Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

The Secret to a Great Board: Vetting Your Candidates

While top corporate and institutional officials are experts at assessing issues and making fact-based decisions, considerations surrounding appointments of fellow senior leaders can present unique risks to the reputations of the decision-makers and their institutions.

Candidates for these types of positions typically have navigated complex issues of their own and succeeded in gaining the respect of many in their field. Finalist candidates will have survived an extensive information-gathering process resulting in dossiers of press, routine public information and more informal (and indispensable) network inquiries. But an independent professional vetting process can further reduce the risks of making a bad decision or being unprepared to deal with surprising public relations aspects as the candidate is subjected to a higher level of scrutiny in their new position.

The False or Exaggerated History
The University of Notre Dame fell victim to embarrassment when they failed to properly vet the resumé of their new football head coach, George O’Leary, who resigned after admitting to fabricating some of his academic and athletic accomplishments. O’Leary’s embellishments, published in media guides and press releases throughout his career, went undetected as he was recruited and appointed to position after position. Only after The Union Leader looked into his background once he was named to one of the most coveted positions in college football did the truth come out.

“Even if issues identified in the vet are determined to be non-fatal to the candidacy, the institution can be prepared in advance to deal with any issues if or when they arise.

The Common Perception
A potential candidate for a board position of a major U.S. organization had years earlier been forced out of a top executive position at a prominent company in a different industry, amid widespread publicity about a variety of problems. While the end of his tenure included salacious allegations, a common perception heard from network connections was that the significance of many of those allegations had been largely discounted and his departure was attributed to issues related to his management style and strategy. However, deeper research uncovered more serious issues with personal conduct and credibility, and the organization decided to go in a different direction for the board position.

The False Positive
A world-renowned university was considering an internal promotion, a vet was conducted as per policy. The vet uncovered drug and domestic assault charges that appeared to have been filed against the candidate—raising a red flag for the university. The charges were in a state where the candidate previously lived and matched the candidate’s full name, date of birth and social security number. However, after interviewing the ex-girlfriend and neighbors of the recently deceased actual perpetrator of the crimes, it became clear that the candidate’s identity was stolen, nullifying the concern.

These examples demonstrate the need for in-depth vetting performed by discreet professional experts. Such vetting distills the complexities of comprehensive public records research, the relevant privacy, employment and other legal issues involved, and reporting in a clear, concise, factual way. Even if issues identified in the vet are determined to be non-fatal to the candidacy, the institution can be prepared in advance to deal with any issues if or when they arise.


MORE LIKE THIS

  • Get the CEO Briefing

    Sign up today to get weekly access to the latest issues affecting CEOs in every industry
  • upcoming events

    Roundtable

    Strategic Planning Workshop

    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:

    1. Lack of systematic approach (70%)
    2. Laundry lists without prioritization (68%)
    3. Decisions based on personalities rather than facts and information (65%)

     

    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.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

    New York, NY: ​​​Chief Executive's Corporate Citizenship Awards 2017

    Women in Leadership Seminar and Peer Discussion

    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.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $495 will be added to your total.

    Golf Outing

    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.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $295 will be added to your total.