I like to get new inspiration from blockbuster film and comic and apply it to my teaching. One of my favourites is Star Wars. There are various management lessons that can be taught based on this film. Today, we shall explore Talent Management! - This is the story of how a Jedi, Anakin Skywalker joined the Dark Side and turned into Darth Vader.
Anakin Skywalker (Before he became Darth Vader) was deemed too young to lead an army or to voice his opinions, hence he was sidelined by the more elderly Jedi Council (Like a council of elders). However, Emperor Palpatine is the only leader who would listen to his views and gave him respect.
The Emperor then gave Anakin a lot of promises where if he had switched to the Dark Side of the Force, he would be granted the Empire's fleets to command, thus seeing empowerment and expectancy as drivers to motivate Anakin. The Emperor educated him in the Dark Ways of the Force, listened to him and had promised him that he would be made the 'Supreme Commander' of the Empire. Most importantly, The Emperor kept his promise.
As a result, Anakin became Darth Vader. A talented young Jedi Knight who failed to be recognized and retained by the Jedi Council.
If applied to a business organisation today, we should learn how to identify the talents, recognize and groom them - talent development. Perhaps a simple model like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs could explain the basis of motivation in attracting and retain good talents. However, in reality, how many organisation (the management) is able to recognize and retain talents? what have they done? Even the great Jedi Master failed to retain Anakin, a young talented apprentice because of fear over prophecy.
To all the Managers out there, manage your talent well before they leave you and join your competitors - From A New Hope to The Empire Strike Back! Do not fear the talents as they will help you and your business to grow.
To some extent, at least the bad guys are more open to talents with skills that are lacking in themselves. I am not saying that joining the dark side or becoming bad guys are better but they are really good at giving opportunities to talents, fast track training and development, empowerment, and motivation. Just like in Star Wars, their talent management initiatives are very well executed.
What say you?
