Talent development represents a new era in recruiting and retaining a quality federal workforce.

It requires a shift in the way training is viewed and integrated within government agencies. No longer confined to ancillary training and development activities that occur in a structured environment, talent development is a strategic imperative that must become pervasive throughout the agency.

Shifting from a focus on training to one on talent development requires deliberate effort.

"Transforming talent development in government agencies is no easy task. Although the road can be tough at times, the importance of ensuring we have a talent-rich government that provides the best possible service to the American people far outweighs challenges faced," write Elaine Newton and Dana Sims in this month's cover story.

Intertwined within the talent development framework is the need for greater performance and efficiency. The second feature in this issue examines how to improve implementation of cross-agency priority goals. By developing performance measures and quarterly targets, agencies will be better positioned to demonstrate the progress that they are making toward final implementation of these goals.

Talent development is more than just training, recruiting, and performance. Building a federal workforce that has the skills and capabilities to take on tomorrow's challenges is a must for success in government. Is your agency making the necessary changes to become a critical player in the talent development arena?

This is just one of many topics highlighted in this month's issue, but it is a critical topic that will affect your ability as a manager to find success with your workforce.

Paula Ketter

Editor, The Public Manager

[email protected]