From Good to Great: How High Potential Employees Can Take Your Organization to the Next Level

High potential employees are individuals who possess the skills, capabilities, and potential to become future leaders within an organization. These employees are often identified early on in their careers and are provided with opportunities to develop their skills and abilities to prepare them for leadership roles. In this article, we will discuss how high potential employees can drive organizational growth and success.

Identifying High Potential Employees

Identifying high potential employees is a critical first step in leveraging their potential to drive organizational growth. High potential employees typically exhibit traits such as intellectual curiosity, drive, adaptability, and strong leadership potential. They also demonstrate a strong track record of performance and consistently exceed expectations in their roles.

Providing Development Opportunities

Once high potential employees have been identified, it is important to provide them with development opportunities to further enhance their skills and prepare them for leadership roles. These development opportunities can include formal training programs, mentoring, job shadowing, and stretch assignments that challenge them to think outside the box and develop new skills.

Empowering High Potential Employees

Empowering high potential employees is another important factor in driving organizational growth. Empowering these employees involves providing them with the necessary resources and support to take on new challenges and make strategic decisions that will drive the organization forward. This can include providing them with decision-making authority, the ability to lead cross-functional teams, and access to key stakeholders within the organization.

Retaining High Potential Employees

Retaining high potential employees is critical to achieving long-term organizational growth. These employees are highly sought after in the job market and can easily be lured away by other organizations that recognize their potential. To retain high potential employees, organizations must provide them with challenging work, opportunities for growth and development, and a clear path for advancement within the organization.

Impact of High Potential Employees on Organizational Growth

High potential employees have a significant impact on organizational growth as they bring new ideas, innovative thinking, and fresh perspectives to the table. These employees are often early adopters of new technologies and trends, making them valuable assets for organizations that want to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, high potential employees are often more engaged and motivated, leading to higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction.

Studies Supporting the Impact of High Potential Employees on Organizational Growth

1. A study by the Corporate Leadership Council found that high potential employees are 91% more valuable to organizations than non-high potential employees. The study also found that high potential employees are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with the organization.
2. A study by Harvard Business Review found that companies that invest in developing high potential employees have a 22% higher revenue growth rate than those that do not. The study also found that high potential employees are more likely to be promoted and take on leadership roles within the organization.
3. A study by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that high potential employees have a significant impact on talent retention and acquisition. The study found that organizations that invest in the development of high potential employees have a higher retention rate and are more attractive to potential employees.

Example of the Impact of High Potential Employees on Organizational Growth

One example of the impact of high potential employees on organizational growth is the case of Amazon. Amazon has a reputation for investing heavily in its employees, particularly its high potential employees. The company has a program called "Amazon's Future Engineer" that provides scholarships and internships to high potential students in computer science and related fields. By investing in high potential employees, Amazon has been able to attract and retain top talent, develop innovative technologies, and maintain its position as a leader in the technology industry.

Conclusion

High potential employees are essential to organizational growth and success. Studies have shown that investing in the development of high potential employees leads to higher levels of engagement, productivity, and retention. Examples such as Amazon demonstrate the impact of high potential employees on organizational growth and the importance of investing in these employees. By identifying and developing high potential employees, organizations can build a strong pipeline of future leaders who will drive the organization forward and ensure long-term success.