Shape Your Workforce for Strategic Success, 2nd Edition (HBR Article Collection)

How to craft a workforce that can execute your strategy? First recruit potential stars--those with the talents most essential to your firm's success. Grow their skills through training and mentoring. And secure their loyalty by inviting them to express their individual personalities and work styles. When your stars start shining, put them in your "A positions"--the jobs most essential to execution of your strategy--and reward them handsomely. Also help B players in A jobs elevate their performance to A levels. Finally, give performers in A positions power to implement your strategy. For instance, Nestle reformulates products to satisfy regional tastes. So it grants local business managers extensive control over resources needed to customize products. By attracting, developing, and empowering star performers, you ensure that the right people, with the right skills, are in the right positions to steer your company to success.