How to lure the best leadership team? Envision it.

Want a quick and easy way to build a high-performing team? Envision it.

All too often, I see organizations recruiting for key leadership positions without doing anything to excite top candidates. It's more than just a missed opportunity. This routine approach can lead to poor hiring and leadership turnover that can permanently damage an organization.

Here's one example of the minimalist "we-all-know-what-this-job-is" approach from a recent job posting for an Executive Director:

Summary

The individual in this position is responsible for revenue growth, public relations, media relations, board and committee member recruitment and staffing the Board of Directors for the Chapter. Essential skills in relationship building and asking and gaining support will be key to success.

Additional Qualifications:

Cultural Competency: Ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures. Demonstrates awareness of own cultural views and attitudes as well as of difference cultures.

Partnerships: Is able to facilitate partnerships, communicate both internally and externally and conduct service delivery cross-culturally.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to...

That's all there was. No more. Yawn. Ho-hum. Whatever!

Here's an excerpt from another organization that took the "we're-going-to-roster-all-the-yucky-stuff" tack:

• Strategic Planning: Ensure that ORG continues to achieve the goals, initiatives, and program outcomes outlined in our strategic plan by designing and monitoring effective program measures.
• Fund Development: Direct the involvement of Board members in donor identification, cultivation, stewardship and all aspects of the solicitation process.
• Human Resources: Ensure that the personnel policies of ORG are adhered to in all hiring and employment practices and are in compliance with employment laws. Propose changes in policy to Board of Directors to keep pace with organizational changes
• Program Oversight: Maintain hands-on familiarity and involvement with ORG’s programs and objectives and keep current regarding changes/developments in the fields of ORG’s work.
• Financial Management: Supervise finance staff and coordinate management of financial and administrative procedures to maintain fiscally sound programs and ensure accurate reporting of financial activity

Additional Qualifications: Minimum 7 years’ management experience, with strong understanding of the nonprofit sector (fundraising, nonprofit fiscal management, and budget preparation)

 There were 32 additional bullets just like those listed above. I kid you not. Sound like a fun job to you?

Here's the scoop. Position announcements are an opportunity to lure top talent. We all know that there's a job description out there somewhere, but that's not how you get the right match. You get the best candidates by describing a job that they want to have. Here's an excerpt from a recent posting that I crafted for a client:

The ideal candidate will be a passionate advocate with a reputation for innovating, leading through challenging situations and fueling change. The candidate will be “at home” in a start-up grassroots environment, yet comfortable navigating within a larger national structure and hierarchy as well. Key personal attributes include: tenaciousness, diplomacy, results-orientation, the ability to move self confidently through uncharted waters, and a total commitment to the non-profit mission of ORG. S/he will have a thorough knowledge of all of the key elements of growing and leading a successful organization with a focus on bottom-line financial management...

 The successful candidate will have superb interpersonal and communication skills, and will serve as chief spokesperson of the organization. The candidate will be an inspiring public leader, while also possessing the ability to coach and lead a staff in an environment that fosters creativity, teamwork, a commitment to excellence, and mutual respect. The successful candidate must have a reputation for honesty, fairness, and high ethical standards in all aspects of professional work...

The successful candidate will be a person of high energy, integrity, humor, creativity, enthusiasm, and optimism. The candidate will have a thorough understanding of the need for ORG programs, and the vision and intellect to address that need effectively...

These are just a few paragraphs from the entire two-page position announcement that read like this, and let me tell you, my client got some outstanding candidates, had an amazing group of finalists, and made a superb hire who is thriving in the position.

If you're a Board member, recruiting your organization's top leader is one of your most important roles. And, if you're an ED/CEO, here's a way to hire and surround yourself with your "dream team." Regardless of your role, you owe it to your organization, your supporters, and your community to make sure you're doing everything you can to attract top candidates, not drive them away.