Unlocking The Untapped: Cultivating A Workforce For Organisational Success
Organizations bear the responsibility of identifying and nurturing the diverse talents of their workforce
Over the past decade, there has been a substantial 85 per cent increase in the migration of highly skilled Indians to the US, a trend highlighted by the significant presence of Indian professionals in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. This movement is further evidenced by the 881,254 Indians who have renounced their citizenship since 2015, with a daily average of 345 departures over the last seven years, leading to 13,383,718 Indians living abroad. This phenomenon underscores the challenge India faces in retaining its talent due to insufficient opportunities, recognition, and appreciation within the country. (Data: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Ministry of Home Affairs)
Talent migration and success
For instance, after unsuccessful attempts to secure relevant opportunities in India, a media management graduate from a prestigious UK university found significant success abroad, illustrating the critical need for organizations to cultivate an environment that values and utilizes the diverse skills of their workforce. This narrative reflects the broader issue of talent migration and the imperative for both countries and organizations to foster conditions that enable every individual to thrive and contribute effectively.
Nurturing talent and recognising insecurities
Organizations bear the responsibility of identifying and nurturing the diverse talents of their workforce. Very often, visibility and recognition are skewed towards those adept at self-promotion, overshadowing equally or more talented individuals who may require different approaches to showcase their abilities. This scenario is akin to gardening, where each plant has unique needs for sunlight, water, and shade; similarly, employees flourish under varied conditions. A significant barrier to talent development is the insecurity some team leaders feel when faced with subordinates who may surpass their abilities. This can lead to situations where promising individuals are not given opportunities to shine, or worse, are actively side lined. In extreme cases, such insecurities can drive talented individuals away from the organization.
The importance of utilising various skills constructively
The tale of a video editor who only after two decades found an opportunity to fully utilize his skills highlights another aspect of this issue: the often prolonged journey to finding a role that matches one’s potential. This narrative raises important questions about the role of organizational environments in facilitating or hindering the discovery and application of employee potential.
Finding and nurturing the hidden gems within your organization—those capable but perhaps shy or less visible employees or those who can’t speak in a particular language fluently —requires a proactive and inclusive approach. These individuals often possess untapped potential that can significantly contribute to your organization's success when properly recognized and developed.
Unlocking potential to gain positive results
When capable but silent workers feel underappreciated, it can indeed affect their performance and overall job satisfaction. Recognition plays a crucial role in employee motivation, engagement, and retention, especially for those who may not actively seek out acknowledgment but deeply value it. Creating an environment, where every employee has the opportunity to reveal and utilize their full potential is paramount. The question of responsibility for nurturing such an environment is central to this discussion. A workplace that encourages growth, recognizes diverse talents, and offers equitable opportunities for advancement not only benefits the individual employees but also strengthens the organization as a whole.
Encouraging a supportive workplace culture
Drawing inspiration from practices in Japanese schools, where competition is coupled with mutual respect and encouragement, could offer valuable lessons for fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. In conclusion, the real challenge lies not in the absence of potential within the workforce but in the prevailing organizational cultures that fail to recognize and cultivate this potential equitably. By evaluating once more to show how talent is identified, supported, and rewarded, organizations can unlock the full capabilities of their employees, leading to mutual growth and success. Buddhism teaches that every individual holds within them unlimited potential, likened to hidden gems awaiting discovery.
About the Author -
A seasoned journalist and the founder of the Human Revolution Foundation
