Viewpoint — January 2010
Regaining Lost Ground in the Talent Battlet
Written by Bob Gershberg, Managing Partner Dick Wray Executive Search
Did your company do enough to attract and retain top talent during 2009? Likely not. Most froze hiring, many made across-the-board cuts and still others failed to recruit and retain A-players. As the winds of recovery take hold, competition for top talent will be fierce. Turbulent times coupled with uncertainty should beget zeal rather than reluctance to invest in recruiting top talent. As economic downturn and frozen credit markets have forced us to recalibrate our strategic plans, it is important to remain cognizant of the fact that a winning strategy needs winning talent to bring the mission to fruition.
The “buyer’s market” myth is a dangerous illusion. Attracting A-players is never easy. Finding talent with the required skill set mix to see the company through difficult times and prepare for solid recovery remains the challenge. Once a critical new position is identified, efficient recruitment and integration is essential. Learning on the job and slow starts will not cut it. Finding the best and the brightest, those who can hit the ground running, will facilitate the necessary forward motion to drive the mission. ”Trial and Error” is not an effective recruiting plan. Poor choices in leadership hiring are disruptive and exceedingly costly.
As we roll into 2010 it is important to set measureable recruitment goals for our organizations. These goals should be communicated with the various stakeholders involved, seeking feedback and guidance. Laser focus is required for execution and to drive excellence in all functional disciplines so as to remain competitive and be successful in our respective segments. It is imperative we recognize, it is our people who do the driving.
Bob Gershberg |Managing Partner|
bob.gershberg@dickwray.com
(888) 875-9993 ext 102
Finding tomorrow’s leaders today!
.