What Makes an employee a high-potential employee (HIPO)?
High-potential employees (HiPos) are those who demonstrate the ability to excel in their current roles and show promise for growth in leadership or more advanced positions. Here are 10 signs that indicate an employee has high potential:
Strong Performance: They consistently perform well in their current role, exceeding expectations and demonstrating a high level of competency.
Adaptability: HiPos can handle change well, whether it’s adapting to new technologies, shifting team dynamics, or changes in the business environment.
Proactive and Self-Motivated: They don’t wait for instructions; they take initiative and show a strong drive to improve processes or solve problems.
Continuous Learning: They actively seek new knowledge, skills, or experiences, whether through formal training, seeking feedback, or learning on their own.
Leadership Potential: They demonstrate natural leadership qualities, such as the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide colleagues, even without holding a leadership position.
Problem-Solving Abilities: High-potential employees are skilled at identifying problems and quickly devising creative solutions. They approach challenges with a positive mindset.
Emotional Intelligence: They possess high emotional intelligence, meaning they can manage their emotions, build strong relationships, and navigate social complexities with ease.
Resilience: They can handle setbacks or failures without losing momentum and demonstrate persistence in overcoming obstacles.
Effective Communication: HiPos communicate clearly and effectively, whether it's in one-on-one conversations, team meetings, or presentations. They are able to express their ideas and listen well to others.
Commitment to Company Values: They align with the organization’s values and goals, and they demonstrate a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to the company's mission and vision.
These qualities can indicate someone with the potential to advance in their career and contribute significantly to the organization's success in the future.
High-potential employees (HiPos) also often demonstrate the ability to address toxic behaviors in a constructive and professional manner. Here’s how they typically handle toxic environments or negative behaviors in the workplace:
Lead by Example: Instead of engaging in toxic behavior themselves, they model positive behaviors like respect, collaboration, and professionalism, which can help create a healthier work environment.
Conflict Resolution: HiPos are skilled at addressing conflicts in a calm, objective, and solution-focused way. They may mediate between colleagues, listening to all parties involved and working toward a resolution that benefits everyone.
Giving Constructive Feedback: If they notice toxic behaviors, high-potential employees can provide feedback to their peers in a way that is both respectful and helpful. They focus on the behavior, not the person, which can reduce defensiveness.
Escalating Issues Appropriately: If the toxic behavior is persistent or harmful, HiPos are likely to escalate the issue to the right authority—whether it’s HR, a manager, or a team leader—while maintaining professionalism.
Encouraging Open Communication: They foster a culture of transparency and open dialogue, making it easier for others to speak up about toxic behaviors or concerns without fear of retribution.
Empathy: Rather than reacting negatively to toxic behaviors, high-potential employees try to understand the root cause of the issue, whether it’s personal stress, miscommunication, or other external factors.
Promoting Inclusivity and Respect: They actively encourage inclusivity and ensure everyone feels valued, often counteracting toxic behaviors like exclusion, bullying, or discrimination by promoting a respectful atmosphere.
Addressing Gossip and Negative Talk: HiPos typically avoid engaging in or spreading gossip. They either address issues directly with the person involved or encourage others to do the same in a respectful manner.
Influencing Change: Instead of just tolerating toxic environments, high-potential employees will often suggest and lead initiatives aimed at improving workplace culture, whether it's through team-building activities, wellness programs, or leadership training.
Maintaining Professionalism: In the face of toxicity, they are able to remain calm and maintain professionalism, not allowing negativity to affect their own performance or attitude.
In essence, high-potential employees don’t just avoid toxic behaviors themselves; they actively contribute to creating a positive, collaborative, and healthy work environment by addressing negativity in a proactive and constructive way.
References:
Arnold, Grace C. The Effect of HiPo and NoPo Status and Feedback Purpose on Feedback Acceptance, Leadership Outcomes, and Self-efficacy. Diss. The George Washington University, 2024.
Deller, Carolyn. "Beyond performance: Does assessed potential matter to employees’ voluntary departure decisions?." Journal of Accounting Research 61.4 (2023): 981-1024.
Kehoe, Rebecca R., David G. Collings, and Wayne F. Cascio. "Simply the best? Star performers and high‐potential employees: Critical reflections and a path forward for research and practice." Personnel Psychology 76.2 (2023): 585-615.
