Tuesday, March 23, 2010

2010 - Year of Developing the Top 20%ers!


Early in 2010 it is becoming obvious that business leaders are taking inventory of "talent management" goals for the upcoming year and beyond. Leaders took the opportunity in 2009 to cut costs and at times, people. 2010 will be the year leaders develop their talent - it just takes a few simple steps to ensure you are prepared for the task.

How does a company hold on to their top performers? Talk to recruiters and they will tell you that the top talent - the top 20% - are dusting off their resumes and waiting for a change in the market. You have heard of the 80/20 rule: 80% of your profit/revenue goals are generated by 20% of the employees...time to invest in the top 20% so they remain a key part of your organization and your strategy going forward. They will be the ones leading your company over the next 3, 5 years - if you play your cards right.

Ready for some practical and simple advice from the HR office down the hall? Time to invest in these key people - create an action plan to develop and empower. Assign a leader within the organization to spear-head the project, let the top employees know they are appreciated, that they are part of the company's future, and that the company is willing and able to invest in their development. You will get "buy-in", commitment, and an engaged winner to help you move your company through whatever lies ahead.

Workshops, mentors (from within the company and externally), leadership classes, coaching - whatever it takes (within your budget) to move these future leaders along. Your organization will benefit from any action taken NOW, and it doesn't require a huge investment, just a strategy, intelligence on resources available, attention to the details, follow-through, and communication.

2010 can be the year your organization establishes the leaders for the future - "get 'er done"!

Debra Short
Director of Human Resources
Lotus HR