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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Careful process yielded successful search for Preu

The Spokesman-Review

How do you hire a great leader?

The process used by the Spokane Symphony Board to hire Eckart Preu was nearly flawless. Bill Simer — who was president of the symphony board during the search — recently reflected on the key components of that successful search.

“They created an inclusive search committee. Six musicians sat on the search committee, as did as six community individuals, most of them current or past board members. The musicians understood the professional and technical needs of the symphony, while the board members understood the community’s needs. Every committee member had an equal voice. “We were peers in the process,” Simer said.

“They had adequate search time. The symphony’s music director, Fabio Mechetti, gave them a year’s notice. This gave the board a year to search, plus another year in which the finalists actually worked with the orchestra.

“They defined the required leadership qualities. The search committee’s community members were looking for someone who was comfortable being the “public face” of the symphony as well as someone who could engage non-traditional audiences.

The musicians articulated the technical and professional leadership skills they hoped to find.

“They were looking for someone who would make them stretch and help them grow as an orchestra,” Simer said. “(Someone) who wouldn’t be afraid to try things that were different or untested and someone who was both demanding and respectful.”

“They required tryouts. Five finalists performed with the symphony during the 2003-04 season. They rehearsed for a week with the orchestra and conducted live performances. After each visit, orchestra members were surveyed for their opinions. In addition, the finalists had meet-and-greet dinners with people in the community.

Simer’s advice for hiring leaders in any profession?

“Be ready to fail in the search the first time if you don’t find that right person,” he said. “We were very fortunate. Eckart has exceeded our expectations in every category.”