Here's a passage from the piece in which Gladwell discusses the difficulties of assessing talent and ability:

HR assesses talent through use of performance appraisals and then rewards them accordingly.

He said he also had to assess talent.

In the 1960s, with the death of Variety, Scott became a theatrical agent and was astute at assessing budding talent in variety showcases.

He was noted for his ability to assess and utilize talent, which gave his teams a great opportunity to be successful.

Noted for having a keen ability to assess talent, Selee managed the Boston Beaneaters (1890-1901) and the Chicago Cubs (1902-1905).

The focus on talent includes recruiting, hiring, staffing, training, developing talent and building capabilities, together with integrating, assessing, motivating and retaining skilled talent across the corporation.

One reason General Manager Neil Smith gave for hiring Muckler was Muckler's experience in assessing young talent.

An ability to assess talent in others so you can surround yourself with great people.

Professional teams have become reluctant to assess talent strictly on the basis of intercollegiate or high school competition, where aluminum bats are the staple.