A Perfect Resume, a Misaligned Fit
A thriving company in the food distribution sector, known for its people-centric culture and collaborative values, was looking to hire a new General Manager to drive growth and steer the organization through an ambitious expansion phase. The candidate they selected seemed like the perfect fit — an impressive CV, a proven track record of success, and glowing recommendations from previous employers. On paper, he was everything the company thought they needed.
Initially, the new GM started strong. He brought structure to processes and showed determination to hit targets. However, as the business cycle shifted and the low season set in, the company faced mounting pressures. That’s when the cracks started to show.
When Pressure Reveals Character
In difficult times, leadership is tested not by strategy alone, but by emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to inspire teams. Unfortunately, the new GM's leadership style began to clash with the company's values:
- Task Over People: In a culture that thrived on teamwork and connection, the GM's rigid, task-oriented approach created distance between management and employees. Instead of building a cohesive team, he isolated himself and focused solely on metrics.
- Emotional Volatility: Under pressure, his lack of emotional regulation became apparent. He struggled with anger management, often losing his temper in meetings. Instead of calming the storm, he became the storm.
- Lack of Empathy & Listening Skills: Employees felt unheard and undervalued. The GM rarely listened to concerns and dismissed feedback, which led to disengagement and a sharp decline in morale.
- Questionable Integrity: As results lagged, inconsistencies started appearing in reports, and trust began to erode. The GM's focus on self-preservation rather than collective success further widened the gap between him and the team.
- Inability to Inspire: A leader's role is not just to give direction but to inspire and influence. Without vision, compassion, or the ability to rally people, the GM struggled to motivate the workforce, leading to higher turnover and dwindling team spirit.
The Fallout: A Company in Decline
Despite the GM’s initial promise, the company soon found itself in a worse position than before. Team members left, performance plummeted, and the organization had to make the difficult decision to part ways with the GM. What was meant to be a leadership success story became a cautionary tale — and the cost wasn’t just financial. The cultural damage and lost momentum took months to repair.
The Lesson: Leadership Is More Than a CV
This experience highlights a critical truth: not all leadership traits are visible in a CV or an interview. Skills and experience are essential, but personality, values, and behavioural tendencies determine whether a leader will thrive or derail an organization.
This is where Talentwist comes in.
At Talentwist, we help organizations avoid costly hiring mistakes by using science-backed psychometric assessments that measure:
- Personality and leadership style
- Emotional intelligence and resilience under pressure
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- Team dynamics and influencing skills
- Integrity and decision-making patterns
Our tools, built on decades of behavioral science and powered by advanced technology, provide a 360-degree view of candidates — beyond what they claim on a resume or demonstrate in an interview.
With Talentwist, you don’t just fill leadership positions; you secure leaders who will empower your teams, uphold your culture, and drive sustainable growth.
Ready to Recruit Leaders Who Truly Fit?
Don’t let a mismatch derail your company's future. Let Talentwist help you recruit leaders who are not only capable but also aligned with your organization's heart and soul.
Reach out to us today and discover how our assessment solutions can transform the way you hire, lead, and grow.