It is taken for granted in the data economy that companies must employ one of the most talented performers to compete and succeed. Many firms try to buy celebrities by luring them away from competition. But Boris Groysberg displays what an uncertain and disastrous practice this can be.

After examining the careers greater than a thousand star analysts at Wall Road investment banks, and conducting a lot more than two hundred frank interviews, Groysberg comes to a striking conclusion: star analysts who change about Chasing Celebrities: The Misconception of Talent and the Portability of Functionality firms suffer an instantaneous and lasting decline in performance. Their earlier excellence appears to have depended intensely on their previous firms’ general and proprietary resources, organizational cultures, systems, and colleagues. There are many exceptions, such as for example stars who move with their teams and stars who switch to raised firms. Female celebrities also perform better after changing jobs than their male counterparts perform. But most celebrities who switch companies turn out to be meteors, quickly shedding luster in their new settings.

Groysberg also explores how some Wall structure Street research departments are successfully growing, retaining, and deploying their own superstars. Finally, the reserve examines how its findings apply to a great many other occupations, from general managers to soccer players.

Chasing Stars offers profound insights into the fundamental nature of excellent performance. It also offers practical guidance to individuals on how best to manage their professions strategically, also to companies on how to recognize, develop, and maintain talent.