Managing Expectations: How High Potentials Can Navigate Promotions

Jun 17, 2024

High potentials (HiPos) are often regarded as the future leaders of an organization, identified by their exceptional performance, growth potential, and capacity to take on more significant responsibilities. However, with this recognition comes a set of expectations, particularly around promotions. Managing these expectations can be challenging for both the individuals and their managers. Reflecting on my own experience as a HiPo in the workforce, I noticed that managerial approaches varied: some managers knew how to offer support effectively, while others felt threatened by high-potential employees. Here’s a guide on how HiPos can effectively navigate the expectations surrounding promotions.

Understanding the Landscape

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that being a high potential does not guarantee immediate promotion. Organizations recognize HiPos for their long-term potential, which means career growth is often viewed in the context of a multi-year journey rather than a rapid ascent. Understanding this landscape can help temper expectations and foster a more strategic approach to career development.

Open Communication with Management

One of the most critical steps for HiPos is to maintain open and honest communication with their managers. This involves:

  1. Clarifying Expectations: Have a clear discussion about what being a high potential means in your organization. What are the specific competencies and milestones required for promotion?

  2. Feedback Loops: Regularly seek feedback to understand where you stand and what areas need improvement. This will help you align your efforts with the organizational goals and expectations.

  3. Career Conversations: Engage in career conversations with your manager. Express your career aspirations and understand the opportunities available. This transparency helps in setting realistic expectations.

Continuous Development

HiPos should focus on continuous development to prepare themselves for future roles. This includes:

  1. Skill Enhancement: Identify the skills and competencies required for the next level and work on enhancing them. This could be through formal training, mentorship, or on-the-job experiences.

  2. Leadership Development: As potential future leaders, HiPos should seek opportunities to develop their leadership skills. This could involve leading projects, mentoring others, or taking on additional responsibilities.

  3. Self-Assessment: Regular self-assessment can help HiPos understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Tools like 360-degree feedback can provide valuable insights.

Patience and Perseverance

While ambition is essential, patience and perseverance are equally important. Promotions often depend on organizational needs and opportunities. HiPos should focus on delivering consistent performance and demonstrating their value to the organization.

Leveraging Opportunities

HiPos should be proactive in seeking and leveraging opportunities that align with their career goals. This includes:

  1. Networking: Building a strong network within the organization can open up opportunities and provide insights into different roles and departments.

  2. Stretch Assignments: Volunteering for stretch assignments or cross-functional projects can help HiPos gain new experiences and showcase their capabilities.

  3. Visibility: Ensuring that your contributions are visible to key stakeholders can play a crucial role in being considered for promotions.

Managing Disappointment

Not every high potential will get promoted at the expected time. Managing disappointment is crucial to maintaining motivation and performance. Here are some strategies:

  1. Reflect and Learn: Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Understand the reasons behind the decision and what you can do differently.

  2. Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude and continuing to deliver high performance can keep you in good stead for future opportunities.

  3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from mentors, peers, or professional networks to navigate through challenging times.

For high potentials, navigating the expectations of promotions requires a combination of self-awareness, continuous development, and strategic career management. By understanding the organizational landscape, maintaining open communication with management, focusing on continuous development, and being patient, HiPos can effectively manage their expectations and position themselves for future success.

Is your small business looking to nurture and develop its high-potential employees into future leaders? At IrisHR, we specialize in tailored strategies to help businesses identify, develop, and retain top talent. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in positioning your HiPos for success and driving your organization's growth. Reach out to us at hello@iris-hr.com or visit our website www.iris-hr.com for more information.