Part One – What Bus? Where?
The heading refers, of course, to the subject of Jim Collins best selling business book, “From Good to Great”. It is here that he communicates the idea that getting the right people on the bus, and the wrong people off the bus, is fundamental to any businesses’ success.
The book follows a group of companies over a period of many years and examines the characteristics of those companies that went from good to great. It then details what these smart businesses did to attract and retain top talent.
Specifically, it maps out three stages, each with two key concepts. The key concept and take away when it comes to talent, is “First who …. Then what”.
Without exception, the successful companies described by Collins in his book ensured they had the most talented people on the bus and then worried later about what positions they would occupy. Their premise? That talent will invariably provide the best return.
Given the popularity of the book and the fact that, in the last few years, many companies have used it as a central plank in their change management strategies, it would be reasonable to assume that its practices had been adopted by HR departments and recruitment companies across the country. A few companies have done so. The majority have not. It is still common practice here to use electronic word matching software to “match” candidates’ CVs with job descriptions. This is simplistic and, more often than not, ineffective in developing a meaningful shortlist of the right candidates for the job.
When it comes to the so called Talent Shortage or War for Talent, the most vital take-out from the book is: attract the top talent to your business first and then find the right position for them.
Tomorrow: Part 2 – Would they get on the bus if you offered them a ride?
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[...] One of the fundamental mistakes that I have seen throughout my HR and Recruitment career is that most people tend to avoid hiring those who are smarter than them. Perhaps it has to do with our egos! As identified in Jim Collins ‘From Good to Great’ the best businesses get the smart people on board and then figure out where to put them, as highlighted in “How to get talent on board your bus” [...]