When serving on a Board or Search Committee seeking a new President/CEO, Head Coach, or Head of School you are looking for character, experience, knowledge, passion, vision, and a track record of success. “Likeability” is rightfully in the bottom quartile in the hierarchy of needs.

However, in the searches that I have participated in, more times than not, likeability becomes the linchpin selection. Never once have I heard the head of the search team put this in perspective. Every time I hear a member exclaim, “I really liked him/her”, I get reflux.