The talent myth: are smart people overrated?

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell argues that the hiring of talented people and allowing them uncontrolled freedom can be counter-productive for a company.

The Talent Myth

Are smart people overrated?

Malcolm GladwellThe New Yorker

 

Five years ago, several executives at McKinsey & Co., America's largest and most prestigious management consulting firm, launched what they called the 'war for talent'. Thousands of questionnaires were sent to managers across the country. Eighteen companies were singled out for special attention, and the consultants spent up to three days at each firm, interviewing everyone from the CEO down to the human resources staff. McKinsey wanted to document how the top-performing companies in America differed from other firms in the way they handled matters such as...

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