It’s the classic HR paradox: Good employees leave when they
don’t get formal training; employers won’t invest in formal training
because they’re faced with turnover.
As supply-chain managers, we’re all too familiar with the
dynamics of the push-pull relationship. We’ve studied its theories and applied
it to marketing strategies. But how many of us recognize its presence in the
recruiting sphere?
HR managers are constantly pushing new opportunities out
there, working to pull the most qualified people to businesses. But, as any good distributor knows, you
have to create demand.
A recent
report in the Harvard Business Review
found the job search never ends for most so-called young, “high achievers” – the
people you need for future leadership.
In fact, 75 percent of these folks reported participating in job
interviews, sending out resumes and contacting search firms at least once in
their first year of employment.
What does “demand” look like for these potential candidates?
Researchers told the HBR it looks a
lot like formal development with training, mentoring, coaching, combined with on-the-job
development and access to “big opportunities.”
Nearly 100 emerging industry leaders had the chance to
experience much of that more formal development at last week’s 2012 NAED LEAD
Conference. Attendance for this event jumped 115 percent from last year, and I
think that speaks volumes about what up-and-coming leaders are looking in
professional career development.
It also says a lot about the 54 member companies that
invested in their employees by sending them to the conference. Clearly, as the
channel focuses on recruiting and retaining talent, many are starting to
recognize the importance and value of training, mentoring and coaching.
I’ve heard many members express deep concerns about the need
to strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline. Managers discussed this in great
detail during the LEAD Conference, and HR professionals will be sharing their
perspectives at September’s HR & Training
Conference. It’s also going to be a big topic at our regional
meetings.
Collaboration often drives the best solutions into being,
and I’m sure that’s how we’ll arrive at an answer to our industry’s recruiting
challenges. But getting there depends on you. Share your ideas with NAED, take
advantage of our training resources
and sign up for one of our events.
The more perspectives in the room, the better.