Are star employees overrated?

A few years ago, Bain conducted a major piece of research looking for the holy grail of management consultancy: what makes an excellent firm. They found stars – employees who made an outsized contribution to performance – in abundance, typically in highly specialised and creative roles. Star corporate lawyers performed 12 times better than the […]

The failures of flat structures

C-suite headhunting agency

Flatness is a very fashionable quality for a start-up. When founders talk about their nimbleness and adaptability, they often reference their lack of hierarchy as a cardinal virtue, and it’s easy to see why. The traditional model of organisational design – modelled on an army, with a strict reporting pyramid – can seem clunky and […]

The trouble with team reshuffles

There are similarities between leadership in business and in politics. Like Prime Ministers, CEOs have to balance the often-conflicting needs of different stakeholders and present a convincing vision to the world. Like Prime Ministers, CEOs can end up on the front pages when they get it wrong. Popularity doesn’t win the race But there are […]

Year of the Multitasker? The skills businesses are looking for in 2021

This week we enter the Chinese year of the OX. Our recent survey results suggest that, in the world of headhunting, it could be the the year of the multitasker. With some teams shrinking and business needs adjusting to ‘the new normal’, it seems inevitable that companies will be looking to adapt intelligently and recruit […]

What 2021 requires from leaders

In Winter nature takes a break. Conversely in business, Spring has come early for those companies with the determination to press ahead. Many have decided it is time to get going, take action and initiate change, NOW! So what does 2021 require from leaders? Here are 5 thoughts to consider.     Take Action It’s […]

Is it time to reassess CEO pay?

Business leaders have pushed to create a sense of comradery in the last few months, putting on a brave face while the virus continues its march into 2021. But while many at the top are sitting tight, waiting for the worst phases of Covid to pass, calls from unions and the general public to end […]

Is 2021 the year of ethical fashion?

Marks & Spencer has been praised for becoming the ‘first top-tier global UK clothing company’ to announce that it won’t deal with suppliers connected to the forced labour of Uighur people. It’s a move which could mark the first in a wave of pledges from global brands to take responsibility for the pay and conditions […]

5 Tips for CEOs in 2021

So the end of 2020 hasn’t brought with it a miraculous end to Covid-19. What now? Meaningless resolutions won’t get you anywhere. During these uncertain times, CEOs need to think strategically about how they can progress, meet goals and maximise company growth. With the constantly shifting rules likely to keep us all confused in the […]

Is it possible to make sustainable fashion affordable?

Sustainability: it’s the buzzword of the fashion sector, and it’s easy to see why. According to an article by Business Insider, the fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity’s carbon emissions, pollutes the oceans with microplastics and is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. These widely publicised, damning claims have kickstarted a revolution […]

Is Radical Transparency Right For Your Business?

The long-standing walls of corporate secrecy are crumbling. For better or worse, a recent trend for universal clarity is shining light on entire corporations. Transparency in business offers open and free sharing of information to all employees, consumers and shareholders through a direct stream of communication. In theory, this honesty has the potential to build […]

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We demystify challenges by fresh thinking and seeking continual improvement. Browse our content here.