In looking for a general counsel, most CEOs seek out a candidate with intelligence, gravitas, strategic vision, emotional intelligence, management experience and someone who can act as an advisor. These characteristics are followed by having specific industry experience, legal expertise and the right instinct to handle the unique pain points of a client’s particular business. Most of these desired qualities are soft skills and are not evident from a resume. Let’s take a look at each one.
CONSIDER THE HARD SKILLS FIRST
1. What’s on the resume.
Companies hiring a GC are often looking to fill an immediate need, such as a litigator for a pending case, or a regulatory specialist for an ongoing issue.
Unless your organization is facing a unique situation such as those, look for a generalist—someone with a broad range of skills who can help the company move forward in the diverse areas facing modern corporations. This person typically has experience working with a board of directors and should be able to handle corporate matters while also troubleshooting litigation, regulatory, labor and employment, among other issues. It is imperative to consider your organization’s long-term strategic and business plan and not just the bug bite that itches most today.
2. Industry-specific and/or public-company experience.
If your company is public, consider a GC with recent securities experience. If your company is highly regulated, someone coming from another regulated industry may be of value.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
