What is a High Potential Employee?

High Potential Employees have abilities that exceed the scope of their job requirements in the workplace. These employees often complete their tasks early, finish tasks more thoroughly than asked or they consistently show an ability to perform their work at a higher quality relative to that of their peers and coworkers (source: Linkedin).

High Potential Employees also typically understand tasks assigned to them without needing further explanation and often seek positions above their current job. They can even guide or lead their coworkers and display affinity at the job that shows they might have the capability of becoming a manager themselves. Most times, they also show enthusiasm and a deep understanding of company values and culture, incorporating them into their work style and methods. 

With all this said, High Potential Employees are more often than not diamonds in the rough. Determining an employee’s potential can be tricky, but there are indicators that can help  you identify employees who can be classified as High Potential or have the potential to be one. Below is a list of 15 characteristics that can help you recognize High Potential Employees in your company.

• High Potential Employees ask questions

With the company’s growth and success in mind, High Potential Employees always ask relevant questions. They’re not worried about appearing too inquisitive because they pair their curiosity with a strong desire to perform and deliver results.

• High Potential Employees ask questions have initiative

High Potential Employees don’t sit around waiting for tasks to be assigned to them. Instead, they are constantly brewing up new ideas and working on projects. They are eager to assume more responsibility and take on more work as they see these as opportunities to improve their skills and contribute more to the company’s growth.

• High Potential Employees work well independently

You can expect High Potential Employees to deliver the best outputs with minimal supervision. High Potential Employees are reliable. They are responsible and accountable and  are able get things done without being micromanaged.

• High Potential Employees accept leadership opportunities

High Potential Employees don’t shy away from leadership opportunities. In fact, they are thrilled to assume more leadership roles because they want to practice and develop their skills. Even without being given the role of leader, their natural leadership skills come out when needed.

• High Potential Employees help their peers

Despite their unwavering drive to achieve their personal career goals, High Potential Employees don’t neglect their co-workers. They often extend a helping hand to their colleagues because they are aware that success is a result of the collective efforts of everyone in the organization.

Additionally, High Potential Employees recognize the value of teamwork and collaboration. They always have the best interests of the company in mind and understand that they need to help their co-workers to get more things done. 

• High Potential Employees accept feedback

High Potential Employees are committed to improve. They give prime importance to feedback – both good and bad.

They take both praise and criticism graciously, but they don’t just stop there. They make sure to take action by utilizing the feedback they receive as guideposts in refining their skills.

• High Potential Employees embody the company’s core values

Exceptional skill and superior performance are not the only assets of High Potential Employees. Their work attitude and behavior reflect the values and culture of the company. They fully embrace the company’s mission and vision, which brings more meaning to the work they do.

• High Potential Employees take criticisms constructively

High Potential Employees recognize their weaknesses and are not anxious to receive criticisms from superiors and colleagues. They graciously accept their mistakes because they see these as valuable learning opportunities.

And yes, High Potential Employees, like everyone else, make mistakes. What makes them standout is that they don’t get easily discouraged by their shortcomings and don’t let these mistakes derail the success of the company.

• High Potential Employees thrive in high-pressure situations

High Potential Employees don’t bail out when the going gets tough. In fact, when things get heated, expect your High Potential Employees to be on top of the situation.

They are quick thinkers. When faced with a difficult problem, they can provide solutions without losing their composure. While most employees dread high-pressure situations, High Potential Employees thrive when they are given challenges.

• High Potential Employees reinforce positive work culture and environment

Even when their plates are full, expect High Potential Employees to always be in a noticeably positive disposition. Sure, they also have their fair share of bad days, but High Potential Employees never bring negativity to the workplace because they know how to manage their stress well.

High Potential Employees understand the value of maintaining a positive culture and environment at work. They do the best they can to share only the positive while they deal with negative or stressful situations on their own.

• High Potential Employees know the importance of collaboration

High Potential Employees are not against sharing the spotlight with someone else. In fact, they greatly value collaboration because they understand that more work can be accomplished when they put their heads together with their colleagues.

In addition to that, High Potential Employees are aware that their coworkers have something valuable to bring to the table. When someone else proposes a better idea, they will support their colleague.

• High Potential Employees deliver solid results

One of the most distinctive characteristics of High Potential Employees is their ability to deliver constant and solid results. They outperform their peers even when they’re given more complex and challenging tasks.

Their level of performance is evidently superior, but they achieve this without stepping on someone’s toes. In sum, High Potential Employees pair their high performance with credibility helping them to build trust and confidence among their superiors and colleagues.

• High Potential Employees do more than what is expected

High Potential Employees are highly driven to excel and succeed. They are relentless in their pursuit to achieve their goals and never settle for mediocrity.

High Potential Employees are always willing to go the extra mile if it means bringing them a step closer towards their goals. Furthermore, they understand that to achieve success, they must make some personal sacrifices to move forward in their careers.

• High Potential Employees exude confidence

High Potential Employees are confident in their capabilities. They exude confidence without being arrogant or condescending. Thus, they easily earn the trust and respect of others.

• Last but definitely not the least, High Potential Employees are committed to the company’s goals

The company’s success is the top priority of High Potential Employees. Even with their personal career interests, High Potential Employees recognize that the company’s growth should always come first. They’re as committed to the company’s goals as with their career objectives and never prioritize personal gain over the welfare of their organization.

In Summary:

As recruiters, we believe that High Potential Employees are valuable assets to any organization. They possess superior skills and exemplary characteristics that allow them to perform above expectations and deliver the best results. With proper management and appropriate training, High Potential Employees can help bring the best out of a company. 

Determining if an employee has high potential is just a piece of the bigger picture. Finding the ideal recruit or investing on the training of your employees often costs a lot of time, effort and resources. Here at John Mathew Consulting, we provide nothing short of the best services be it with recruiting or training. Operating under Patrice and Associates, we are the largest and most successful recruiting firm in the hospitality industry, with a 30 year track-record, enormous database of candidates & jobs, unmatched industry intelligence and many proprietary tools that will help you stand out from the competition. Your first consultation with us is always free!