Sourcing vs Selection!!

It is interesting to note the media hailing the Prime Minister of UK Mr Gordon Brown as being better than Mr Tony Blair, and the fresh air of promise that the President of France brings in Mr Nicolas Sarkozy .

In India, we have been seeing the politicisation of the President's post-even as the runup to the finalisation is getting into a crescendo. Admittedly, the welcome lady presidential candidate, has already a foot in the mouth - for an editorial to question aloud

"What is not understandable, however, is how on earth did they manage to pick out of a country of one billion people the one candidate who, as each day passes, appears more than vaguely unsuitable for the high office?"

We in India, already know the imbroglio relating to the selection of the coach -and its possible
effect on the Indian cricket team ! As you sow, so shall you reap, right?

The "sourcing strategy" is perhaps the key to all selection.

The more diverse you cast your net, and a bigger funnel will help if the process of shortlisting can be then done on merit.

But when decisions are taken -that could affect future generations, it is really disturbing! In a recent article about reservation in St Stephen's college Delhi , the views of Mr Sanjeev (Naukri) Bikhchandani's views are most telling!!

To build a great institution you need visionary leadership and great commitment at the start. Once the institution earns a reputation it naturally becomes a magnet for talent - both student and faculty. It then becomes a virtuous circle: a good college attracts good students and good teachers, and together they perform well academically and further enhance the reputation of the college; this thereby attracts even better students and teachers, and so it continues.

The college then becomes even better because it is good - a positive spiral, a snowball effect, a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. Sadly more and more great institutions in this country are falling into the hands of people who don't understand this.

Isnt it equally applicable for corporates? Why not for the Government? Is it too late to change the tarnished image of Indian Politics? Can a self made accomplished ciitizen be given a chance -and change the entry into it by inheritance??

Surely, recruitment is no rocket science...!! Shouldnt the emphasis be on sourcing AND selection??