As a business proprietor or executive, the selection of your right-hand person is one of the most critical choices you can make. This individual, often known as the deputy, will play a crucial role in supporting you in managing the business and will likely be a key player in helping you reach your objectives and expand your enterprise.

There are several essential traits and attributes to consider when recruiting your deputy to ensure that they are the perfect addition to your team.

Conformity With Corporate Ethics and Atmosphere

It’s crucial to find a deputy who shares your principles and fits well with your company’s culture. This will help guarantee that they can effectively contribute to and support the business’s direction and mission.

To ascertain if a prospective candidate is a suitable match, consider probing them about their personal principles and how they align with those of your company. You can also request instances of how they have exhibited these values in their past professional experiences.

Effective Interpersonal and Teamwork Abilities

Your deputy will be working intimately with you and other team members, so it’s vital that they possess strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities. This includes being able to listen effectively, articulate their ideas and thoughts, and collaborate well with others to achieve shared objectives.

To evaluate a candidate’s interpersonal and teamwork abilities, consider asking them to recount a time when they had to collaborate with a team to resolve an issue or finish a project. You can also request examples of how they have effectively interacted with others in the past.

Leadership Expertise and Potential

While your deputy will be aiding and supporting you as the company’s leader, it’s also important to look for someone who has the potential to assume a larger leadership role in the future. This could include experience leading teams or projects, as well as the ability to think strategically and make wise decisions.

To assess a candidate’s leadership expertise and potential, inquire about any past roles they have held and how they handled those responsibilities. You can also ask them to describe a challenging decision they had to make and how they went about making it.

Applicable Industry Expertise

While industry expertise is not always required, it can be advantageous to find a deputy who has a solid understanding of your industry and the specific challenges and opportunities it offers. This can help them provide valuable insights and support as you navigate the industry together.

To determine if a candidate has relevant industry expertise, ask about any previous work they have done in your industry and how it has prepared them for the role. You can also ask them to describe any industry-specific challenges they have faced and how they addressed them.

Robust Problem-Solving Abilities

You will likely encounter a variety of challenges and problems that need to be resolved in order to advance the business. It’s important to find a candidate who has robust problem-solving abilities and can think critically and creatively to find solutions.

To evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving abilities, present them with a common challenge and ask them for the exact steps they would take to resolve it. Would they delegate some of these tasks? If so, to whom?

In addition to these essential qualities, the following factors can also be beneficial when recruiting your deputy:

• Flexibility and adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances and pivot when necessary is a crucial quality in a deputy.
• Initiative and proactiveness: Seek a candidate who is proactive and capable of taking the initiative, rather than merely waiting for instructions.
• Attention to detail: The deputy will often be responsible for managing tasks and projects, so attention to detail is crucial to ensure that everything is completed accurately and efficiently.
• Passion and dedication: A strong passion for the company’s mission and values can be a significant asset for a deputy, as it will help motivate and inspire them to work hard and contribute to the success of the business.

It can also be beneficial to consider the experiences of others when recruiting your deputy. Here are a few examples of the types of experiences that can be valuable.

• Experience in a similar role: If you have had a deputy in the past, finding someone with experience in a similar role can be beneficial. They will likely have a good understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the position, and may be able to hit the ground running.

• Experience in a different role: Conversely, hiring someone with a different background can bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the role. This can be particularly valuable if you are looking to shake things up and bring new energy to the company.

• Experience in a similar industry: As mentioned earlier, industry experience can be helpful for a deputy, particularly if they have a strong understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities your industry presents.

• Experience in a different industry: Similar to hiring someone with a different background, hiring someone from a different industry can bring new insights and ideas to the role. This can be particularly valuable if you are looking to expand into new markets or diversify your business.

According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, the most important qualities that businesses look for when hiring a deputy are leadership skills (65%), communication skills (62%), and problem-solving skills (57%). Other important qualities include the ability to work well with others (51%), adaptability (46%), and attention to detail (44%).

It’s worth noting that these qualities may vary depending on the specific needs and goals of your business. For example, if you are looking to expand into a new market, you may prioritize industry experience and adaptability as your deputy. Alternatively, if you are looking to streamline your operations, you may prioritize problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

In conclusion, when recruiting your deputy, it’s important to look for someone who is aligned with your company values and culture, possesses strong communication and collaboration skills, demonstrates leadership experience and potential, has relevant industry experience (if applicable), and has robust problem-solving skills. With the right deputy by your side, you will be well-equipped to achieve your objectives and expand your business.