Emphasizing the need to "monetize creativity", Jeff discusses methods to maintain the productive levels of creative tension that are required to build highly innovative, engaging, and fun electronic games and applications. Get a sneak peak of how one company is seeking to redefine talent management.

In this episode, Steve pays thanks to all his colleagues at SuccessFactors dedicated to the mission of increasing workforce productivity, the fantastic guests who have appeared on the show, and most importantly, you the listeners who are the reason we do this show at all.

Jim explains why SuccessFactors decided to give this tool away for free. He discusses why SuccessFactors believes there is value in helping managers maximize the performance of their teams without requiring their organization to purchase the SuccessFactors system.

Operating under extreme financial pressure, Nissan has developed highly innovative methods to build talent through engaging employees at both a rational and emotional level. By rethinking what performance management should be, Nissan has increased productivity without increasing talent management costs.

Tess shares techniques CDW uses to develop mentoring relationships between these relatively new employees and more tenured company experts. She also discusses some of the benefits, challenges, and realities associated with managing a workforce filled with generation Y workers.

Kirk draws on his experiences working with senior, line level leaders to explain the power of using illustrative stories to capture executives attention around important talent management issues.

He explains what triggers the decision in the C-suite to move from a strategy focused on workforce growth to one emphasizing cost control. He then discusses steps for making this switch in an efficient and impactful manner that avoids unnecessary financial strain and uncertainty.

Currently used by several well known national companies, the VJT allows candidates to experience a job before they are ever interviewed.

Learn about the importance of setting clear expectations for the newest generation of workers and then tying these expectations to specific rewards and outcomes, and the critical role relationships play in ensuring stability of what tends to be a highly mobile and transaction-oriented segment of the labor force.

Nick discusses data heroics and some of the other challenges to developing effective workforce plans that will stand up over time.