Case Studies

How CollabGenius’s Role-Based Assessment Averted Disaster, Transformed Sales and Led to a Successful Acquisition

Transforming Leadership with Role-Based Assessments

A mid-stage SaaS startup overcame stalled growth and leadership gridlock by using CollabGenius’s Role-Based Assessment. The evaluation identified shortcomings in the VP of Sales, leading to a swift leadership change. A new VP was hired based on assessment insights, driving immediate sales growth, improved team morale, and eventual acquisition success.

This case demonstrates the value of role-based assessments in resolving leadership disputes and guiding impactful hiring decisions.

Company A

Client: Mid-Stage Startup – SaaS Industry 

Challenge:

Leadership Gridlock Over Sales Performance and Next Steps 

Background

A mid-stage startup led by two founders and a VP of Sales faced stalled growth and sluggish sales  performance. Despite attempts to adjust strategies, sales remained below expectations. The  founders were divided—one believed the VP of Sales was the issue, while the other felt the problem  stemmed from a lack of internal support and structure. This disagreement created indecision,  delaying necessary action. 

The Problem: 

  • Sales Performance: Below target with no improvement in sight. 
  • Leadership Disagreement: The founders couldn’t align on whether the VP of Sales was  failing or under-supported. 
  • Impact: Prolonged inaction or missteps threatened the entire business, putting it at risk of  extinction. The potential losses to the founders and investors were significant, adding  immense stress and pressure to resolve the issue quickly. 

Solution: 

To resolve the impasse, the two founders and the VP of Sales completed the CollabGenius Role Based Assessment, which evaluates strengths, leadership styles, and teamwork abilities. 

Assessment Results – VP of Sales (Let Go): 

The assessment revealed alarming insights into the VP of Sales: 

  • Resistance to New Ideas: Unwilling and unable to adapt to new concepts or apply them to  evolving challenges. 
  • Poor Team Interaction: Lacked respect for team members' values and personal  characteristics, leading to strained relationships. 
  • Decision-Making Flaws: As an Action Former, he demonstrated poor judgment, lacked  agility, and avoided calculated risks. 
  • Limited Awareness: Failed to predict team reactions or take appropriate action when  needed. 
  • Lack of Initiative: Hesitant to take overt action, even when situations require decisive  leadership. 

These findings confirmed that the VP’s inability to adapt and lead effectively contributed to the  company’s slow sales growth. 

Action Taken: 

  • With precise data, the founders quickly agreed to replace the VP of Sales. • They engaged a search firm that uses the CollabGenius Role-Based Assessment to ensure  alignment with the sales role.
  • Through this process, they identified and hired a new VP of sales with the company for over  seven years. 
  • This candidate’s strengths and natural leadership qualities perfectly aligned with the  demands of the sales leadership role

Assessment Results – New VP of Sales (Hired): 

The newly appointed VP’s assessment highlighted critical qualities: 

  • Resilient and Determined: Persistent in facing obstacles and able to navigate challenges  without becoming discouraged
  • Effective Leadership: A natural Communicator who influences and motivates others, even  those with differing viewpoints. 
  • Development-Focused: Proactively works to develop team members, fostering personal  and organizational growth. 
  • Strategic Problem Solver: Intervenes quickly to reverse negative trends before they  escalate into major issues. 
  • Open to Innovation: Encourages the evaluation of new ideas and perspectives within the  team, fostering collaboration and adaptability. 

Results: 

  • Immediate Impact: The new VP of Sales drove noticeable improvements in performance  and morale. 
  • Sales Growth: Sales steadily increased, aligning with company goals. 
  • Strategic Success: Under the new VP’s leadership, the company achieved significant growth, ultimately leading to a successful acquisition aligned with the founders' exit strategy.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Role-based assessments provide invaluable insights that help resolve leadership disputes  and guide key decisions. 
  • The wrong hire hinders growth, while the right hire drives success. 
  • Leveraging search firms that utilize CollabGenius’s Role-based assessments accelerates the hiring process and guarantees fit, driving stronger team performance and long-term success.

Conclusion: 

This case underscores the power of using Role-based assessments to make data-driven decisions,  improve team alignment, and set companies on the path to success. The founders positioned their  company for accelerated growth and a lucrative acquisition by replacing misaligned leadership  with the right talent.

Objective Insights

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