What is talent?

There are many different interpretations of what talent is.
To make sense of these different views of talent we have found it helpful to consider them in terms of two fundamental questions:

  1. How rare is talent? (from everyone having talent to just the select few)
  2. To what extend are you born with talent, or is it developed?

This creates a simple 2x2 diagram which provides four alternative talent philosophies.

Diagram explaining the different interpretations of what talent is.

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From Talent Management to Talent Liberation

A book by Dr Maggi Evans, Prof John Arnold and Dr Andrew Rothwell

Talent management as practiced in most organisations is not fit for purpose. It is driven by an underlying assumption that talent is scarce; it is based on narrow views of future organisational needs and individual cases.

A more dynamic approach is needed that harnasses more of the talent that is lying dormant and that recognises the real challenges facing organisations and individuals in this changing work environment.

Talent liberation provides a solution. It looks to maximise existing talent, building agility, engagement and capability through a partnership approach that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of the organisation.

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