Losing Hidden Talent: The Unquantifiable Impact Of Lost Talent In The Public Sector

Lost talent means not only the financial costs of replacement, but also the loss of networks, experience and inter-team relationships. As the public sector faces a flood of budget cuts, what can be done to mitigate the impact of the inevitable loss of talent?

If restructuring is to take place, managers should remember that retaining top talent could mean concentrating efforts away from the boardroom.

Lesley Uren, Chief Executive of Jackson Samuel, points out how the emphasis on ‘emerging leaders’ has meant that other equally valid talent is being ignored. “If people have to go, you’re better off losing your leaders,” she suggests controversially. “People that are uniquely skilled are often where your competitive advantage lies, and around which your strategy is based. Lose people from research and development, who chose to work for you and have the technical expertise in their head, and it will make more of an impact.”

The full article was originally published within The Grapevine – August 2010.