Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

Watching the jockeying for position and trades in the fascinating NFL first round of the draft Saturday was entertaining and enlightening to say the least.

Two things everyone observing pretty much agreed on were pick decisions were motivated by the need of the team and how they fit into their system of play.

One good example was the pick of the Dallas Cowboys of Felix Jones in the first round. There were immediate questions presented to Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones from the press on why they didn't choose a running back rated higher in the draft who was still available: Rashard Mendenhall.

Here's how Jones responded:

"Barber, in my mind, gave us the luxury of having a different kind of back," Jerry Jones said. "You really will get the most out of [Felix Jones] if you have someone [sharing the load with him]. We're committed to a two-back approach. And Felix has shown he flourishes in a two-back system. That's no issue with Felix."

When Jones mentioned Barber, he was referring to their existing running back Marion Barber, who already filled one running back need for the Cowboys, and adding another one of the same make didn't make sense to them, and wouldn't take care of what they really needed.
 
This is another reason we need to drop the word "talent" from our thinking and vocabulary when making choices about employee hires.

It's far better to get the right people who will fit into our business culture and needs, than it is to get what many would consider "better talent."

This is why I believe employee training is going to be one of the key differentiators in the years ahead, because it's far better to get the right fit and right people than it is to get what some would consider a superstar or highly talented individual.