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.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Spotting High-Potential Status
Look for invitations to special events, lunches with executives, or high-visibility projects.
Consider faster promotions, leadership programs, and special assignments as cues for high-potential status.
insights INSIGHT
Secrecy Around High-Potential Employees
Some companies keep high-potential lists secret to manage borderline cases and avoid excessive competition.
This secrecy can also stem from a desire to manage expectations and internal dynamics.
insights INSIGHT
High-Potential Identification Process
Supervisor assessments, simulations, and talent reviews are used for evaluation.
Companies use this data to determine readiness for promotion and identify development needs.
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The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone
Satya Nadella
Hit Refresh is a memoir, leadership guide, and futurist vision that explores Satya Nadella's personal journey from his childhood in India to becoming the CEO of Microsoft. The book delves into the transformation of Microsoft's culture, industry partnerships, and competitive landscape. It also discusses the future of technology, including artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and quantum computing, and how these technologies will impact society. Nadella emphasizes the importance of empathy and human-centered leadership in a rapidly changing technological world.
The High Potential's Advantage
Get Noticed, Impress Your Bosses, and Become a Top Leader
Allan H. Church
Jay Conger
This book provides actionable insights into the process companies use to identify and develop high-potential leaders. Authors Jay Conger and Allan Church reveal five critical 'X factors' that differentiate high potentials: Situation Sensing, Talent Accelerating, Career Piloting, Complexity Translating, and Catalytic Learning. The book offers detailed advice and rich examples to help readers cultivate these skills and understand their company's specific processes for identifying and developing high potentials.
How can you tell if you’re on your company’s leadership fast track?
Jay Conger, a leadership professor at Claremont McKenna College, notes that many organizations quietly maintain and update lists of high-potential employees.
In this episode, he offers advice for what to do if you suspect you’re on the list. In addition, Conger shares his research on the five critical “X factors” that distinguish high-potential employees. Discover what these traits are and how you can leverage them to enhance your career.
HBR On Leadership curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock the best in those around you. New episodes every week.
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