Choosing a new CEO is important for any healthcare organization. To do it well, the board needs to create a strong search committee.
What Does a CEO Search Committee Do?
This small team is a subset of board members who will help guide the search for a new CEO by working with an outside healthcare search firm to set timelines, find candidates, prescreen, and arrange interviews. The search committee and the board must be aligned on the key traits and qualifications needed for the CEO role. Having early and frequent conversations about these criteria can help clarify expectations and create a smoother search process.
5 Tips for Assembling a Strong CEO Search Team
- Make Sure Members Can Commit: Committee members need to have enough time to take part; the search can take four to six months. They will meet regularly and need to be available for interviews. It’s important that they have time to commit.
- Seek Out Collaborators: It’s important for everyone to work well together. Each member should listen and share their thoughts to make better decisions. This teamwork leads to finding the best candidate for the CEO position.
- Focus on Diversity: A committee made up of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences is better at evaluating candidates. It also shows that your organization values inclusivity, which can attract a wider range of applicants.
- Choose Good Representatives: Members should be friendly and willing to talk about the organization positively. Candidates will be watching how the committee interacts with them. It’s important to have members who are engaging.
- Keep It Small: A good committee has about three to seven members. This size allows for easier scheduling and quicker decisions. It’s also recommended to have an odd number of members, which helps avoid deadlocks when voting is required.
Finding a new CEO takes time and effort. Once you have an effective committee in place as well as a strong healthcare search team, you are on track to choosing a high-performing CEO. Doing it right is important for the future of the healthcare organization.
At Tal Healthcare, we specialize in executive recruitment for premier healthcare organizations. Let us help you build your team. Connect with one of our account managers today to learn more about our tailored recruitment solutions.