What will executive search look like in future?

In-house recruiting is increasingly perceived to be the biggest threat to the executive search industry, aided and abetted by the unstoppable rise in social media and networking platforms. At best, this trend is set to erode margins, at worst it could put some firms out of business altogether. So what does the future hold for executive search?

Aligning talent with strategy

HR has often been accused of lacking strategic input at board level and has sought assistance from leadership advisory partners to counteract that view. Ironically, many Group HR Directors are now bringing the search for talent in house, to the detriment of their confidantes. The executive search industry needs to adapt to these market forces, not fight them. Business is business and, when long standing relationships grind to a halt, we must not take it personally. We have to earn our place at the table and reinvent ourselves to remain compelling.

There is little doubt that the executive search industry has to up its game. The type of firm that is purely reactive in fulfilling client briefs will struggle. The strongest breed of firm will develop a more proactive and holistic leadership advisory service that is anchored to corporate strategy. Talent management cannot be effective when practised in a vacuum, without market context. Clients are now demanding alignment, talent management that mirrors corporate strategy.