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In a world of information overload and filter-failure, I focus on helping HR students and young professionals by curating insights about what matters in the world of work, the new talent agenda and fueling curiosity. Welcome to smarter!

HRHeadStart #48: The Language of Business; Testing Career Advice; Earning Respect

Oct 11, 2022

The Talent Agenda

The term Talent Management is widely used and misinterpreted. It is fairly common to see it being equated narrowly to talent acquisition, development, career management, high-potential programs etc. If it is hard for HR folks to talk consistently about it, then I wonder how hard it will be for the business folks to get their heads around it.

One thing is for sure, we need to simplify the language we use with business stakeholders and speak in a language they readily understand. An effective way of doing this is by using constructs and analogies that are more relatable.

Here is a great example of how we can explain talent management by using the example of manufacturing, supply chains and distribution channels. The graphic below paints the picture, but the article is well worth a read.

If you have used other creative means to help the business understand HR work, do write back to me.

Working Better

Advice is cheap, particularly career advice. A large meta-analysis of research on career advice identified the four most common pieces of career advice: 1) take ownership of your career in your own hands, 2) network widely, 3) follow your passion and 4) be ready to jump at the next job opportunity. The authors identified which one of these actually lead to better career outcomes and which don't.

Tiny Thought

An easy way to earn respect is to take responsibility and get stuff done.