I went to a one-day conference last week on talent management. There was lots of discussion of models and processes.  I was left thinking that it was all being over-complicated (as sometimes happens when HR gets involved). Surely there is no substitute for excellent management. Personally I think that great talent thrives if they are given the support, guidance and encouragement of great managers. If I had a choice between well-thought through processes and top-notch managers I know which I would go for. 

Occasionally you come across HR people who cut through the jargon,  fashions and fads and get straight to the heart of the matter. Tim Miller is such a person. He is a very impressive and thoughtful man. He runs HR for Standard Chartered Bank. They are worth looking at for some role model practices.  Here’s what he says on the subject of talent management: “One thing we find is that if you have not got great managers, you are not going to develop talent properly. If you get your managers sorted out, every-thing else will follow,”  Hear hear.

Sally Bibb