A contribution to the discussion on talent identification and selection

Magnus Ferry
Umeå University, Sweden

In this relatively slim volume, the authors describe, discuss and problematize in a simple and elaborate way the phenomenon of talent identification. Something that is very difficult to do accurately, as the task is to select those who will succeed in the future. With examples from above all sports, but also education, music and business, different approaches and models are presented that can be used to understand the processes that occur when talent is identified and selected.

Starting from the fact that talent identification is usually seen as a formal process where talents are identified with the help of tests, interviews and auditions, the authors argue that identification is something that also occurs informally and something we do constantly, often unconsciously.

I find the presented models appealing and easy to follow. First of all, the basic understanding of talents as natural, trained or contextual, which has a major impact on who is selected. Even more, the different roles one can take in talent identification. Where the authors, with the help of a gold metaphor, presents the gold digger, the goldsmith, and the gold creator, who all have different approaches to talent identification. Common cognitive and relational biases – blind spots – challenging the ability to identify talents are also presented in the book.

As inspiration for the reader, the book also presents three examples of successful organizations that in different ways have broken with tradition and developed specific practices in talent identification: Danish cycling, Danish men’s handball and Belgian football. In recent years, these organizations have been successful and, in many ways, have outperformed their capabilities.

The book concludes with some practical recommendations for anyone practicing talent identification, both formal and informal, to avoid some of the most common mistakes.

I would highly recommend reading this book, and to use it as course material at different types of higher sports education programs and coaching educations. Not least to raise awareness that talent identification is a difficult process as it involves selecting individuals who may have the potential to succeed in the future.

Copyright © Magnus Ferry 2024