New rules in retaining talent

KUALA LUMPUR: Winning and retaining talent are not impossible feats but they require proper development and engagement between employers and employees, experts at a seminar here say.

Speakers at the myStarjob seminar “Closing the Talent Gap: The New Rules of Engagement” stressed on the need for talent development, career awareness as well as for employers and employees to engage with one another and for one to have a secure base at work.

Author, psychologist and International Institute for Management Development professor George Kohlrieser said talent development was critical as it was where the future lay.

Working together: (From left) Kohlrieser, Hamidah, Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and CEO Ho Kay Tat, Star Publications (M) Bhd executive deputy chairman Datuk Vincent Lee and Johan visiting a booth at the launching of myStarjob at the One World Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. “It is important to take risks and not be afraid to make mistakes. The best talent development is teaching people how to play to win'. Some 80% of people play not to lose, which is too defensive. Many people are afraid to step out of the box,” he added.

Employees, he said, needed inspiring leaders who could strike a balance between caring and encouraging them to take risks to help them develop further.

He also said it was important to explore one's potential at work and be willing to obtain feedback and criticism.

Talent Corporation (M) Bhd chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican stressed on the need for career awareness and to build the right path in one's work journey.

Using a Star Wars illustration to explain his point, he said being the “Jedi Master” would require experience, coaching and training, things that were not impossible to achieve.

“Assessments need to be done to measure one's performance and potential. Potential also needs to be restored if mistakes are made. Focus on lessons learnt rather than punishment,” he said, adding that employers should provide training to their staff to improve their skills and performance.

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd's group corporate resources head Hamidah Naziadin said one could help retain talent by driving a high performance culture, including introducing a performance management system and providing better opportunities for growth and training.

“Communication, including by the top management, is also an important engagement key. Employee engagement is important as they need to know that we are here to help them,” she said.