High potentials—often abbreviated as HiPos—are employees identified as having exceptional potential to grow into leadership or strategically important roles within an organization. These individuals typically demonstrate a combination of high performance, strong leadership traits, and alignment with company values and future talent needs.
In the context of the HR portfolio model, high potentials are typically classified as “stars”—employees who not only excel in their current roles but also show clear capacity for greater responsibilities. These individuals are often prioritized for talent development programs, fast-tracked for promotions, or included in succession planning initiatives.
Effectively identifying and nurturing high potentials is a critical part of strategic talent management, as organizations depend on them to drive innovation, performance, and long-term success.
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