The Top Companies for Leaders study is the most comprehensive longitudinal study of talent management and leadership practices around the globe. The first results, published in 2002, showed a link between financial success and great leadership practices; several “truths” or disciplines characterized Top Companies. The study was conducted again in 2003, 2005, and 2007, and this research provided the foundation for our more comprehensive 2009 global study. This year, 470 companies participated, each completing a detailed questionnaire. From those submissions, finalists were identified and hundreds of interviews were conducted with senior executives. From our research we are able to compare the talent management practices of the best companies around the globe on literally hundreds of data points. In our analysis, we found the gaps between the Top Companies and all others are often quite dramatic. Click below to find out more about what sets Top Companies for Leaders apart.