Search Consultant Qualities

Percentage of search consultants ranking characteristic as one of the most important for an executive search consultant to have, 2006

Communication skills                                        69%
Interpersonal skills                                           60
Integrity                                                             58
Sales skills                                                           51
Persistence                                                         47
Drive                                                                   44
Problem-solving skills                                      41
Thoroughness/detail orientation                    31
Analytical skills                                                  29
Creativity                                                           28
Entrepreneurial skills                                       27
Team/people management                             27
Organizational skills                                          25
Diplomacy                                                           21
Global view                                                         17
Conceptual skills                                                15
Financial skills                                                     1
Technological aptitude                                       1

Note: Survey of 139 executive search consultants under age 40 worldwide.