Case Studies

HR Head

Overview

Challenge

The primary challenge lay in identifying a candidate who thrived in ambiguous startup settings, where roles and responsibilities evolve rapidly. The firm needed someone with a strong background in HR, combined with the resilience, leadership, and strategic foresight to guide the organization through its formative stages.

Result

The recruitment effort led to the discovery of a promising pool of candidates from IIM Lucknow, comprising officers who had taken rehabilitation courses after retiring from short service commissions in the Indian Army. This unique candidate profile offered the blend of leadership, strategic HR management, and adaptability to change that Lakshya was seeking. The military background of these candidates, combined with their advanced management training, positioned them as ideal fits for the HR Head role in a startup environment.

Unique Approach

The recruitment strategy was specifically targeted at retired short service commissioned officers of the Indian Army who had transitioned into management roles through rehabilitation courses at premier institutes like IIM Lucknow. This focused approach leveraged the unique skill sets developed in the military—leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience—enhanced by formal management education. By tapping into this specific candidate pool, we were able to identify individuals who were not only equipped with HR expertise but also possessed the leadership qualities and adaptability necessary to thrive in a startup environment. This targeted recruitment strategy underscored the value of looking beyond traditional candidate profiles and considering diverse backgrounds to meet the specific needs of emerging firms in dynamic sectors like higher education management.

2011 - 2012

Financial Year

An emerging firm in the education management sector

Client

HR Head

Financial Year

2011 - 2012

Sector

Higher Education

Client

An emerging firm in the education management sector

Location

Patiala, India

Function

HR / Administration

Industry

Academia, Education & Intergovernmental

Introduction

They are a positioned as an innovative player within the higher education management sector, aiming to redefine educational administration and support services. As a startup, the firm required an HR Head who could drive HR strategies, foster a positive organizational culture, and build a solid foundation for the firm’s growth and development.

Case

This case study focuses on the recruitment of an HR Head for an up-and-coming firm in the education management domain. The challenge was to find a candidate capable of navigating the uncertainties and dynamic nature of a startup environment within the higher education sector. The role demanded not just HR expertise but also adaptability, leadership, and the ability to shape the organizational culture in a fledgling firm.

Challenge

The primary challenge lay in identifying a candidate who thrived in ambiguous startup settings, where roles and responsibilities evolve rapidly. The firm needed someone with a strong background in HR, combined with the resilience, leadership, and strategic foresight to guide the organization through its formative stages.

Unique Approach

The recruitment strategy was specifically targeted at retired short service commissioned officers of the Indian Army who had transitioned into management roles through rehabilitation courses at premier institutes like IIM Lucknow. This focused approach leveraged the unique skill sets developed in the military—leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience—enhanced by formal management education. By tapping into this specific candidate pool, we were able to identify individuals who were not only equipped with HR expertise but also possessed the leadership qualities and adaptability necessary to thrive in a startup environment. This targeted recruitment strategy underscored the value of looking beyond traditional candidate profiles and considering diverse backgrounds to meet the specific needs of emerging firms in dynamic sectors like higher education management.

Execution of Strategy

Result

The recruitment effort led to the discovery of a promising pool of candidates from IIM Lucknow, comprising officers who had taken rehabilitation courses after retiring from short service commissions in the Indian Army. This unique candidate profile offered the blend of leadership, strategic HR management, and adaptability to change that Lakshya was seeking. The military background of these candidates, combined with their advanced management training, positioned them as ideal fits for the HR Head role in a startup environment.
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