The Weak Link in Predicting Private Equity Investment Success

Talent decision analytics pay off across every business metric!

No industry is more disciplined in analyzing data relevant to investments than are Private Equity firms. Their financial, operational and market analyses are comprehensive and rigorous to ensure the best investment decisions for their investors and portfolio companies.

On the other hand, evaluation of leadership, organization and culture is subjective at best. While many case studies demonstrate that the health of an organization’s culture and quality of leadership are top predictors of success, measuring those critical factors has been more an art than a science. In fact, recent McKinsey research found that investors have attributed 65% of portfolio company failures to people and organizational issues. 1 Having a sound succession plan and the right team in place for ongoing success has been a top priority for global organizations for many years. This advice is equally vital for PE firms. Yet, measuring leadership fit and cultural health has been the weak link in predicting success for Private Equity investments!

Strengthen the Weak Link with Talent Decision Analytics

The old saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link is all too true when it comes to measuring talent! In fact, having an objective and rigorous methodology for evaluating leadership potential and fit with position, culture, and team for existing and targeted portfolio investments dramatically upgrades due diligence, growth strategy and integration processes. Beyond financial, market and operational measures, PE firms understand that the right leadership for the right set of circumstances is essential for short and long term success. To predictively measure leaders’ behavioral fit with culture, market demands, team dynamics and operational goals, PE firms increasingly have adopted talent analytics.

Achieve 95% Predictability

Now there is an in depth behavioral assessment and talent decision analytics system that meets the need for a scientific approach to human capital management – Harrison Assessments. Based on position-specific research, Harrison Assessments measures over 175 traits and competencies with researched position success templates for senior leadership including “C” level positions. Similar to the objectivity of financial and operational analyses, Harrison Assessments talent system facilitates improved analysis of strengths and potential fit with up to 95% predictability. Harrison Assessments strengthens talent analysis to a whole new level of rigor. Mark Slaughter, former CEO and President, RigNet, Inc., stated “Whether publicly or privately held, organizations that recognize the high impact succession and talent decisions have on financial and operational outcomes, are more likely to succeed long term. Having predictive behavioral analytics to inform talent decisions reduces risk.” He added, “I have experienced firsthand how Dawson Consulting and Harrison Assessments offer an exceptional value in terms of consulting process and assessment report usefulness for succession planning and development.”

Measure Leadership Competencies with Validity

While generally very subjective, measurement of competencies for leadership, emotional intelligence, and collaboration can now be validated with Harrison Assessments based on in-depth research, benchmarking and mapping to Harrison’s comprehensive workplace preferences and traits. While many organizations are dependent on background checks of past experience and interviews to assess leadership talent for hiring and development that are often only 50 – 60% predictive, best-in-class PE firms and talent-focused organizations utilize Harrison Assessments to dramatically improve predictability of success.

Talent Decision Analytics Pay-Off

The C-Suite Outlook 2022: Reset and Reimagine global survey identified talent attraction, retention, and nexgen leader development as top organizational priorities. PE firms no longer can settle for antiquated measurements of leadership, the very heart of organizational success! Whether measured in terms of growth, ROI, innovation, competitiveness, client focus, technology or marketing/ communication, success depends on talent; relationships and performance depend on effective leadership.

The results of sound talent decision analytics for portfolio companies include:

• improved integrated talent management,
• increased alignment with business goals,
• increased performance,
• better hires,
• enhanced engagement and retention, and
• increased ROI.

Stephen Sandherr, CEO, Associated General Contractors of America shared, “Any organization would be foolish not to consider this process!” Talent decision analytics not only strengthen the weak link in leadership and cultural analysis, but increase the pay off across every business metric!

1 Scaling up: How founder CEOs and teams can go beyond aspiration to ascent | McKinsey & Company, November 9, 2022