Talent Development: A Strategy of Necessity

A talent management strategy is the plan of action to optimise employee performance in meeting organisational goals. A constant process, which involves attracting, and keeping high-quality employees, while developing their skills, and continuously motivating them to improve their performance. Talent management encompasses many of the responsibilities of the Human Resources office. However, it is insufficient to assume that by having an HR department there is proper talent management. Talent management strategy must be designed to gain optimal results, and for it to work effectively; it needs to be intentional, well-planned, and expertly executed.

To have a talent management strategy that fosters growth among employees and within the organisation, consider:

• Get the leaders support. Getting support from company executives means helping them see how their role as leaders affects the company. Employees want to see that their bosses actively encourage and are committed to their growth.
• Have the organisation’s mission in place. The overall goal of the company must be available and clearly communicated to all. It is culture-building at work.
• Identify the talents needed to drive your strategy. When your organisation has developed its mission, take the time to list the skills and abilities your employees need to meet the goal.
• Look within. All the skills you need now or in the future may already be on your payroll. One of the best talent development strategies is showing employees that you are committed to them not only in their careers but also in equipping them to become well-rounded people ready for more challenging work. Looking within could give them the skills to plan and manage a new project for expanding the organisation’s service offerings.
• Design workable talent management initiative. Talent development is an on-going programme that lasts throughout the life-span of any organisation. A good training program is one that is memorable, futuristic in planning to create resources that are engaging and truly useful for employees.
• Incorporate coaching opportunities. Managers should regularly coach and check-in with employees as part of the company’s talent development strategies. Identify coaches at all levels who have the skills that employees are learning, and who can check in with employees.
• Include talent development as part of company culture. If a company culture dictates a growth mindset where talents are discovered and nurtured, training to support that culture will become a regular part of the workday. The creation of a workplace where learning is prioritised and built into daily operations will create a place where people love to work.

Talent management does not happen naturally. An implementation of a strategy tailored for your business alone is necessary. Only by doing this can one guaranty the recruitment and retention of top talents to gain a competitive advantage over others in the industry.

If you require information on how MacTay Consulting can assist your organisation in developing a bespoke talent development strategy, contact us via info@mactay.com or +234 1 2706336.