What do high potential employees typically reflect compared to high performers?

High potential employees are identified for their capability to grow and succeed in future roles that may be more complex or demanding than their current positions. This concept implies that their past performance, while significant, is not the sole determinant of their potential; rather, it is their capacity to take on increased responsibilities and excel in roles that may not yet exist.

The rationale for this perspective is that high potential employees demonstrate attributes such as learning agility, adaptability, and the ability to handle challenges that suggest they are suited for succession planning and leadership development. They have qualities that indicate they can develop the necessary skills and competencies for future roles, making past performance less relevant in predicting their future success.

In contrast, high performers are typically recognized for their successful delivery in their current roles without an explicit assessment of whether those skills will translate into future positions. This distinction underlines why the focus for identifying high potential employees leans more towards their future capabilities rather than solely their historical performance metrics.