The 15th annual PricewaterhouseCoopers' annual Global CEO survey revealed that 50% of CEOs indicated recruiting and retaining high potential middle managers" was their chief "talent" challenge.  Considering the drastic economic, technological, and cultural disruption evolving before our eyes, having the talent to adapt and lead organizations into the future is a critical component to any organization who wants to thrive where other institutions struggle.  

CEOs were very specific when indicating their talent constraint issues.  Some of the highlights from page 20 of the hyperlinked report are as follows:

• 31 percent "weren't able to innovate effectively"
• 29 percent "were unable to pursue a market opportunity"
• 24 percent "cancelled or delayed a key strategic initiative"

Employee development doesn't happen when organizations "hope" or wish it to manifest; it happens when organizations make employee development a major part of their strategic objectives.  Institutions who figure out that nurturing a knowledgeable, highly adaptable talent culture is the key to making flexibility and organizational agility competitive advantages in the marketplace will lead the future.