Yes, the name sounds impressive, but the definition of talent mapping remains fuzzy. What does this buzzword really mean?
Talent mapping is about mapping the skills of a company’s employees. “It’s a way of better targeting the key people within an organization in order to capitalize on everyone’s know-how and added value,” sums up Carole Théot, advisor for Vézina Nadeau Labre. Talent mapping is therefore a method of valuing and managing internal talent.
Technical skills, personal qualities, engagement vs the company and performance: four main key factors are used to “map” a person’s talents. Specifically, this means that employers will seek to better know each of their workers. Do they have the technical skills required for the position they hold? What are their character traits? Are they leaders? Proactive? Organized? Do they get involved in company activities? Do they adhere to its values? Are they productive?
These factors are assessed using various data collection tools, such as the well-known 360-degree test in which employees assess each other, skills reports and performance indicators. The results are then centralized and analyzed using dedicated mapping system software and computer matrices. The resulting talent map measures the employee’s potential. A personal development plan can then be set up to improve weaknesses and further the person’s career.
“The results will, for example, identify people who have potential but who do not perform accordingly because their skills are not properly harnessed,” explains Carole Théot. “Today, the general trend is to manage talents: we try to build on existing strengths and to promote them. Employers have understood that it is no good to try to completely change an employee. A better strategy is to focus on the person’s strengths.“
A few calls to active players in the field are enough conclude that the term “talent mapping” is still not much used in Canada but that in practice, an increasing number of employers are implementing talent mapping systems.
While DNA mapped the human genome, talent mapping, for its part, maps a company’s genes: its employees!