This note is in response to Recessionary Assessments.

Your June 16 article, "Recessionary Assessments," took a refreshing look at the critical role cultural fit plays in the hiring process. A vital piece that needs to be added, however, is the importance of assessing the corporate culture as well as the individual who is being expected to fit it. Relying on a process that omits such an assessment is like trying to fit a peg into a hole without knowing the shape of the hole.

Several tools for assessing corporate culture have been developed recently. My firm uses one in conjunction with in-depth interviews to create culturemaps, which are then used to assess a candidate's fit. In our experience, this is the best way to reduce the risk of leadership failure.

Nat Stoddard

Chairman

Crenshaw Associates