Counterpoint: Arthur Yeung

People & Strategy, Sept, 2008 by Anna Tavis

Once again, I believe capitalizing on employee strengths for better performance is a great approach that companies should explore further and work towards. Buckingham has made a good step to introduce a new performance system that may be able to put such a strengths-based approach into action. However, as in any other management innovation, it also entails significant risks and possible pitfalls that should be fully assessed and considered.

Having said that, it doesn't mean human resource management should stop innovating. On the contrary, I think our field desperately needs great breakthroughs to keep up with changing business realities created by globalization, technological advancement, and changing employee demographics.