ABSTRACT
The Kellogg Foundation had a saying, “Relationships are primary and everything else is derivative.” Building relationships is a strength that women bring to the table and it can be an important trait in making them not only successful leaders, but great leaders. Search firms are often used for leadership positions. There are pros and cons to this. Since it is their business, they have developed a network and a standard approach. They can find and interest a candidate in the job who you might not have identified or convinced to apply. While formal evaluations can be yearly, you should never save either praise or significant concerns for that one time of year. There is one critical caveat to real-time praise and concern. Praise can always be given publicly, and it will be appreciated. Criticism should almost never be done in front of a group.
