Why the second shortlist is often the right one

Most boards treat a second shortlist as a sign that something went wrong. In our experience it is often the moment a search starts to work.

A first shortlist is built from the brief. It reflects what the nominations committee could put into words before it met anyone. Meeting real candidates changes that. A committee that asked for sector experience discovers it values judgement more. A board that asked for a builder realises it needs a steward.

Listening to the reaction

We pay close attention to how a committee reacts to the first candidates, not only to whom it prefers. The objections are usually more useful than the praise.

When the brief moves, we say so openly and rebuild the longlist rather than stretching the old one. It costs a few weeks. It rarely costs the appointment.