How Cisco is Leveraging the Recession to Engage Top Talent and Drive Innovation

Unhappy top talent will stay with a company during a downturn because there are few opportunities elsewhere. As soon as the economy picks up, though, they’ll often leave for greener pastures.

Cisco understands that what keeps star performers engaged and happy is stimulating and challenging assignments. Consequently, they’ve launched an initiative called the Action Learning Forum. The Action Learning Forum is:

“a rigorous 16-week program that gives 60 high-potential leaders the chance to strengthen their skills in leadership, strategic management and team development while working on real, high-profile business problems and start-up projects that are strategic to Cisco’s operations.”

The Action Learning Forum has increased retention of star team members while bringing important new innovations to market. (RN)

How Cisco Created Their Own Talent Incubator | Harvard Business Publishing | Sylvia Ann Hewlett | 20 October 2009