Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I read a quote by Bill Gates many years ago that would have been a fitting tribute for this book. When asked what gave him the most pleasure in his role as Microsoft CEO, Mr. Gates responded, "Hiring good people." The term of "talent management" might be a new millennium way to describe what used to be called, "hiring and managing the best." The concept, regardless of how it is named, remains an integral managerial function.
Focused Presentation
Two early quotes by co-authors David DeLong and Steven Trautman set the tone for this extremely detailed, comprehensive and informative book:
"But with massive changes coming in workforce demographics, the number of candidates in the age bracket that normally fills leadership roles will drop 30 percent by 2015, according to recent research."
"Four generations with distinctly different orientations to work, technology, communication, and learning are leading to increased conflict in the workplace."
Detailed Introduction, Precise Notes Section and Unique Appendix
The introduction was an excellent preview with chapter-by-chapter summaries and the objectives of the book. I liked this format and wish that more books would follow its example. This overview provides a concise yet detailed summary. The neatly organized notes section at the end of the book provides precisely referenced sources for every chapter. The appendix has a "Checklist for the Effective Manager." This feature is a comprehensive series of questions directly associated with the book's content. I liked that the co-authors provided chapter references which will make this section a useful reference source.
Crisp Informative Format
There are 10 chapters with approximately 25 pages of content per chapter. The co-author's writing style is targeted for senior executives; however, readers from diverse backgrounds will also benefit. The authors employ generous use of bold-faced headings and bullets. This feature assisted with readability and to drive home key points. Another feature that I liked was gray highlighted areas called "For Talent Management and HR Business Partners" sprinkled throughout the book. The book's index was another example of the co-author's attention to detail for busy executives. Many entries are organized as phrases, and page numbers followed by an "f" or a "t" refer to figures or tables.
Knowledge Silo Matrix
The co-authors have developed an innovative tool called the Knowledge Silo Matrix (KSM). This is an intriguing graphical representation of specific knowledge domains called "silos." Actually, it is the only graphical chart displayed in the entire book.
Real-World Examples
The co-authors used many talent management scenarios from well-known companies. For example, Baker & McKenzie, Cisco, GE, New York Life and Pfizer. They also provided many other useful examples but in a more anonymous style. These mini-studies provide industry-specific expertise in a variety of sectors. You will likely find one from your own specialty area.
Regardless of which side of the hiring table equation you reside, this book will become a valuable, common-sense tool for preparation and future reference.
Please Note:
I was contacted by a McGraw-Hill representative and requested to provide a review. This is an objective review and I am not obliged to provide a positive one.
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Executive Guide to High-Impact Talent Management: Powerful Tools for Leveraging a Changing Workforce
Recent studies show that in the next few years many companies could have only about half the leaders and skilled workers they need--and that these talent shortages will be particularly acute in the critical sectors like engineering, health care, energy, government, manufacturing, and aerospace and defense. As a line executive you need to ask yourself one question: Do we havewho it takes to drive business performance inthe future?
In The Executive Guide to High-Impact TalentManagement, David DeLong and Steve Trautman combine wide-ranging research and real-world expertise to chart a clear and efficient path for senior leaders. They show how to not only reduce the risks of talent shortages but also maximize the payoff of workforce and leadership developmentinvestments.
Sharing their findings based on more than 70 interviews with senior executives and top-rated talent experts and their own experience as leaders and consultants, DeLong and Trautman show you how to:
Accurately diagnose talent-related risks that threaten performance
Efficiently evaluate and measure workforce and leadership investments
Ensure your staff is aligning talent processes to support business strategy
Accelerate leadership development and the transfer of critical knowledge
Communicate cultural principles that will drive recruiting, development, and retention programs
Assess the talent management IQ of your leadership team
The Executive Guide to High-Impact Talent Management shows leaders how to translate their belief in the importance of investing in people into concrete actions that will improve business performance. Most important, it shows you how to get started today!
Praise for The Executive Guide to High-Impact Talent Management:
"Most executives I know are far more comfortable running the financial or operational or product sides of their business. This book does an excellent job clarifying every leader's real role in developing talent to grow their business." -- John Rex, CFO, Microsoft North America
"DeLong and Trautman have attacked the issue of managing talent and developing leaders in a manner that is systemic, grounded, insightful, and incredibly helpful for a CEO like me and for our entire senior management team." -- Peter Metca lf, CEO, Black Diamond Equipment
"The authors' practical approaches to prioritizing risk and implementing creative talent solutions can help you maximize the payoff of these investments." -- Annmarie Nea l, Vice President, Cisco Center for Collaborative Leadership, Cisco Systems
"DeLong and Trautman show leaders how to compete and win at the increasingly high-stakes game of talent management." -- Joseph W. Wilczek, CEO, Franciscan Health System
"This book is full of practical insights that will make you a more effective leader today." -- Hy Pomerance, Chief Talent Officer, New York Life Insurance Company
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