Are you ready for the big dance?

Think professional team sports - football, basketball, netball, cricket - take your pick. Essentially, every team within their given competition all have the same goal – to win that competition. However, the push to win the trophy starts long before the grand final is even played.

But what does it take to win the premiership? Well it’s not the fancy uniforms, the footy boots, the latest and greatest cricket bat or the Powerade that wins the premiership, it’s the talent.

In the professional sporting world, recruitment and succession planning never stops - it’s a fundamental part of success now and into the future. In fact, it’s considered the single most important function of their business.

Simply put, having the right people in the right positions is the key to success.

The same is true in business. However, all too often I see leaders fail to make their organisational structure, recruitment and talent succession an operational priority.

There is a lot to be learned from professional sports recruitment that will help us win in business. Namely we must have a strategic recruitment and talent plan to ensure we have the best talent.

Ask yourself, have you identified the key positions (and players) to achieve success in your business? What key position is really going to make the biggest impact on your business right now? Then prioritise recruitment based on those needs. Once you know what you need, the question becomes who are the key players that can fill those positions.

Also don’t forget, to attract the best you must have a great team and a chance to win. Your business needs to be attractive to the talent you wish to attract. Do you have an Employee Value Proposition (EVP)? Have you established why the top talent would want to join your business? If not, spend some time in developing what it is that sets you apart from your competition.

Remember, to win the big dance you need the best talent - pure and simple. Make recruitment and talent succession a priority in your business and watch your business climb the ladder of success!

Simon Power - National Talent and Leadership Manager