Developing an integrated talent management strategy that aligns with business strategy is challenging. It requires a broad perspective as the ways of working in organizations change rapidly, which puts business strategy and integrated talent management to the test. In addition, the rapid changes in business dynamics mean that integrated talent management must equip organizations with the new skills necessary to succeed. Therefore, aligning talent management strategy with business strategy will be essential for survival and continuity.
Chinese whispers
“Chinese Whispers” is a game that many play in groups. Where they sit next to each other in a straight line or a circle. Then the game begins with the first person whispering in the ear of the next person sitting next to him a specific phrase that includes certain information. Then the next person whispers to the next person next to him what he heard from those before him. And so the whisper continues until the last person in the line or circle. Then the last person in the group gets up and announces the content of the phrase in front of everyone. And then it turns out that the phrase has changed dramatically in passing through the group, sometimes even being utterly different from the original phrase.
This differs from what often happens in many organizations today, where senior leaders set the business strategy, which flows through all levels in the organization from top to bottom until it reaches all employees. Surprisingly, when you ask lower-level employees about business strategy, there will likely be clarity or clear answers. The integrated talent management strategy must be better aligned with the business strategy.
The importance of an integrated talent management strategy
An integrated talent management strategy seeks to enhance business value and help organizations achieve their goals by leveraging strategic human resource planning. Note that the integrated talent management strategy overviews high-level human resources. It allows the organization to identify its most effective resources and strategies and create a sustainable, high-performance organization to conform to its strategic and operational goals and objectives. Thus becoming a vital component of the overall business strategy.
To build an integrated talent management strategy, the first step is to create an overview of the business through organizational charts, action plans, and forecasts. A top-down approach is also necessary, as future decision-making requires only available future predictions for success. Sometimes, components of an integrated talent management strategy already exist but need to be more widely understood and used.
Objectives Alignment of the integrated talent management strategy with the business strategy
In a challenging global economy, integrated talent management solutions are among the top priorities of organizations’ leadership. They knew success in today’s highly competitive business environment requires excellent customer service, operations and production innovation, and market speed. So success in this endeavor requires strategic people teams and business leaders to work closely together. They must engage, attract, and retain their workforce through qualitative and quantitative measures. Therefore, the objectives of aligning the integrated talent management strategy with the business strategy should include the following:
- Attracting the right talent through appropriate recruitment plans
- Communicate with employees and involve them in strategic matters
- Assess skills gaps across the organization and bridge them through learning and development
- Synchronizing KPIs with business strategy
- Design fair compensation packages and appropriate and competitive reward programs.
- Develop leadership skills of high-potential employees
- Implement succession strategies
Methods of aligning the integrated talent management strategy with the business strategy
Talent is the enabler of success for organizations, and aligning integrated talent management strategy with business strategy is the best approach taken by business organizations today.