Hiring a Strong New VP? Let Them Pick Their Right Hand Person

A common mistake founders make, especially when finances are tight, is overlooking the critical need for a new VP to bring in their own trusted right-hand person. Even the most capable VPs require immediate support to excel in their roles.

Successful VPs often have a specific individual in mind—a Director, another VP, or a top individual contributor—whom they trust implicitly. This person is vital for their quick integration and effectiveness within the new organization.

Always ask potential VPs if they have someone they'd bring with them. If a candidate doesn't have one or two great people they'd recruit, they might not be the right fit for the VP role. This indicates a lack of strategic foresight or a strong professional network.

Founders sometimes misunderstand the value of these "right-hand" hires. These individuals might have different backgrounds but bring non-obvious skills or address specific organizational gaps. Granting VPs one "free pass" to hire their chosen right-hand person, even if you wouldn't personally select them, is crucial for their success. This empowerment ultimately strengthens the entire team.