Southwest Airlines: An Approach to Talent Management

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: AN APPROACH TO TALENT MANAGEMENT

We’re in Dallas attending the ATD Chapter meeting hosted by Southwest Airlines. We really enjoyed hearing their approach to talent management. Lean, quick to observe, adapt and implement course corrections, they’re establishing a model for others to follow.

KEY CONCEPTS: the age-old performance appraisal model is antiquated and doesn't serve the individual or the group (not dynamic enough for a growing/dynamic work environment); the importance of executive buy-in/tune at the top; foster an environment where employees have an appropriate degree of ownership when it comes to their professional development; steps to set the foundation for a coaching culture; the importance of regular check-ins, including how to make them simple, frequent and transparent.