My experiences about Cranfield MBA ..... and beyond

Sunday, February 03, 2008

In search of clones

How many times have you seen that a hiring manager recruiting for a vacancy, finds flaws in almost every candidate profile! Sometimes you might have been a mere observer to the selection process. Perhaps you might have been the candidate and had wondered why on earth were you not selected when the job description was about you 100%. Better still, you might have been that manager who just never could find the best talent to fill that role.

Many years ago, I had read somewhere that the only person who can accurately read your handwriting is you! (hopefully this was applicable to doctors too). Today, I propose an extension to this view. I say that as manager's, almost all of us believe in something on the following lines:
-I am one of the best example of how a manager should be.
-The skill sets I possess should be present in most others.
-My way of problem solving is perhaps, most appropriate and effective.
-The words I speak or use should resonate in that of others.
And that, in plain speak, is the Art of Cloning.

Some years ago, I was supporting a senior manager to fill up a vacancy. The process went on and on for 6-7 months with no success. In one of those frustrating moments, I asked him, "Why are you looking for another you?" The answer, "Hmmmm!"

This seems like a universal phenomenon, regardless of the country, industry, function or culture. In fact, I see this even more in the consulting world. A management consultant wants to recruit a management consultant. Of course, the desired profile will need more tick in the boxes than just this one. Don't get me wrong guys! I had confessed in one of my previous posts that consulting skills definitely are different from those acquired in industry. But the bigger question is, "How did these management consultants made a start in the consulting world?" Surely, no one is born with the skills they are using today. Someone gave them a chance. And that someone must have chosen the option not to recruit a Clone!

Have you been searching for your clones too?