High Potential (High-Po or HiPo)

Intermediate 👥 Human Resources

Definition

An employee identified as having the potential for significant career advancement. Also known as 'the person we're grooming to take over, but we haven't told them they're destined for leadership.'

Example Usage

As a newly identified HiPo, Jennifer was assigned three additional projects with no salary increase—a clear signal of management's deep appreciation.

Origin

Emerged in talent management literature in the 1990s-2000s.

Fun Fact

Studies show high-potential employees leave companies at higher rates when they don't see clear advancement paths—who knew?

Source: Talent management and succession planning best practices

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