The Secret to Hiring Top Talent

What’s Wrong with Talent Hunting?

The corporate landscape reverberates with calls to hire “top talent.” Recruitment agencies, HR departments, and LinkedIn profiles are full of phrases that pay homage to this elusive concept. Yet, what if the notion of “talent” is a red herring – diverting attention from what really matters, especially in collaborative knowledge work?

What Does Talent Even Mean?

Talent – when I use the word, I mean it as the rate at which you get better with effort. The rate at which you get better at soccer is your soccer talent. The rate at which you get better at math is your math talent. You know, given that you are putting forth a certain amount of effort. And I absolutely believe – and not everyone does, but I think most people do – that there are differences in talent among us: that we are not all equally talented.
~ Angela Duckworth, 2016

The term “talent” implies that some people possess an innate ability to evolve to excellence in specific tasks or roles, while others are doomed to mediocrity. Businesses adopt this mindset and spend enormous resources searching for that magical person who will solve all their problems. However, this search often leads to disappointment or worse, a mismatch between employee and organisational needs.

Is Talent Overrated?

It’s not that talented individuals don’t exist or that they can’t contribute to an organisation. The issue is that focusing on talent obscures a crucial aspect of productivity: the system within which people work.

Why Focus on Systems?

It turns out, research and real-world case studies suggest that systems account for about 95% of an organisation’s productivity. A well-designed system provides clear guidelines, minimises bottlenecks, and promotes efficient workflows. It creates an environment where people can excel, with or without what society typically labels as ‘talent.’

How to Build Effective Systems?

If you’re looking to enhance productivity, start by scrutinising your existing systems and processes. Ask hard questions. Is your communication streamlined? Do your workflows allow for creativity and innovation? Are roles and responsibilities clearly defined? These aspects significantly influence the productivity of your entire team, not just your star players.

Does Hiring Change When Systems Are Prioritised?

Absolutely. Instead of seeking candidates who seem to sparkle in interviews, you’d focus on those who fit well into your system. Soft skills like collaboration and adaptability take precedence, as they help people excel within established systems.

What’s the Real Secret Then?

So, should you entirely ignore talent? No, not entirely. But, remember, it’s the system that will determine how well anyone can perform, especially in collaborative knowledge work. By shifting your focus to creating effective systems, you set the stage for everyone to excel. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find that the people you already have are the top talent you’ve been seeking all along.

—Think Different

Making Lives More Wonderful

The Secret to Hiring Top Talent