Focus on survival

The authors of “Divide and survive” (18 September) expressed regret at the impact of “short-termist mindsets” on talent management. Unfortunately, in the present economic conditions HR needs to show full understanding of the short-term realities facing businesses if it is to enjoy genuine credibility.

For many CEOs, the most pressing issue today is the short-term survival of their business. Advice from HR to stick with a long-term focus seems destined to send us into the parallel universe that many CEOs complain about.