Connecting the Dots: 5 Keys for HR Leaders to Create a Powerful Talent Enablement Strategy

What does it mean to enable organizational talent? 

“Enable” as defined by Merriam – Webster means “to provide with the means or opportunity.” There has been a substantial amount of research to signal that when employers provide meaningful opportunities, it leads to a higher sense of fulfilment in the workplace. In an environment where there is still an ongoing war for talent, there is a pressing need to attract, hire, engage, develop, and enable a dynamic workforce.  

Functionally before “Talent Enablement” there was “Talent Management.” As HR (Human Resources) leaders began to forecast for future needs a few years ago, the shift from management to enablement became a distinctive focus. The future of work requires advanced skill/capability development and connectivity to relevant emerging technologies. To create the optimal conditions for success, it is essential to develop an enablement plan that provides the “means” for employees to deliver their best work. Listed below are 5 specific keys that are necessary to create a powerful talent enablement strategy that will accelerate the impact of the collective workforce and yield desired business results. 

See the keys below for additional information: 

1. Assess the Landscape to Understand Critical Needs  
2. Gather Perspectives to Prioritize Projects and Ensure Readiness 
3. Engage Talent to Learn, Co-Design, and Inspire Passion 
4. Equip Talent to Effectively Leverage Insights and Organizational Talent Tools 
5. Enable Talent to do THEIR Best Possible Work” 

Assess the Landscape to Understand Critical Needs: 

To assess the landscape of the organization, HR leaders should conduct a comprehensive analysis of the organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). This will help identify the critical needs, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Additionally, HR leaders should analyze the organization's workforce demographics, including employee turnover rates, retention rates, and employee engagement levels. This information will help inform the talent enablement strategy and ensure that it meets the organization's unique needs. 

Gather Perspectives to Prioritize Projects and Ensure Readiness: 

Gathering perspectives from various stakeholders within the organization is critical to prioritizing projects and ensuring readiness. HR leaders should consider using employee engagement surveys, focus groups, and interviews to gather feedback from employees, managers, and HR leaders. This information will help HR leaders prioritize projects that align with the organization's overall goals and ensure that the organization is ready to implement the talent enablement strategy. 

Engage Talent to Learn, Co-Design, and Inspire Passion: 

Engaging talent in the talent enablement strategy development process is critical to ensuring that the strategy meets their needs and inspires passion for growth and development. HR leaders should involve employees in co-designing the strategy and provide them with opportunities to learn and provide input. This approach will help employees feel valued and motivated to contribute to the organization's success. 

Equip Talent to Effectively Leverage Insights and Organizational Talent Tools: 

To effectively leverage insights and organizational talent tools, HR leaders should provide employees with access to talent tools, training programs, coaching, and mentoring. This will help employees acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles and contribute to the organization's success. Additionally, HR leaders should ensure that employees have access to the latest technology and tools to maximize their performance. 

Enable Talent to do THEIR Best Possible Work: 

Enabling employees to do their best work requires creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters growth and development. HR leaders should recognize and reward employees for their achievements, provide opportunities for career advancement, and create a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This approach will help employees feel valued and motivated to contribute to the organization's success. 

Conclusion: 

A powerful talent enablement strategy is critical for organizations to attract, engage, and retain top talent. By assessing the landscape, gathering perspectives, engaging talent, equipping talent, and enabling talent, HR leaders can create a targeted talent strategy that accelerates the impact of the collective workforce and yields desired business results. This approach requires a commitment to continuous learning and improvement and a willingness to invest in employees' growth and development. By doing so, organizations can create a culture of innovation and excellence that drives success in today's competitive business environment.