Editor's comment

18-Mar-2009 | By DeeDee Doke

The rules of the game are changing. Generation Y-ers no longer call the shots in the workplace. Performance management is being picked up on as a useful tool, instead of pure inconvenience. Line managers are finally being recognised as resources which must be developed to bring about great recruitment and effective retention. Colin Tenwick, chief executive of StepStone, puts such phenomena under the heading of ‘the Cold War for talent’ — and it’s an apt description; the combat tactics are more subtle.

At the same time, a stream of recruiters are beginning to refer to themselves as talent management specialists. Adecco chief executive Dieter Scheiff talks about recruiters as lifetime career consultants.

For recruiters to see themselves in such consultative roles, backing up the promise with expertise and care, is a
step forward. This requires looking at an employer’s needs in a much more holistic way than the one-off placement
involves.

The prospect of entering an enlightened age of recruitment is a ray of light on what is a rather dark horizon at the moment.

DeeDee Doke
Editor