The One Thing #5: Talent is key differentiator

Q. What is the one thing that HR leaders need to focus on in 2014?
A. The main focus for most organizations in 2014 should be on talent management and talent development, particularly the managerial and technical roles in the organizations. One of the major reasons for the focus on talent is that it is a great way to get the HR function into a broader discussion about what is next for the organization and what the business strategy should be. Allowing the HR function and talent management to contribute to the overall effectiveness and financial performance of the organization is the best way the HR function can add value to the corporation.
The most important thing that HR should focus on in talent management is assessing the totality of skills the organization needs to implement its strategy and the plan for recruiting and managing that critical talent. It is important to understand what the organization can do to add the right talent: Whether it is best recruited or best internally de