The HIGHER Ground: December 2024
HIGHER Community
Welcome to ‘the hive mind’ of global talent acquisition with over 12,000 community members
Welcome to The HIGHER Ground, your exclusive newsletter designed to provide talent acquisition professionals, executives, and leaders with the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of talent.
What’s The HIGHER Ground all about?
At The HIGHER Ground, we aim to bring together the best of thought leadership, practical strategies, and community-driven wisdom. Whether you’re leading talent teams or driving company-wide initiatives, this newsletter is your go-to source for staying informed and inspired.
Who is HIGHER?
The HIGHER Community is built by the best in TA across the globe. Our members share best practices, make new connections, and plug into the ever-changing world of global TA. It’s a space where the brightest minds in recruitment and leadership come together to share experiences, advice, and strategies to make better hires, build stronger teams, and drive organizational success.
What can you expect from The HIGHER Ground?
Every edition will feature carefully curated content that includes:
If you're committed to building the best teams, staying ahead of the curve in talent strategy, and connecting with a like-minded community of professionals, The HIGHER Ground is for you. This is more than just a newsletter; it’s your personal resource for inspiration, action, and growth in the world of talent.
Subscribe today and let The HIGHER Ground be your trusted guide on the journey to better hires, better teams, and a better future.
Let’s climb higher together.
🎯 The Pulse
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the key trends and challenges shaping talent acquisition in 2024. From the ongoing talent shortage to the rapid adoption of AI in recruitment, there’s plenty to digest.
Each month, we’ll be bringing you the latest insights and resources to help you stay ahead of the curve. Things are moving fast in the talent space, and we’ve handpicked some of the most crucial topics for you to keep an eye on. Plus, we’ve curated fantastic resources to help you dive even deeper into these trends and adapt your strategy for success. 👇
🦾 AI - friend or foe in recruitment?
AI is continuing to reshape the recruitment process. A staggering 76% of recruiters say AI has made their work more strategic by handling repetitive tasks like screening and scheduling
But, despite all the benefits, AI is only a tool – and human input is still crucial when it comes to making the final hiring decisions.
If you’re curious about the role AI will play in the future of hiring, we’d highly recommend this TED Talk on AI and the Future of Work, which breaks down how AI can streamline the process without losing the human touch. Or, for a more recruiter-focused take, don’t miss this article from Talentful , diving into the nuts and bolts of AI in recruitment.
⛰️ Skills-based hiring, the new frontier
More and more companies are shifting to skills-based hiring – focusing on what candidates can actually do rather than where they went to school or their past job titles. As businesses look for specialists in high-demand areas like generative AI and cybersecurity, this trend is becoming more common, with job postings now highlighting specific technical and leadership skills
Want to learn more about how this is playing out? Watch this webinar by BrightHire where Alice Glen , Amy Dearking , Abby Hamilton , Besik Mikhelashvili and host Theodore Chestnut discuss why hiring for skills is essential to closing the talent gap and how to get it right.
👐 Empathy in leadership: it’s time to lean in
The big leadership trend of 2024? Empathy. Employees want leaders who truly understand their challenges, especially as work environments continue to evolve with hybrid and remote models. A focus on empathy isn’t just nice to have; it’s a key part of fostering strong company culture and employee engagement
If you're looking for ways to build empathy into your leadership style, we’d recommend checking out this TED Talk on the power of empathetic leadership. It’s a great reminder that leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about understanding and supporting your team. And for more real-world leadership tips, this episode of Hiring on All Cylinders covers how empathy can transform your approach to leading talent.
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Introducing the Talent100: The Future of Talent Acquisition Leadership
Just incase you somehow missed it. Last month, HIGHER Community officially launched the Talent100, and what a moment it’s was for the entire talent acquisition community! After months of planning, collaboration, and excitement – we couldn’t be more proud. From the engaging events that led up to this launch to the thought-provoking discussions with leaders in the space, the journey to this moment has been nothing short of incredible.
What’s Inside the Talent100? This isn’t just another list – it’s a powerful recognition of the top 100 global leaders who are redefining talent acquisition, shaping the future of hiring, and driving innovation in their organizations. The Talent100 goes beyond simply naming the leaders; it’s a celebration of the ideas, strategies, and impact these professionals are having on the talent landscape.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find inside:
But here’s the question I know you’re asking: Why should you read the Talent100? It’s about more than just being in the know. It’s about learning from the best, uncovering actionable insights, and understanding how the future of talent acquisition is being shaped – right now. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, fresh strategies, or ways to future-proof your hiring practices, the Talent100 has something for you.
Click here to get exclusive access to the Talent100 and stay ahead of the curve in the world of talent acquisition.
Join the HIGHER Community – Where TA Leaders Thrive Together!
As a TA executive or leader, you know the challenges of the role. The journey to leadership can sometimes feel isolating, and finding the right resources and connections to support your growth isn’t always easy. That’s exactly why the HIGHER community exists – to give you a place to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded peers who truly understand the journey.
By joining the HIGHER community, you’ll unlock:
🌍 Global Networking – Join a thriving community of over 10,000 TA execs and leaders from around the world on Slack. Whether you're seeking advice, sharing insights, or building new connections, you’ll be part of an active, global network that understands the unique challenges and opportunities in talent acquisition.
🚀 Personal Branding & Visibility – Get the tools and insights to elevate your personal brand and gain more visibility in the industry. Stand out and become a trusted voice in talent acquisition.
🎓 Tailored Career Support – Access exclusive education programs designed specifically for TA leaders. Whether you’re looking to level up your leadership skills or stay ahead of industry trends, we’ve got you covered.
💡 Collaborative Knowledge Sharing – Engage in meaningful conversations with a community that’s all about learning and sharing insights. Benefit from crowdsourced knowledge and expert advice on everything from recruitment tech to leadership challenges.
Local Chapters & Events in Your City – HIGHER isn’t just a global network – it’s also local. With dedicated chapters in major cities around the world, you’ll have access to exclusive in-person events, networking opportunities, and leadership development sessions right in your own area. These chapters provide a chance to meet other TA leaders face-to-face, discuss local industry trends, and collaborate on the challenges that are most relevant to your market. It’s a great way to expand your professional circle and connect with peers who understand the nuances of your region.
If you’re ready to join a supportive, vibrant community of TA leaders, we’d love to welcome you! Become part of the HIGHER Community today and start connecting with the people who get it.
This is just the beginning, and we’ve got so much more in store. Let’s climb higher together.