Leadership interview guide
Interview guide for selecting a leader.
Open worksheetBernold Knowledge Marketplace
Find knowledge. Make better decisions.
Insights and tools for leadership, people and succession.
Self-checks
How do your employees experience your leadership?
Five questions for an honest look at your leadership practices. No registration; answers stay in this browser and are not saved.
Worksheets
From reflection to action
Two concise worksheets to open, complete and save as PDF using the print function. No registration.
Business succession checklist
Checklist for preparing a business succession early.
Open worksheetMy perspective
Clear perspectives. Open discussion.
Three perspectives on people and responsibility. What is your experience in your business?
The best expert is not automatically the best boss.
Expertise deserves recognition. Leadership also requires sharing responsibility, addressing conflict and helping others grow. Businesses that want to retain experts should offer development without requiring people management.
Does your business offer an attractive specialist career path?
Discuss this perspective A strong CV does not lead a team.
Roles and titles provide context. What matters is how someone acts in difficult situations. Concrete examples, sound decisions and collaboration belong in the selection interview.
Are you exploring experience, or mostly hearing a polished self-presentation?
Discuss this perspective Succession starts before the owner wants to leave.
Handover requires clarity: what should stay, who takes responsibility and which knowledge needs to be shared? Starting early creates room to explore options and prepare people.
What would stop working if you were absent for three months?
Discuss this perspective Insights from our work
Finding people. Building teams. Supporting development.
These anonymised examples illustrate the breadth of our recruitment and advisory work across industries, roles and assignments.
The examples draw on Patrick Bernold’s previous professional experience.
Building a complete team
For a building services company operating nationally and internationally in the Bern region, we were able to build a complete team, from team leadership and project managers to technical experts.
Searching for key roles at several levels
For an automotive business headquartered in the Zurich region, we were entrusted with the search for a Supply Chain Manager, a CFO and a Branch Manager.
Connecting leadership and technical expertise
In the industrial sector, we were entrusted with searches for a Head of IT, a CEO and a mechanical engineer in a specialist role.
Bringing project leaders and specialists together
In the energy sector, we were entrusted with searches for several project managers and specialists in energy generation, grids and distribution. We also supported project leaders and helped them assign suitable technical specialists.
Targeted searches for specialist and management roles
In the insurance sector, we were entrusted with searches in risk management, controlling, legal services and human resources management.
Connecting technical expertise and project leadership
In construction, we were entrusted with searches in civil engineering and for project managers in building physics and construction tendering, as well as team leadership in building construction.
Preparing employees for their next step
As a sparring partner, we helped businesses develop capable employees for their next level of responsibility. This complements external recruitment with the development of people within the organisation.
We would be happy to discuss relevant references with you personally.
Would you like to fill a key position, build a team or develop your people? Let us discuss your situation.
Speak with Patrick BernoldYour question
What question is on your mind?
A difficult hiring decision, succession planning or a leadership challenge? Briefly describe your situation.
Business & practice
Lead, establish and develop
Trusted resources for day-to-day business – from administration to international growth.
SECO SME Portal
Checklists, guidance and current information on starting, operating, staffing, financing, digitalisation and succession.
My view: My first stop for reliable Swiss SME fundamentals – factual and direct.
Open SME Portal EasyGov.swiss
Switzerland's central online desk for company interactions with public authorities.
My view: Useful when administration should save time rather than consume entrepreneurial energy.
Open EasyGov Switzerland Global Enterprise
Export expertise, market information, events and guidance for growing internationally.
My view: Strong for SMEs that want to assess international opportunities before taking costly steps.
Open S-GE Innovation & technology
Turn ideas into action and manage risk
Reliable sources for innovation support, digitalisation and cybersecurity.
Innosuisse
Funding opportunities, project support and networks for SMEs, start-ups and innovative organisations.
My view: Innovation need not be financed and developed alone – early exploration is worthwhile.
Open Innosuisse Federal Office for Cybersecurity
Immediate measures, basic protection, warnings and practical help for companies facing cyber incidents.
My view: Cybersecurity is a leadership responsibility. This source makes the first steps clear for non-technicians.
Open FOCS Digitalisation on the SME Portal
Practical articles on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and new ways of working.
My view: Technology creates value when it supports people and improves decisions.
Explore digital topics Leadership & people
Develop people and lead effectively
Expert knowledge, research and education for leadership, HR and personal development.
ZHAW IAP
Knowledge, podcasts and programmes on leadership, collaboration, coaching and organisational development.
My view: Evidence-based and practical – especially valuable where leadership and change meet.
Open ZHAW IAP HR Swiss
Swiss professional HR association offering events, professional development and regional networks.
My view: A useful starting point for HR professionals seeking professional development and exchange with fellow practitioners.
Open HR Swiss University of St.Gallen
Executive education and insights for entrepreneurs, board members and leaders.
My view: For people who carry responsibility and deliberately want to broaden their perspective.
Open Executive School Personally selected
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