HigherEchelon’s Talent Management team is led by Dr. Paul Squires, founder and head of Applied Skills & Knowledge. The most effective approach to optimally managing talent is to perform each of the component parts of talent management optimally and to tightly integrate the parts. A key to tight integration is a clear definition of human capital requirements. Human capital requirements are the common language of skills and knowledge required for successful recruitment, retention, promotion, professional development, and succession planning. Leveraging technology to manage human capital is crucial. A strong and effective performance management process with high-quality human capital metrics is key to effective retention, professional development, and promotion. Top-quality leadership assessment and development programs are essential to ensure continual professional development and successful succession planning.

The deployment of a successful talent management process requires well-trained leaders who are held accountable for effectively executing the components of an integrated talent management process in accordance with the policies and procedures established for talent management. Talent management tools are built upon Capability Models to ensure the process is integrated. Capability Models include duties to execute the talent management process effectively, thereby ensuring accountability. The remaining requirements are training leaders, and establishing policies and procedures that represent best practices.

HigherEchelon’s team of experts has found that a major driver in employee engagement is the quality of a performance management process. Therefore, leaders must be trained in interviewing techniques, the performance evaluation process, feedback techniques (formal and informal), effective coaching, and managing poor performers. Additionally, leaders must be trained to be more effective, resilient, and adaptive. Training should be individualized to the greatest extent possible, and based upon training needs analysis.

Finally, Talent Management policy and procedures must be established to ensure the process is executed fairly, openly, legally, and in accordance with best practices. They must comply with Federal laws and guidelines. Some best practices used in top performing organizations include:

  • Hiring and promoting from within the Organization to the extent possible
  • Twice annual formal performance feedback and monthly informal performance feedback.
  • Advertising job openings
  • Self-ratings in performance-appraisal process
  • Performance Management training for all leaders
  • Forty hours of training per year
  • Participation in development and training plans

If you want a responsive, highly capable, and affordable company to address any phase of your Talent Management needs, contact HigherEchelon.