“A world of rampant inequality and insufficient opportunity is, among other things, a world failing to recognize and mobilize talent.”
The science of job interviews and pursuing talent is probably an under-represented part of literature, and "Talent" goes about trying to fill some of that gap.
Tyler Cowen and Daniel Gross take an analytical approach to discussing the topic of identifying corporate game-changers. The work -- which is subtitled "How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World" -- includes some fascinating discussion of credentialism, fallibilism, and adhesiveness, leaning hard on the existing research.
“Status-seekers focus on maximizing attention from the perceived elite. Idea-seekers, on the other hand, want to advance knowledge and stimulate curiosity, speaking to the entire room and holding the attention of the group.”
Some of the references to role models have not aged well and the book felt like it lost some focus toward the end (there was a disturbing amount of time spent on scouting supermodels). And while some may be put off by attempts to quantify human beings and the VC mentality, the authors make no qualms about the intent of the book.
“When it comes to team leadership, there is a lot to be said for independent-thinking contrarians who are tough but also fine diplomats when that is called for.”
The ability to pinpoint, court, and sway talent is an essential component of any successful company. "Talent" is a worthy read for those invested in this element of team building.
“The key point here is that the best interviews are not formal interviews at all. We’re sure you can think of other creative ways to take the candidate out of interview mode and into their everyday self. This is important, because the everyday self is what you’ll get if you hire them.”
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