What does it take to support a client at a high level of performance?
- High level of customer knowledge
- World class expertise
The ability to support a client on a broad basis including individual contributors, managers, directors, vice presidents all the way to the “C” Suite as well as cross-functionally, takes a great deal of expertise and operational efficiency. It can be accomplished if a client partners with a firm focused on operational excellence, the commitment to becoming an expert at understanding the client organization, and functional expertise.
The best talent partners will take the time to understand the culture, the structure, and the drivers of that client organization. An all-encompassing firm will also become experts in pitching the client to passive talent – every organization needs to be promoted in today’s war for top talent. The client and their needs always come first. Collaboration and organizational communication are our benchmarks for enduring customer relationships and trust.
Functional expertise is also critical. A depth of knowledge inside a function is extremely important when executing on a search quickly. Having good tools and research to identify contacts within that function are important, but equally important is being able to identify “top talent”. Westport Intl is continuously discussing “what good looks like” with our clients and “what top talent” means to them. We have built functional expertise into our firm and will continue to ask our consultants to expand their knowledge and presence across that function providing functional expertise across a wide range of roles.
Additionally, the key to talent partnership is to ensure both the client and the partner firm have a commitment to service, a quality candidate experience, and 24/7 responsiveness. The Westport Intl family of companies have become experts in broad based client management. We have found the formula to work successfully across all levels and functions of a client company. Each of our key talent partnerships has a client project manager who works with each client as a dedicated resource for all their needs including succession planning and strategic talent planning.