Executive Talent: How to Identify and Develop the Best

by Tom Potts

Downsizing, merger, loss of employee loyalty, and a growing shortage of ready-now executive talent - these changes in today's business are increasing the importance of developing internal candidates to fill management positions. This practical book shows how to find and prepare the management talent that will guide your organization through the turbulent times that are making traditional succession planning systems obsolete. Based on experience, surveys, and interviews, Executive Talent describes the key components of an effective succession planning process. You'll find practical approaches to executive development that really work; examples from companies such as Merck Pharmaceuticals, IBM, Weyerhauser, Exxon, and GE; techniques for identifying and assessing executive potential; ways to overcome obstacles to the advancement of women and minorities and to achieve diversity in the executive ranks; strategies for integrating succession planning with business planning; the important roles played by the CEO, line management, human resource staff, and the employees themselves; and how to use the job itself to foster employee growth.
Executive Talent draws on the more than 60 years of combined practical experience and research of the authors. It is a must-read as well as a useful reference for human resource practitioners and executives concerned with the development of today's and future executives.

275 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1992