Uncorking the Similarities between Wine Tasting & Executive Search
At first glance, wine tasting and Executive Search may seem worlds apart. One involves the appreciation of complex flavors and aromas, while the other is about finding the right person for a job. However, beneath the surface, these two activities share a surprising number of similarities. Both require a keen sense of observation, a structured approach, and an ability to discern subtle qualities that make each candidate or wine unique.
Let’s explore the commonalities between wine tasting and Executive Search.
The Importance of a Structured Approach
Wine Tasting: Professional wine tasting follows a structured process that includes appearance, aroma, taste, and aftertaste. Tasters start by examining the color and clarity of the wine, then move on to its bouquet, before finally taking a sip to analyze its flavor profile and finish. Each step is crucial to forming a complete picture of the wine’s quality and character.
Executive Search: As an Executive Search Consultant, I spend many of my days making intuitive judgements about the fit of prospective candidates with job opportunities. Executive Search involves a structured process that starts with sourcing, reviewing resumes, followed by phone screens, and in-person interviews, assessments, and then offers. Just like with wine, many of the most talented individuals I’ve met are multi-faceted. They bring diverse experiences, successes, and failures; it takes a discerning eye to pick them out.
Attention to Detail
Wine Tasting: In wine tasting, attention to detail is paramount. Tasters note the wine’s color, viscosity, and the nuances in its aroma and flavor. Even subtle differences can significantly impact the overall evaluation of the wine.
Executive Search: We pay close attention to detail. From the way a resume is formatted to the specifics of a candidate’s experience and how they answer interview questions, every detail provides insight into the candidate’s suitability for the role. Overlooking small details can lead to missing out on the perfect candidate or making a poor hiring decision.
Evaluating Quality & Balance
Wine Tasting: Evaluating the quality of wine involves understanding its balance, complexity, and structure. Tasters look for harmony between the various elements, such as acidity, sweetness, tannins, and alcohol. An optimal wine contains several flavors – fruits, vegetables, oak notes, and earthiness.
Executive Search: In recruiting, I evaluate the quality of a candidate by assessing their ‘balance’ of curiosity, humility, focus, experience, and resilience. I look for cultural character, and how candidate’s may align with our client’s needs and values. Just as a well-balanced wine is prized, a candidate with the right mix of skills, experience, and cultural fit is highly sought after.
Typicity
Wine Tasting: Experienced wine tasters develop a refined palate over time, allowing them to detect subtle flavors and aromas that less experienced tasters might miss. Their intuition, honed through years of tasting, plays a significant role in their evaluations.
Executive Search: I’ve developed a strong intuition and network to be able to spot great candidates. I can often sense when a candidate is a good fit based on subtle cues and their extensive experience in their field. This intuition, combined with a structured approach, helps me provide the best talent for my clients.
Selection & Offer
Wine Tasting: After going through a structured process and considering all the details, the final decision in wine tasting is whether to recommend or purchase the wine. This decision is based on the taster’s overall impression and evaluation of the wine’s quality and value.
Executive Search: A final decision for extending an offer is based on the overall assessment of the candidate’s fit for the role and the organization.
While wine tasting and Executive Search may seem unrelated at first, they share many similarities. Both require a structured approach, attention to detail, the ability to evaluate quality, and the role of experience and intuition. Whether you’re uncorking a bottle of fine wine or searching for the perfect candidate, the skills and methods used in these processes are surprisingly alike.