question about talent is more a talent systems measurement and/or as-
sessment issue. Nevertheless, answering questions related to talent so-
lutions marries talent systems and talent solutions in a systemic way.
That means the two are operating as parts of the same system.
This chapter on talent solutions covers the sixth of the ten com-
ponents in the Contextual Coaching model. Talent solutions and
talent systems continuously circle each other in a spiraling symbio-
sis. One feeds the other, after which the other returns the favor. Tal-
ent systems define, measure, and monitor the raw and experienced
talent that talent solutions develop and optimize. More and better
talent solutions based on ever-evolving definitions of needs, new
measurements, and feedback provided by talent systems can be ap-
plied to keep individual and organizational learning alive and
growing.
Solving a talent problem or challenge (our preferred term) re-
quires more than studying, researching, discussing, and/or ponder-
ing. Solving a talent challenge requires action, and lots of
it—before, during, and even after the solution has been achieved.
Only action can transform talent systems information into a true
talent solution, and only action can make the solution sustainable.
In a nutshell, we believe that solving a talent challenge means re-
solving, repairing, fixing, tuning up, and/or generally making some-
thing better than it is or, better yet, the best it can be—with an eye
to making it better yet at every opportunity. Therein can be found
the three prongs of the talent solutions fork:
1. Teaching something that has never been learned
before (new knowledge)
2. Repairing something that is broken or bogged down
(restorative knowledge)
3. Making something good even better (expanding and
enhancing knowledge)
At the risk of getting cute with semantics, talent solutions are rarely
singular. “One-size-fits-all” and “universal wrench” are not terms
commonly associated with talent solutions. Talent challenges tend
to be layered and complex in nature, requiring multifaceted solu-
150 THE COACHING CONNECTION