What Is A “High Potential” Talent?
In today's competitive business environment, attracting and retaining 'high potential' talents is paramount. However, defining who exactly qualifies as a 'high potential' can often seem like a challenging task. We aim to demystify the concept of 'high potential' talent and provide tips on what to look for, particularly in the context of the Malaysian landscape with this post.
Defining 'High Potential' Talent:
High potential (HiPo) employees are individuals who have the ability, engagement, and aspiration to rise to and succeed in higher-level leadership positions within an organisation. They stand out from their peers for their remarkable performance, demonstrate a capacity to take on challenging roles, and show a commitment to the organisation and its goals.
Ability: HiPos have a unique blend of technical skills and cognitive ability. They excel at problem-solving and decision-making, often bringing innovative solutions to the table. They also demonstrate emotional intelligence, understanding, and managing their own and others' emotions effectively.
Engagement: A HiPo employee is not just a high performer, but also highly engaged. They show a genuine interest in their work and the organisation. Their commitment is evident in their willingness to take on extra responsibilities and contribute beyond their job scope.
Aspiration: High potential talents have a clear vision for their professional growth. They aspire to take up leadership roles and are not afraid to express their ambitions. Their motivation to succeed is not just for personal gain but also for the betterment of the organisation.
What to Look Out For?
Identifying high potential talent is more than just looking at past performance or the current skill set. Here's what to focus on:
Learning Agility: In a rapidly evolving corporate world, the ability to learn quickly and adapt is crucial. Look for employees who embrace change, seek out new experiences, and are willing to step out of their comfort zones.
Leadership Skills: High potentials often display leadership abilities even if they are not in a leadership role. They are effective communicators, are comfortable with decision-making, and display a knack for inspiring and motivating others.
Potential for Growth: High performers are not always high potentials. HiPo employees are not just good at their current jobs but also show potential to succeed in more challenging roles or at the next level in the hierarchy.
Cultural Fit: As with any employee, a HiPo should align with the company's culture and values. They should demonstrate a strong understanding and appreciation of the company’s mission and vision.
Malaysian Context:
In the context of Malaysia, understanding local culture and business norms is key to for high potential talents. Some factors to consider are:
Adaptability to Multi-Cultural Environment: Malaysia is a diverse country with a variety of cultures and languages. High potential employees in this context should be able to adapt and thrive in this multicultural environment, embracing diversity and inclusivity.
Emphasis on Relationships: In Malaysia, business and work often revolve around relationships. HiPo employees are likely to value and maintain good relationships with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.
Respect for Hierarchy: Malaysian workplaces often adhere to a hierarchical structure, where respect for seniors and authority is paramount. High potential talents in Malaysia are often respectful of this hierarchy, yet are able to assert themselves appropriately.
Unearthing high potential talent is a strategic move that can significantly boost your organisation's competitiveness. By understanding the attributes of HiPo employees and the specific factors relevant to the local context, you can identify and nurture these promising individuals to become future leaders of your company. Remember, the potential is not just about where the individual is now, but where they can reach in the future.
Here are Human Synergy, we also specialise in talent assessment and leadership development. Reach out to us if you are in need of trusted, tailored and timely solutions when it comes to your talent and employees.
