|
By now, you’re probably all too familiar with
the headlines: “U. S. economy experiences downturn.
” “Europe continues to perform
strongly as a key contributor to the global bottom line.
”
Beneath these two headlines lies another equally important
trend. Despite thousands of job layoffs, demand for
qualified, senior-level executives remains strong. In
fact, over the next 10 years supply of senior-level
talent, in sheer numbers of qualified personnel, will
decrease by 10-15%. So even though supply may go up
temporarily over the short term as a result of layoffs,
companies will continue to be challenged to attract
and retain leading performers. This situation applies
to the world’s economy, not just the United States
or Europe.
Heidrick & Struggles International (Nasdaq: HSII) is positioned to help companies address this situation.
Conducting nearly 1, 000 CEO and board-level executive
searches last year, Heidrick & Struggles International
works with the world’s largest corporations and
institutions across a broad range of industries, including
companies active in technology, financial services,
healthcare, industrial and consumer sectors. The company
also offers an Internet-enhanced service called LeadersOnline,
which helps identify mid-level managers and emerging
leaders.
While a tighter economy has changed the global marketplace,
the climate for human capital and leadership continues
to show strong activity. 2000 was a year of unprecedented
turnover at the CEO level. More CEOs changed jobs than
ever before and job tenures dropped to an average of
3-6 years, according to several industry sources. This
trend will continue and perhaps intensify over the next
few years as companies expand globally. So far in 2001
turnover is up slightly compared to last year, even
though for this year the level has flattened somewhat.
The Internet and other types of enabling technology
will also continue to play large role in how people
find jobs and how companies fill positions.
The key to any success, whether it’s financial,
artistic, cultural, etc. , is people. Or to paraphrase
the now famous GE Chairman, Jack Welch, “if we
don’t get the people thing right, we lose. It’s
that simple.”
|
