Were the Beatles talents? There is no doubt that they revolutionized the history of music, despite being regularly rejected in the selections. Revolutionary, yet too conventional, they lost in the presence of those who “played the harp with their teeth”. But today who are the «our Beatles»? How could we find them without wasting their talent unnecessarily. Companies seem to be in the trenches: they are jostling to steal the best brains. But will all this (expensive) process ever be as successful as hoped?
In the latest report, the consultancy firm McKinsey releases a precise identikit: new talents must have social and emotional skills to catalyze entrepreneurship, leadership and people management skills. Plus, cognitive skills, such as creativity. The ability to adapt by abandoning repetitive tasks to machines (welcome, in this sense, artificial intelligence).
Unbridled competition
Above all, before describing a trend, it is worth pointing out that competition in the job market is becoming increasingly fierce. And the difference between one candidate and another now depends on the detail. On the ripple of voice at the interview, not necessarily a weak point because it denotes spontaneity. On experiences abroad. On the ability to know how to talk about oneself without falling into the artefact.
How headhunters think
A headhunter of high managerial profiles of the Egon Zehnder company (whom we remain anonymous for reasons of professional confidentiality) says he has just selected a CEO for his travels as a boy. He backpacked, often alone, to intercontinental destinations while he took his first steps at work.
Soft skills
«From it I gained, against the light, ambition, mental solidity, determination in achieving goals goals, decisiveness, lateral thinkinga certain amount of courage: the perfect candidate at the helm of a large company». These choices are no longer unusual. And they affect all roles, functions and selection processes.
