Business World Can Learn from Brexit Says Cornerstone Search Expert

Business leaders can learn important lessons from the political upheaval currently on both sides of the Atlantic, says Simon Wan, Chairman of the Cornerstone International Group.

“Europe is staggering from the result of a leadership decision taken three and a half years ago and the U.S. is paranoid over a decision yet to be made,” he said, commenting on the current political upheaval. “There’s a message here for every Board of Directors that is looking for that special corporate leader. Make sure you get it right."

The recruiting expert made his remarks in the global blog of Cornerstone International Group, a leading executive search organization with offices in 34 countries and headquarters here and in the United States (Atlanta, Georgia). The organization advises corporate leaders and recruits high-value personnel at the executive level.

“Organizations that replace their leadership team too quickly tend to overlook the huge cost if things go wrong,” he explains. “The focus is all on the upside, but 48% of executives leave in the first 18 months at a cost to the company of up to half a million dollars."

“Every leadership decision has a consequence. You need to be really certain you have found the best person available.” Last Thursday’s popular vote to leave the European Union, which has split the UK apart, was the result of a gamble taken in January, 2013 by Prime Minister David Cameron when campaigning for office.

In the U.S., Donald Trump has come close to paralyzing the political system with possibility of a businessman with no political experience and strategies based on half-truths and insults being elected president of the most powerful country in the world.

“These are very difficult times for two great nations, and perhaps others in the days to come,” says Simon. “There’s no crystal ball. But I think we are fortunate that in the business world, sophisticated recruiting tools and a skilled search process create a much more predictable path to leadership evaluation.”