Achieving return on critical talent in technology-intensive organizations

Research shows that purposeful, well executed talent management is a critical source of competitive advantage and predictable improved performance. Labor force data also confirm the challenges in finding top, talented performers. This article includes insights from research with two types of organizations. Each organization pursued a comprehensive approach to identifying and managing talent in a highly competitive environment. The goal was to create organizational cultures and management discipline which will provide a common understanding of what talent is, identify where the talent is now, where it is needed, and then leverage that talent to meet specific needs of customers. Specific implications for pursuing return on critical talent (RoCT) in technology-intensive organizations are emphasized.