We are always talking about the raging “war for talent” and how there is a great demand for, but short supply of, skilled personnel in the marketplace. However management ‘guru’ Wayne Turmel takes a different view in his recent article on management-issues.com: http://www.management-issues.com/2008/4/28/opinion/what-war-for-talent.asp. He argues that organisations should be investing in training - both for current employees so they can move up the company ladder and for new recruits who may not tick all the boxes but with a little help can get their skills up to scratch. So does the war for talent exist? And if so, is it the employer’s fault? There may still be problems finding the perfect candidates to fill new positions but maybe Turmel is right in that we just have to approach the situation from a different perspective. Salary increases, training and the help of recruitment professionals should ensure that you can recruit the best talent. As Turmel says, “there's very little…that a little more time, money, or forethought (mostly forethought) wouldn't cure.”
Thank you for spreading the word about my article. I notice you put guru in quotes, which is good because a)I make no claim to guruhood, I'm just a cranky middle manager with a penchant for stirring the pot and b) my beard is not nearly long enough. Plus robes make me look fat and I don't have the toes for sandals.
Nevertheless, I hope that what I said gets people thinking not only about ways to solve their business needs, but to provide opportunities where they're needed. A lot rides on it.
Don't let the weasels get you down
Posted by: Wayne Turmel | 05/20/2008 at 11:57 PM