5 Executive Hiring Mistakes to Avoid
- Lauren Watkins
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
Hiring executives, such as CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs, is a critical decision that will shape an organisation’s success. However, even the most well-intentioned hiring processes can fall into common traps. Here are the key mistakes to watch out for—and how to avoid them.
1. Delaying the Process
The Mistake: Prolonged decision-making, lack of communication and delayed offers often result in losing top candidates to competitors.
How to Avoid It: Streamline the hiring process with clear timelines. Prioritise candidate communication and ensure stakeholders are available to keep interviews moving forward.
2. Overemphasis on Technical Skills
The Mistake: Focusing solely on technical expertise while neglecting leadership and cultural alignment.
How to Avoid It: Evaluate candidates holistically. Assess their ability to lead teams, communicate with stakeholders, and align with your organisational values.
3. Lack of Succession Planning
The Mistake: Hiring reactively rather than proactively, often under time pressure.
How to Avoid It: Develop a robust succession plan that identifies future leadership needs. Build relationships with potential candidates before a vacancy arises.
4. Ignoring DE&I Priorities
The Mistake: Overlooking diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hiring process, which can limit innovation and team dynamics.
How to Avoid It: Ensure job descriptions are inclusive, and actively seek diverse talent pools. Use structured interviews to minimise bias.
5. Underestimating the Role’s Complexity
The Mistake: Assuming one individual can address all challenges without proper support or resources.
How to Avoid It: Clearly define the role, its responsibilities, and the resources available to set your hire up for success.
Ready to hire your next technology leader? Let’s start the conversation!
Lauren Watkins
Issue #17
If you would like to discuss attracting top performing Cyber & Technology Executives, Professionals or Teams, please do reach out to us at LHW Partners or book a call here: https://www.lhwpartners.com/book-online
Comments