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HBR On Leadership

5 Leadership Traits That Set High-Potential Employees Apart

Jan 8, 2025
Jay Conger, a leadership professor at Claremont McKenna College and co-author of 'The High Potential's Advantage', shares insights on identifying and nurturing high-potential employees. He reveals five critical 'X factors' that set these individuals apart, including curiosity and the ability to simplify complex issues. Conger discusses the importance of aligning with management goals and how lateral moves can be misunderstood as setbacks, but are actually vital for skill enhancement. Discover how to leverage these traits for career growth.
26:04

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Quick takeaways

  • High-potential employees are often identified through subtle indicators like project involvement and exclusive meeting invitations rather than formal announcements.
  • Developing specific X factors such as situation sensing and talent accelerating can significantly enhance an individual's prospects for leadership advancement.

Deep dives

Understanding High-Potential Designation

Identifying high-potential employees within a company often relies on subtle cues rather than formal announcements. Individuals may notice invitations to exclusive meetings or projects that are not extended to their peers, indicating their status. Companies frequently refrain from disclosing this information to prevent internal competition, yet it can lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention when disclosure occurs. Acknowledging these indicators can help aspiring leaders leverage opportunities to advance their careers.

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