How do the executives in the study by Deloitte with Forbes Insights assess their overall talent management program?

This was very revealing;

• 20% of the executives feel that they are world-class,
• 43% believed they are world-class in some areas,
• 26% felt they were adequate but needed to improve,
• 7% were getting by but needed significant improvements, and
• 4% were under-performing and needed radical improvements.

I say this is revealing because these companies are among the best in the world. A closer look at the data reveals that self-described “world-class” firms are setting a different talent agenda than their counterparts at other companies. The world-class firms strategic approach to talent includes having a plan and aligning their business and talent goals.

My questions for you are;

• Do you have a plan?
• Are your business plans aligned with your talent goals?

You may wonder why I spent this week discussing this study and including it in a marketing blog. My reason is very simple - the talent you have relates to and give life to all of your marketing.