LEADERSHIP: WINNING THE WAR FOR TALENT

Published: 2007-04-10   please add a comment below

I use taxis a lot.  On rare occasions, I step in and am immediately struck by the cleanliness and polish, the smooth running engine, and the useful gadgets the owner has added.  He or she is normally very polite and clearly proud of their chariot.  And, such cabs instead of aging tend to get better with time.

In my consulting work, I get a similar impression when visiting some clients.  But, in this case, it's the people more than the premises that strike me most.  They sparkle.  And, you know their leader is proud of them and has and will continue to invest in them: building skills, guiding development and improving their opportunities.

It's an odd parallel: taxis and staff development.  But, the anecdotes reflect similar professionalism, caring and commitment.  And, perhaps love.

Developing people is the most important thing leaders do.  Through it, they leverage their skills, create competitive advantage and build sustainability for their business.  They also make people happy in their work and in being part of the team.

How do you rate yourself in this area?  Would outsiders say your staff sparkle?  Are they engaged and committed, and being stretched and developed?  Or, just hanging in?

If so, what can you do?  Here are some ideas I’ve learnt from clients, who develop their staff effectively.  Lift core competencies to support business plans.  Establish development programs and tailor them to individual needs.  Discuss needs, expectations and opportunities for empowerment.  Tailor guidance and tracking for A, B and C players.  Above all, build succession.

Win the war for talent!

Dr. Timothy Pascoe AM
PhD (Cambridge), MBA (Harvard), BE & BEc (Adelaide)
Creator, V|E|C|T|O|R Leadership^®