Who are High-Potential Employees?

Name: Who are High-Potential Employees?
Author: Khalid Gross

Learn how to identify high-potential employees

Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 5 lessons.

Course: On-Demand

(gentle music) Identifying employees with high potential is the first step to optimizing the skills of talented team members. The following lessons will explore common characteristics of high-potential employees, the difference between high potential and high performance, and how to assess employees using the High Potential Trait indicator. The lessons will also cover how to motivate, engage, and retain high-potential employees once you have identified them in your organization. No two employees are exactly alike. This is why it can be difficult for some managers to compare them. But while managers can't always make direct comparisons, they can see that some team members have more potential to grow and thrive in their industry. These employees who have the necessary skill sets and expertise to take their organization to the next level are considered high-potential employees or high potentials. High-potential employees are characterized by their strong sense of commitment and desire to take on responsibilities, which makes them valuable team members in any business. According to a study published in the "Harvard Business Review," three to 5% of employees in every organization have the leadership abilities to create a difference in the workplace. As a manager working to grow a company, it is essential to identify high-potential employees early on, and to find ways to reinforce their dedication to the work they do. In a team of highly talented individuals, there may be some employees who stand out from the rest. Anyone who is outperforming their current role and has the skills to thrive in leadership roles is a high-potential candidate. To encourage high potentials, organizations can try to acknowledge and celebrate their value to the business. This recognition and support can make a difference in an employee's everyday performance, motivation and satisfaction at work. High-potential employees play a pivotal role in the economic growth of an organization through these key characteristics. Their potential to lead. High-potential employees seek leadership roles to ensure their teammates are producing equally outstanding work when completing complex projects or working under tight deadlines. This drive and passion for leadership makes them a valuable asset in creating high-quality deliverables. Their initiative. High-potential employees are not afraid to brainstorm and share new ideas to improve business operations. This free-thinking mindset contributes to better solutions for company-wide problems and challenges. Their confidence. During times of stress, high-potential employees can be a source of comfort and support for other employees. Their ability to remain calm under pressure allows them to face challenges and help others do the same. And their commitment. High-potential employees care deeply about their organization's success and growth, which is why they strive to make a positive impact in the workplace. They like to take pride in their work and focus on long-term goals. Other characteristics of high-potential employees include they continually sharpen their skills, they are open to feedback, they earn the respect of their peers due to their work ethic, they are eager to work outside their comfort zone, they have a high level of emotional intelligence, they are empathetic, they have excellent social skills, they are easily adaptable, and their response to the changing environment helps them perform well in many situations, they are quick to adjust to an organization's culture, they are good collaborators and perform well in groups, they are open about their personal career goals, and they are willing to take on responsibilities outside of their job description.

Intermediate Provider : Khalid Gross 5 Lessons · 16m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

This course demonstrates how to identify and assess high potential employees in order to optimize their skills and reach company goals. It covers how to motivate, engage, and retain talented individuals. It also discusses how such high potential employees bring inherent value to your organization.

What You'll Learn

Identify the specific characteristics of high-potential employees
Distinguish between high potential and high performance
Assess employees using the High Potential Trait Indicator
Recognize the difficulties involved in identifying high-potential employees
Explain why retaining high-potential employees matters to organizations
Apply approaches to motivate, engage, develop, and retain high-potential employees

Key Takeaways

High-potential employees can be identified and assessed in order to optimize their skills and help reach company goals.
High potential and high performance are not the same thing and should be distinguished.
The High Potential Trait Indicator is a tool used to assess employees for high potential.
Identifying high-potential employees involves inherent difficulties.
Retaining, motivating, and engaging high-potential employees is important because they bring inherent value to an organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this course?

The course demonstrates how to identify and assess high-potential employees in order to optimize their skills and reach company goals, and it covers how to motivate, engage, and retain talented individuals.

What is the difference between high potential and high performance covered in this course?

The course teaches the difference between high potential and high performance, though the specifics are presented within the lessons.

How does the course suggest assessing high-potential employees?

It teaches how to assess employees with the High Potential Trait Indicator.

What topics do the lessons cover?

Lessons cover the characteristics of high-potential employees, high potential vs. high performance, identifying high-potential employees, and developing, motivating, engaging, and retaining employees, followed by a Test Your Knowledge section.

What skills does this course help build?

It supports skills in employee motivation, high potential programs, high potential identification, high-potential development, personnel selection, and workforce optimization.