In his book The rise of the creative class, Richard Florida tells us that countries that will lead the way in the future will be those that nurture  the conditions for a “creative class”to flourish: from painters and artists to bioeng researchers and state-of-the-art software developers. It won’t be China or India, according to Mr. Florida,  that will set the path; it will be local cities -not even countries- that create conditions to attract the business leaders of today and tomorrow.

Talented and creative professionals tend to decide where they set their home based on a number of factors: from the quality of leisure options (access to the sea, ski resorts, night life, networking with other creative people, entertainment, …) – at an earlier stage in their professional lives – to quality of education for their kids and culture offering (at a later stage). Professional options, freedom of speech and access to nature are also factors that rank high.

His conclusion is that knowledge-economy companies tend to choose the location of their operations based on the available “creative class” individuals; and not the other way around – people relocating to the Silicon Valleys of today.

Interesting conclusions that found the basement for new reflexions on the dynamics of the knowledge economy. Apparently City Council policies gain more relevance since they are the responsible for creating the right environment and conditions to attract the creative class.

In the end is the talented professionals that get to decide what cities they will choose to establish and they will elevate some environments – cities – over the others. Here’s Cushman & Wakefield’s European Cities Monitor for 2009, where 500 senior executives from leading European companies share their views on leading business cities:

(*) Source: Cushman & Wakefield, Europan Cities Monitor, 2009

Barcelona is and has been a reference in business cities in Europe. After London, Paris and Frankfurt (major economic hubs), it finds a place ahead of other major economic capitals.

Local economic environment not being a particular strength of the city, freedom of expression, access to nature (sea and mountains – Pyrenees), weather conditions over the year and access to leisure (balance between culture and social events) are key to this high rankings.

These factors are not going to change in the coming years; so the “creative class” will continue to be attracted to the city and help it consolidate its place in the European business map.

Would you agree? – Toughts?

In discussing the Holistic approach to Talent Management with an HC leader of a global corporation with local HQ in Spain, we would agree on the classical benefits of a strategic HC retention line of work, based on employee engagement and enthusiasm, and its substantial impact on the bottom line in the midterm. “But today -she was saying- publicly traded corporations cannot wait for the midterm returns and demand immediate impact, and that has an erosion effect on our human resources”.

HC leaders are worried because corporate leadership decisions are affecting the real most valuable asset of any corporation, the people. The decisions that are being taken in line with leadership directives are resulting in unkept promises, unmet expectations (to clients, providers, employees) and sometimes- unethical behaviours too. An Immediate consequence is the erosion of your core asset (people); it puts them at the verge of ethical dilemmas that may result in the loss of the enthusiasm, engagement in the project … just letting go of the company load. “Is this the company I want to work for?”- is on their heads.

When a professional decides to lets go … there is a difficult and expensive way back. The professional will still be at the right level of attitude and work dedication, “but something is broken inside … and the engagement is gone” would agree the senior HC leader.

It’s not easy to navigate short-term results pressure and mid-term investments, value, growth… but Survival of the corporation is what is at stake here. When was it a bad decision to invest in your best talent and keep them engaged?

Comments, thoughts?

Jordi Gili

In this must-attend session, P. Lluís Soldevila will explain consulting and management techniques wildly used in business and share how professionals can apply the same criteria for personal advancement.

I would recommend it without hesitation!

More info: www.dafopersonal.com or info@dafopersonal.com

Execus Professional Services, S.L.

I just founded Execus Professional Services, a new approach to Business Services: Bringing inside your organization experienced professionals to help you drive change, manage projects, fill in temporary vacancies and adding those skills, know-how, experience that your business may not have available at a given time.

We have just initiated activity in Spain, with ongoing projects within global leading firms in Financial Services and Healthcare.

If you need selected skills in your team on a temporary basis, please visit us at www.execus.com or call us at +34 932530573

Here’s my pesonal contact info:
jordi.gili@execus.com
+34672173825

Find out more at www.execus.com

Please find the presentation below (click on View on Slideshare for full screen view):

“Thanks again for your PERFECT presentation [...] we are receiving lots of comments of our members congratulating us for both the topic election and the quality of the speakers ”
Maite Díez
EPWN – Networking coordinator, Barcelona.

Named “Slideshow of the day” on slideshare.com, Thursday April 22nd, 2010