Is Talent Management over hyped…

I have been quite intensively on Talent Management lately due to a project. I have also recently bought Malcolm Gladwell’s book “What the Dog Saw?”

Gladwell quoted various proponents and some who see it as a hype. His arguments, using Mckinsey’s role in the now defunct Enron corporation, got me thinking about the same illusions in learning.

I have always had issues with Constructivism. As a theory, it is beautiful. I truly support the construct discussion. However, as a practice it is altogether a different matter.

In Gladwell’s research, he pointed out some of the contributing factors to Enron’s downfall. Some bright spark in the organisation was seen as a talent. The way Enron managed its talents had largely the same assumptions as Constructivists. Each talent was allowed to take on decisions which took the organisation in any direction, as long as it seems to make short term profits for the organisation.

The argument that everyone has their own success path, and should not be forced to follow a fixed path ie the organisation’s vision / mission, is in essence the organisation digging its grave for sure self destruction awaits.

[more on this in later blogs]