Findings – As definitions of talent are complex, ambiguous and incomplete, there can never be a ‘‘one size fits all’’. Understanding this ambiguity enables organizations to identify possible flaws in their approach to defining talent. Considering the distinct and separate notions of talent and success empowers organizations to ask more relevant uestions around how employees are encouraged to leverage the talents they do have into success.
Originality/value – Most talent management processes are driven by the need to define and identify characteristics which indicate greater ability when compared to others. This is still the focus of much talent anagement literature. This paper encourages organizations to instead focus on how individuals can use the talents they have to be successful personally and in a way that is aligned to the organization.