high-potential employee

Definition

A worker identified as having the capability, aspiration, and engagement to rise to senior leadership roles. Commonly abbreviated as HiPo, because HR loves acronyms almost as much as favoritism.

Example Usage

Congratulations on being tagged as a HiPo—enjoy your extra projects with no extra pay!

Origin

Emerged from talent management practices in the 1970s-1980s

Fun Fact

Research shows that only 30% of employees identified as high-potentials actually reach senior leadership positions.

Source: Talent management and succession planning terminology

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