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Vaya furthers White Paper series The Components of Talent Optimization

July 09, 2012

Company research shows that customized, peer-to-peer development programs foster higher levels of employee engagement than traditional methods

CHICAGO – July 10, 2012–Although annual performance reviews are common occurrences within companies, they are not necessarily the most effective means of employee engagement and retention, according to experts from The Vaya Group. During one-hour interviews with human resources (HR) and talent management executives, consultants from The Vaya Group discovered that customized programs involving regular, close interaction with peers and senior executives are more effective strategies for fostering employee engagement than traditional development methods.

To conduct the research, consultants from The Vaya Group interviewed 28 executives from Fortune 1000 companies across a variety of industries, including food service, pharmacy, Information Technology (IT), manufacturing and healthcare. Of the 28 respondents, 24 were HR and talent management executives and four were executive line leaders. Although interviewees were asked about a number of topics, including how to align talent management initiatives with key business priorities, they all identified high potential employee development as a recurring trend, pain point and future need.

“Amid the post-recession economy, as more companies prioritize high potential development, we wanted to find out what types of programs regularly motivate and excite employees,” said Dr. Paul Eccher, Ph.D., author and co-founder and principal of The Vaya Group. “Based on the feedback we received, the most effective programs are those that are individualized and personable, allowing high potential employees the chance to connect with peers and managers.”

According to respondents, four of the most effective development methods include:

  1. Peer-to-Peer Mentoring – The learning that comes from interacting with others and having a “network of mentors” instead of one primary mentor-protégé.

  2. 360° Evaluations – Customized, multi-rater instruments provide high-potential employees with valuable feedback about his or her leadership behaviors and skills. This allows employees to establish clear goals for self-improvement.

  3. Company Networking Events – Outside events and networking opportunities give high potentials the chance to connect with peers and senior leaders beyond the “day job.”

  4. Prestigious Learning and Development Programs– Well-designed, robust development programs and events give high-potential employees the chance to learn new skills, work on real business projects and interact with professionals they may not have developed connections with before.

“Our interviews revealed that many companies use talent development models that are outdated or in need of a fresh approach,” said Dave Ross, co-founder and principal of The Vaya Group. “To truly engage their top talent, it’s critical that business leaders maintain talent development programs that are customized, interactive and valuable to the employee.”

For information on The Vaya Group’s approach to developing high potential talent, call (630) 844-5670 or visit www.vayapath.com.

 

About The Vaya Group:

The Vaya Group is a boutique talent management consultancy that applies science and precision to the art of talent assessment and development. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Paul Eccher and Dave Ross, The Vaya Group works closely with clients to understand their business operations, deliver sage advice and provide tailored, quality solutions that improve productivity and profitability. Driven by their passion for helping business leaders and organizations achieve the behavioral, cultural and leadership changes necessary for talent sustainability, The Vaya Group’s team of close-knit consultants operate as an extension of their clients’ business. In August 2011, The Vaya Group was nominated to Inc. magazine’s annual list of the 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. For more information, visit www.vayapath.com. 

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