
We get to learn how well the person can communicate
in writing.
2.
We discover if hiring them offers an ROI and if
so what will the payoff be based on.
3.
We learn how much they know about the assignment
and what is can be expected if they assume responsibility for the position.
4.
We may learn that the person has ideas of merit
that we had not even thought of. Or their ideas are of questionable value and
they should not be hired.
5.
We also gain insight into the business value of filling
the position.
6. What better way to identify the best person for the job. Comparing one proposal or business case to the other should be easy.
In fact, diligent reader, I suspect that you may have
conjured up some other good reasons for implementing this practice. If so,
please share.
Why have we not thought about doing this before?
