Is Talent Overrated?
Ahead of the financial meltdown Geoff Colvin, author and journalist wrote a book called Talent is Overrated that has recently been reissued in paperback with a new afterward (Portfolio Trade).
It casts a light on what Mr. Colvin calls world class performers, but others would label achievement through opportunity, persistence and enthusiasm for a task.
The book works on several different levels with insights useful to corporate managers, job seekers and recent graduates.
Even with a fiscal crisis Mr. Colvin still makes the case that financial capital is abundant, but the scare resource is human ability. (If only those who have lost their jobs agreed with him.) The illustrations Mr. Colvin uses to support his thesis, Exxon, Microsoft, and Apple are large corporations that hire for specific areas of responsiblity. “Microsoft hires incredibly smart people,” he said.
Mr. Colvin is also keen on an individual’s cognitive abilities, what some might call brainpower, but he says companies don’t necessarily emphasize them. Perhaps, that’s why he sees opportunities for the resurgence of the corporate manager. “There is going to be a shift to managerial responsibility,” he said. Technology superiority as the basis for economic superiority is about to change.
Where those managers may come from is still open to debate. A recent issue of The Economist (May 8-May 14, 2010) called into question the convention of hiring MBA’s since it said banks and consulting firms are increasingly recruiting people without the degree, particularly mathematicians and computer scientists. And it appears more companies are developing home grown talent.
Since the emphasis in Mr. Colvin’s book is on world- class performance, it would appear the sooner you start, the higher you can soar. If you are considering a so called “encore career” , Mr. Colvin predicts that the more your skills transfer, the more effective you will be.
By far, the best piece of advice applies to companies and new graduates. Think deeply about your core and what you won’t cut. “Focus on that,” he said. Customers will have new problems and will have to come up with new solutions. Don’t just cut price.”
