Emerald turns talent management on its head : The push-pull way to fast-track staff

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to explore how a medium-size business has established a “push-pull” method of management and organizational development, based around an action-learning approach. Design/methodology/approach — The paper sets out a method that other small to medium-sized enterprises “MEs” might emulate in their management and organizational-development initiatives. Findings — The paper reveals that fast-track development through push-pull ensures that staff are able to take on greater responsibility as the firm grows — “pulling” them into expanded roles. This turns the talent-management process on its head by enabling and expecting employees to drive their own fast-track development. Alignment with business strategies is sought, but there is also a realization that strategies can be created and changed. Practical implications — The paper argues that action-learning programs in SMEs can reinforce the “right” behavior that is required for a firm to grow, and provide the foundations for the people and organization to succeed. Originality/value — The paper introduces the concept of the “push-pull” method of management and organizational development, treating the two as linked and mutually supportive.