Tool 16. HIGH-POTENTIAL PERFORMERS

About This Tool

Key to the success of many companies is a process that puts special focus on identifying, retaining and developing their High Potential Performers (HIPO's). High Potential Performers, who typically comprise less than 5% of a company's workforce, are different than top performers who make up 10-20%. As a result, it often requires a different approach when it comes to managing their careers and optimizing their experience and potential. This tool is based on the experience of numerous companies that have spent considerable time defining and managing that difference.

HIPO's are rarely those "solid" or "quietly-effective" performers. Conversely, HIPO's provide much of the drive and leadership that moves companies forward. They are usually well known within the organization and may even be well known outside of it. As a result, they are top prospects for competitors and outside recruiters. If a HIPO's growth isn't planned for and proactively managed, the risk of losing them is great. Over time, these companies have found effective ways to nurture and leverage their high potential talent. This tool covers some of those learnings, and describes the general steps of developing a HIPO process.

Using This Tool

This tool provides the key steps that are required for an effective HIPO process. It's designed to give you a representative overview of what's involved, and some of the key issues to consider in identifying, retaining and developing your high potential performers. It can be used to:

• Form an initial opinion about whether or not such a process would fit your culture
• Understand some of the finer points of instituting such a process
• Develop a basic HIPO process
• Anticipate and plan for issues that might surface because of the process
• Identify possible enhancements to an existing process

This tool is not intended to be a clinical discussion of motivation, achievement or potential. It is simply meant to describe some of the approaches companies have used with their high potential performers. It must also be noted that any process that involves the selection, training and advancement of people must comply with all relevant EEO/AA regulations. This tool does not address those regulations and you should consult with legal counsel before instituting such a process within your organization.

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