Skills-First Talent Management: The Importance of Managers

This note supplements a 2025 series on skills-first talent management in organizations, comprising “Skills-First Talent Management: Hiring” (HBS No. 425-019), “Skills-First Talent Management: Onboarding, Development, and Performance Management” (HBS No. 425-020), and “Skills-First Talent Management: Engagement and Retention” (HBS No. 425-021). This note explores how managers shape the experiences of employees without four-year college degrees (non-degreed employees or those Skilled Through Alternative Routes [STARs]) and examines the challenges that these employees face, along with best management practices for supporting their development, advancement, and retention.