What is talent development?
Talent development is about how an organization handles its existing talent and provides the opportunity to develop talent. Not everyone is a talent, but everyone has a talent. Talent development is not just for a select group of "high potentials. It is about how to further develop the talent present. It is up to the organization to create conditions in which each employee's talent can be discovered and further developed. The trick is to create an environment in which the talents of each employee can be optimally utilized. Talent development thus starts from the assessed potential of an employee and develops it further.
Why is talent development important?
Talent development is becoming increasingly important to many people. Millennials in particular want to continue to grow and develop continuously. In fact, this is one of the most important terms of employment when they look for a new job. Research shows that employees feel that their talent is not being seen enough and that they have more to offer than they are currently able to show. Many organizations still work with a traditional annual cycle where personal development is discussed three times a year. A shame! Personal development cannot be captured in six-monthly sessions. You must see development more as a living document that is worked on continuously. A digital discussion cycle is the key to success. For example, it can be an excellent time to talk about personal development after completing a project. This is how you put talent development at the center.
What can talent development provide?
For years, companies have focused on training employee skills. Instead of looking at talents , they looked at what competencies were needed to do a particular job well. Each position was given a competency profile, and by the time these competency profiles were described for each position, they were already dated and new competencies were needed. Did you not fully meet the profile? Then you did not qualify for the position. A pity, because the people who really knew certain things were judged, for example, for not meeting the competency 'communication skills'. Talent development has taken its place. Talent development is a way to keep innovating in a rapidly changing world. Investing in talent development ensures satisfied employees and higher returns.
How can you get started with talent development?
To get started with talent development, it is important to start a conversation with employees. Where do his/her talents lie? What does he/she like most about his/her work? How can this employee perform optimally? Where does this employee want to be in five years? To have these questions answered, you can also ask feedback from direct colleagues of this employee. They work closely with this person and surely know what he/she is good at. Instead of focusing on the competency profile of the position the employee holds, start from qualities and talents. During this conversation, it is important to make the employee aware of the talent he/she possesses. Because before you can start developing your talent, you need to know what your talent is. This awareness provides direction and confidence that makes the employee dare to take up the challenge. In addition, it is important that the organization facilitates this entire process. What does the employee need in order to perform optimally and develop his/her talents? As an organization, you must also ensure that the employee has enough challenge in that area. Does he/she not have this? Then chances are that the employee will quickly become bored and look for another position, at another organization.
How can an online tool help you with talent development?
Motivated employees are always learning and developing. No matter how small or large this development is. They think about themselves, what they are good at and where they can improve. However, this growth process is often still fragmented and organizations have no idea where employees stand in this process and where the talents of each employee lie. A performance management platform such as Treams helps to give employees insight into where they stand and where their development potential lies, and shows at a glance where each employee stands in his/her development. This ensures greater ownership of their own development.