Organisations are poor at both development of people and using ‘people practices’. The following table outlines a sample from McKinsey’s ‘War for Talent’ study across 77 organisations and nearly 6,000 people.

Percentage of respondents who said “Yes” to these statements:

We development people effectively 3%

We hold line mangers accountable for their people 7%

We retain good people 10%

We use job assignments as a key development lever 10%

We know who our key performers are 16%

We attract highly talented people 23%

Our mentoring is good 25%

HR is a partner 27%

We’re good at coaching and feedback 30%

HR should be a partner in growing the talent pool 78%

Source: McKinsey & Company In, 1998, ‘Winning the War For Talent’, p67 Top 200 survey.