Peter Cappelli (George Taylor Professor, Wharton School of Business) is my favorite contrarian (John S. is a close second) and I expect his current tome, Talent on Demand- Managing in the Age of Uncertainty (2008, Harvard Business), to be as well developed as his other books and articles.

 

For more than a decade, I've enjoyed his talks illuminating the history of recruiting, presenting evidence that there will never be a talent shortage, bashing MBAs as anachronistic and now pushing the notion that Succession Planning is a Waste of Time (in a scheduled November 13 talk at Wharton - check out Wayne Tarken's site for tickets WTarken@CEOGrowthClub.com if you are interested. I am unfortunately traveling or I would be there.). Peter always delivers a solid case for his arguments although they never turn out to be the same as his controversial titles originally suggest.

 

I've never been a fan of traditional succession planning but, innovative and more transparent approaches do have, in my estimation, an extraordinary impact on retention so I'm looking forward to reading Peter's point of view.

 

Staffing leaders absolutely must be current on issues around succession. Access and input...client by client is essential. Analysis of gaps, alignment to business plans and investment in pipelines are essential outgrowths.