The Economist: Managing Talent: Recruiting, retaining and getting the most from talented people

Survey after survey confirms how the success of a business has become increasingly dependent on the ability and skills of its staff. And because talented people are in short supply the hunt for people of unusual ability will continue in earnest.

Hiring such people is the relatively easy part; keeping them engaged so that they don’t move on and getting the best out of them while they are with you is the greater challenge — one that more than ever requires a good understanding of what people want from both work and life outside work, as well as flexibility and imagination in seeking to accommodate their aspirations.

Drawing on original research, including interviews with senior executives, recruitment specialists and people considered to be “talented” within their organizations, Managing Talent outlines how companies such as Google, Apple, Santander, Mars, Unilever, PepsiCo, Nokia, Olam International, Tata Chemicals and Bank of America are facing the challenge of recruiting and developing the talent they need. Full of useful insights and practical help for those who are responsible for the success of their organization, it also provides invaluable guidance to those in search of career satisfaction

Marion Devine is a business author and editor whose books include Managing Uncertainty and Successful Mergers (both published by The Economist). She has has also written or researched reports on talent management for Ashridge Business School and the Chartered Management Institute. Michel Syrett has combined a career as a writer on business and management in The Times, Management Today, Director and Asian Business with academic research for business schools such as Cranfield and Roffey Park. He is author of twenty books and reports.