Google and Intel use experts in social science and biomechanics to assess how people think about and use technology. JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Credit Suisse use astrophysicists as “strategists” because of their expertise in big data sets like commercial mortgages. Campbell’s Soup and PepsiCo use anthropologists to more deeply understand customer tastes and preferences. Munich RE and AIG use experts from all different kinds of fields to better assess risk. These companies are gaining competitive advantage through a new capability—strategic use of experts—made possible by technology and the globalization of talent.
Agile Talent delivers the new road map for managing external, expert talent—showing how to assess, choose, attract, develop, and support these new kinds of talent. Authored by two veterans in talent, leadership, and strategic HR who teach and consult widely around the world, the book reveals how companies such as Apple, Uber, Airbnb, Google, IBM, and Bain Capital organize and manage new forms of talent in new ways. Supported by survey data and packed with tools and templates for applying these ideas, this book is the ultimate guide for winning the next war for talent.
About the Author
Jon Younger is partner emeritus of the RBL Group, where he led the firm's Strategic HR practice. He is a member of the executive education faculties of the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan; Indian School of Business; and the Copenhagen School of Business. He chairs the annual ISB-NHRD conference on talent management in India and is a member of the Government of Singapore advisory board in HR Transformation. He teaches and consults widely in North America, Europe, and Asia. He is a coauthor of many articles and four books: HR from the Outside In, HR Transformation, HR Competencies, and Global HR Competencies.
Norm Smallwood is President and cofounder of RBL Group, and leads the firm's Leadership practice. He has taught in the executive education faculties of the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and the Marriott School of Business, Brigham Young University. He has been cited by the journal Leadership Excellence as a leading voice in the field of leadership. He teaches and consults widely in North America, the Middle East, and Asia. He is the coauthor of many articles and several important leadership books including Results Based Leadership, Leadership Brand, Leadership Code, and Leadership Sustainability.
Industry Reviews
"Agile Talent is an interesting read in this emerging business context where cloud sourcing (getting external talent) is now becoming a differentiated business strategy... a practical roadmap for leaders to create conditions for maximising engagement, performance and contribution of external talent." -- Businessworld India "This well-researched book will prove interesting not only to chief executives and HR leaders, but to the many people now operating in the gig economy who will hope that some of its key messages resonate with those who employ them." -- Irish Times "Readers will learn how to make a business case for hiring external talent, orient them to their organizations, offer them professional development, and optimize teamwork between them and permanent, full-time employees." -- TD magazine (Association for Talent Development) ADVANCE PRAISE for Agile Talent: Todd M. Warner, former VP, Learning, BHP Billiton, and Founder, Like Minds Advisory-- "Agile Talent represents a whole new way for organizations to work across their value chain and optimize the performance of the people who work for (and with) them to reach new levels of productivity." Omar Kader, Chairman and CEO, Paltech-- "This book presents a clear and effective description of how all businesses need to function in the future--or be left behind." Susan J. Schmitt, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Rockwell Automation-- "This book is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable to anyone reading it, whether you are a CEO, a chief HR officer, a leader at any level, or a shareholder." Kevin Murphy, CEO, Driscoll's-- "Agile Talent allows for specialization and entrepreneurial spirit to flourish." Shelley Seifert, Chief Administrative Officer, First Bank-- "Younger and Smallwood challenge every reader to break free from our typical tactics and instead think strategically and holistically about how to approach external staffing." Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance-- "Agile Talent provides a rarely found treasure trove of experiences and practical solutions to create an agile workforce that meets an organization's particular needs." Kirk Aubry, President and CEO, Savage-- "How do we get the full benefit of having the best people where and when we need them--even though they're not on our payroll? This book provides a roadmap for navigating to new and powerful workforce relationships."
