Leaders read the headlines. They know about the survey data. The linkages between career development and productivity gains, expense reduction, quality improvements, innovation, and bottom-line results are obvious.

And yet most organizations are still poor at growing talent. It's time to elevate the career conversation to its rightful ranks - give it the respect and title it deserves. Talking with people about their careers is a competency - perhaps the most powerful and under-utilized one at the leader's disposal.