Top team talent reviews appear deceptively simple. After all, there are plenty of plug-and-play models to choose from. Who doesn’t know the classic 9-box? How hard can it be to plot performance against business objectives? Don’t we all already agree on what “good” looks like?
But the reality? This is far more complicated than it seems.
The Complexity of Doing it Right
Management team reviews done right are actually very difficult, and when underestimated, are fraught with risks:
- Failing to define what ‘good’ performance actually looks like. A “one-size fits all” model is a pipe dream. Until we define what truly matters (and agree on the “what” and the “how” of what’s important), no model – no matter how popular or established – will support useful results.
- Casting an incomplete net when identifying critical stakeholders. While board perspective is important, it’s not the only view that matters. Effective reviews demand a holistic view and input from those who are close enough to see at least some of the day-to-day.
- Gathering data inefficiently. Getting the right data from the right stakeholders takes planning and thought. It also requires a scalable means for collection and calibration, as well as the time and tenacity to dig below the surface for insightful information.
- Replacing objectivity with hunches and whims. Talent reviews aren’t immune from personal bias. It’s human nature to defend or protect when one’s own hire or mentee is on the line. Mechanisms that enable stepping back from individual allegiances to see the bigger picture are critical.
- Leaving the data sitting on a shelf. Once the data are captured, the real work begins. Get the right stakeholders in the room – at the right cadence – to make the difficult decisions and follow up to ensure they are executed.
Top Team Talent Reviews: Why Now?
Talent matters. And in a world of longer hold periods and tougher exits, talent that can create value matters more than ever. A well-executed talent review can be the game-changer that transforms portco leadership teams and drives lasting impact.
