I worry about finding talent for my organization. We need people with highly specialized clinical skills to care for some of the most fragile patients imaginable. Maybe we need a talent manifesto to make sure we go about it the right way. What I do know is that sometimes I get too caught up in worrying about "culture."
Good Word - Misguided Focus
Time for some self-disclosure...I get a bit fired up about culture. I worry about cultural fit, cultural diversity, corporate culture, and sometimes do my best to spread the culture agenda across my organization. Just what exactly is cultural fit anyway? Are new hires supposed to fit in perfectly with the rest of us? Are they supposed to conform to some subjective perspective on what corporate culture is all about? Why would I ever want a bunch of conformists versus the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives, ideas, and enthusiasm into my already high-performing organization?
Hovering Above
I'm afraid that I'm not alone in my sometimes obsession with force-fitting cultural fit. It's as if I've morphed into a culture vulture and I'm circling above waiting to swoop down and feed upon unsuspecting candidates who fit into the "culture." That doesn't seem right, does it? It seems to me organizations should do everything possible to enrich the make-up of the team; to add new perspectives; to focus on progress, not cling to the old excuse of "it's the way we've always done it here."
How About You
Are you caught up in the culture agenda game? If so, it's time to take a break. Stop circling, and start appreciating the value that all of those non-conformists can bring to your company. I know I'm going to start doing it too.
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic courtesy of guardian
Talent. Cool word. Talent Management. Even cooler phrase. Sounds like a major corporate initiative, doesn't it? Ever hear anyone talking about Talent Management as a strategy? As if you could program your skilled employees to behave in some sort of bizarre Cirque du Soleil performance when they walk into their offices each day. I guess I don't fully understand it...yet.
No Easy Answers
There is no shortage of terrific discussion on this topic, like the recent post from TLNT on the State of Talent Management or the fellas at Talent Anarchy who are not only taking up the issue, but are also challenging us to define what talent means for our organizations. And my initial two-cents => throw out the best practice crutch, and figure out what all of this means within the four walls of your shop first. Who cares if "Zappos Southwest Airlines" does something better than you. You don't work at "Zappos Southwest Airlines."
Take the Challenge
So in the spirit of being a leader in the world of HR versus being a victim of it, I'm doing two things to try and get Talent Management moving even further in my organization. I've asked my team to provide me some input on their view of Talent; and I've gained the support of my Senior Leadership colleagues to push our current program to a new level. Yes, it's more than hiring good people; and yes, it's more than developing them in some sort of logical manner. But what the heck is it? We're diving in head first to find out.
How About You
Are you ready to jump into the conversation? What about getting your people involved? Too scary? Well it shouldn't be. The talent in our organizations is by far our most valuable asset. Make sure you understand what they need, so your organization can be successful. I know I need to find out as soon as I can. Don't you?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic courtesy of Mackie and Ryan
I'm afraid that I'm not alone in my sometimes obsession with force-fitting cultural fit. It's as if I've morphed into a culture vulture and I'm circling above waiting to swoop down and feed upon unsuspecting candidates who fit into the "culture." That doesn't seem right, does it? It seems to me organizations should do everything possible to enrich the make-up of the team; to add new perspectives; to focus on progress, not cling to the old excuse of "it's the way we've always done it here."
