From Talent Management to Talent Liberation

"In Talent Management to Talent Liberation Evans, Arnold and Rothwell challenge organisational leaders to reflect on the value of talent management strategies and step back from the process to the purpose of these strategies. They strike an excellent balance between insights from academic research and practical examples in identifying the key questions which should inform talent strategy. The result is a thoughtful analysis which will help any reflective practitioner to ensure that talent management can liberate the potential in their talent and deliver on the talent agenda in the new workplace. It is essential reading for any talent practitioner." - David G. Collings, Professor of HRM, Dublin City University Business School, Ireland.

"What is in a word? The authors highlight the assumptions we make and prescriptions we follow when managing talent. They use the metaphor of talent liberation to show us how to link improvements in our practice to a challenging business context. This is the book for those who accept the need for critical thinking but are also looking for positive and practical ways forward." - Paul Sparrow, Emeritus Professor of International HRM, Lancaster University Management School, UK.

"Peoples’ talents and learning flourish when liberated and, like the genie, they refuse to be put back in the bottle." – Dr Peter Honey, Occupational Psychologist & Management Trainer, UK.

This guide to ‘talent liberation’ is a fluent and nicely thought-provoking read, with a practical tone and a clear structure. It usefully pulls together a set of ideas that reflective practitioners have been moving towards, challenging the often lazy ‘war for talent’ rhetoric. The over-emphasis on formal HR procedures is called out and counter-balanced by advice for leaders on how to grow their teams. Useful models make the crucial links between talent management and workforce planning on the one hand and how individuals develop their own careers on the other." - Wendy Hirsh, Principal Associate, Institute for Employment Studies, UK.

"This book offers a critical analysis of talent management. Adopting the metaphor of talent liberation, the authors offer a path forward for talent management better fitted to projected trends concerning the future of work. I found the use of cases and the explicit identification of practical implications for HR departments, leaders, and individual employees especially useful. In addition, the book sets out to help bridge the scientist-practitioner gap in talent management, another issue that is hindering the field from progressing forward. I applaud any and all effort to approach this topic area from a critical and bridging perspective, as this book does so well." — Nicky Dries, Research Professor of Organizational Behavior, KU Leuven & BI Norwegian Business School, Norway.

"The authors have done a remarkable job summarizing and extending ideas around talent liberation. Beyond simple solutions, they offer unique and relevant ways to liberate the skills and energy of people in organizations. They help leaders move beyond idealistic calls for talent to specific actions to get the most out of talent." - Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor, Ross School of Business, University of MichiganPartner, USA.

"Whilst carefully grounded in the literature, this is very much a practical book, offering useable tools and examples, based in part on the authors’ research and consulting work with clients. There is no simple "best practice" model on offer; instead the authors guide us through a set of questions designed to help develop a "talent liberation" approach appropriate to the context, strategy and culture of the organization. Specific guidance is also provided to help HR, leaders, and individuals themselves liberate talent. Engaging and useful, this book is a must have for those involved in the practice of talent management." - Ed Snape, Dean & Chair Professor in Management, School of Business, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong.

"Steeped in significant research, thought leadership and current practical examples, From Talent Management to Talent Liberation provides new direction for understanding how we unleash talent for our age. These highly qualified authors propose a flexible 5-part framework, sets of questions, and tools that help you, your leaders, and your organization craft your best opportunities for uncovering and encouraging talent to thrive in today’s complex work environment. This is a breakthrough approach to the most important aspects of maximizing talent." - Wendy Axelrod, PhD, Executive Coach and Mentor, USA.