IT Talent Management - You still need to get the job done

Over the past six months a lot has changed. You have less budget. You have less contractors and consultants to help you. Your organisation has reduced or stopped recruitment activity. But one thing has stayed the same - you still need to get the job done. I spoke with Steve Brown, Equinox’s Talent Manager, about developing your people to get the job done in the current business environment.

Brendon: Firstly, can you briefly explain IT Talent Management?

Steve: Essentially, IT Talent Management is about engaging with your people, understanding their career aspirations, appreciating their capabilities, and allocating people to work that adds most value to the business and is rewarding for the individual. Done well, IT Talent Management contributes significantly to business performance. IT Talent management recognises that people are critical to business success. It focuses on people, relationships, and the interactions that create value and therefore success for both the individuals and the business.

Brendon: With the current business environment, what are the important considerations for managing your IT Talent?

Steve: Building a highly capable team is a long term investment and long term trends have not changed with the current business environment. There is still a talent shortage and when the market recovers and organisations once again look to grow, skilled IT Talent will still be in short supply. So attraction and retention remains the new currency of successful organisations. Those organisations that retain and nurture their talent will be well positioned when the economy picks up as it must.

Brendon: Why do you think that some organisations are continuing to invest in training during these challenging times?

Steve: You still need to get the job done. You still need good people with the required skills. Now more than ever you need to develop your people to do more with less. Now, when business activity is relatively low, is precisely the right time to upskill your talent. In addition those organisations that continue to provide training during the difficult times are going to continue to attract and retain talent.