A “grid search” is a technique used in machine learning to find the optimal set of hyperparameters for a model by systematically trying every possible combination of values within a predefined range.

Even if this definition sounds a bit too mathematical, the “Search Grid” framework I will walk you through below will help you DESIGN your search with precision and structure. I’ve used this with most of the people that I’ve helped, and they’ve always found it to not only provide the clarity needed in their search, but it has also empowered them to focus on what they want and where they want to be - rather than being disappointed in the roles posted online and feeling like they need to bend & morph to fit them.

The questions below are what we’ll focus on - their answers will help you understand not only what is most important to you, but also the conditions in which you are happiest, perform your best and most likely to flourish.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Start by taking a blank sheet of paper or notebook page, and drawing a grid, with “Target Roles” across the top, and “Ideal Environment” factors down the side.

• Then, answer these questions:

  1. Across the top of your Search Grid, write in your Ideal Roles - the positions you’re looking to be in. Think about this by defining the function of the role in an organization, not the title (but if it helps you to use a title, that’s OK).

     NOTE: as you do this, I recommend using a mental model like the college application process. When you applied to undergrad or grad school (go into the way back machine and try to remember….), you likely listed out a bunch of schools, starting with your dream school(s), then a stretch school or two, a couple of mid-range ones and then some “safety schools”. Same thing here - you’ll have dream, stretch, mid-range and safety scenarios. As you fill out the Ideal Roles in your Search Grid, keep going back and organizing them this way. Some of the “stretch” roles may require you to bridge your way there via a role or two in between - as an example, a lot of people I work with aspire to be in a C-level role, but are likely a step or two away from getting there, so they will need to know which roles to go to beforehand.

  2. Next, down the side of your Search Grid, define your Ideal Environment - the situation and conditions where you will thrive. Use a row for each:

  • Size of company - how large or small is the organization? Is it global, regional, local or hyperlocal?

  • Stage the business is in - startup, expansion / growth, hypergrowth, maintaining, rebuilding / fixing, reinventing, etc…) - each of these are very different and the skillsets required to succeed in each are often not the same. As we talk about the concept of “Creating Value” later, what is valued in one stage is almost worthless in another. As an example, the coin of the realm in the startup / expansion world is completely different than what is valued in the larger company world. I often meet with leaders from large, global organizations that want to join a startup - until they realize that their skills and experience won’t be seen to be as valuable as someone who has been with early stage companies that have gotten through the scaling / hypergrowth phases to an exit.

  • Culture of the organization - fast, innovative, empowering or conservative, slow and secretive? Is the company one that encourages hybrid work, or one that is rushing people back to office? Do they need slides to communicate, or do they have a bias towards action?

  • Location - this could be at any level - from global / regional / national to city / suburbs as well as proximity to mass transit or commuter options. Many people I’ve worked with can go anywhere and have targeted moving across the world, but others set their target to be so hyperlocal that they need to be within walking distance to a specific mass transit line.

  • Sector(s) - what are the industry sectors that you know the best? What are ones you’d like to be in, but not sure that you can make the leap?

  Now - combine the Ideal Roles and Ideal Environments that you’ve described, and list out some example companies that fit both.

  As you research the companies, I suggest you use Google and / or LinkedIn. Both will recommend other companies that will be similar. I’ve often found that many of these companies are ones that people weren’t aware of and full of unexpected opportunity.

  As you complete this step, you will have a very solid list of targets to start with - which are very important for the following steps in the process.

  Your Playbook:

  1. Draft your own Search Grid above.

  2. Continue to add and edit as you do more research and talk to more people. It will be the structure behind all of your future activities.

  Go to the next step: 4.2 / Target Roles

  STEP 04 / Chapters:

  4.1 The Search Grid - 4.2 Target Roles - 4.3 Your Ideal Situation - 4.4 Target Companies - 4.5 Do The Research - 4.6 Mind The Gap - 4.7 What’s Your Ask - Step 04: DESIGN / Your Playbook