ARE YOU A HIGH POTENTIAL TALENT?

In 2025 there is no business in the world that isn't after the so-called "high potential" talent. So, let's dig a bit deeper and find out the answer to a few key questions like, what is really high potential? How much of it is personality? Or learnt skills? And, can you develop your potential? How?

Exploring these questions will take you on a meaningful journey of understanding yourself and assessing your skills. And in this fast-paced and competitive job market, knowing your strengths and value can truly set you apart and elevate your career.

debunking THE MYTH

One of the biggest misconceptions when talking about talent is the belief that only some people have potential, while others do not.

This myth persists for several reasons. Many still hold a fixed mindset, assuming that intelligence, leadership ability, or creativity are innate traits rather than skills that can be cultivated. Additionally, organizations often mistake early performance for future potential, overlooking those who develop at a different pace. Bias and stereotypes further reinforce this belief, as traditional molds of success shape who is seen as "high-potential."

However, the reality is that potential is dynamic—not a fixed trait. Research in neuroscience confirms that the brain is adaptable, meaning skills and abilities can be developed at any stage. People thrive when they are placed in the right context, supported with opportunities that align with their strengths. Moreover, long-term success is often driven by effort, learning agility, and self-efficacy rather than raw talent.

So instead of asking, “Have I got the potential?”, a more powerful question is: “What do I need to unlock my potential?” 

unlocking from within

What do all high potential people have in common?

Strong Self-Efficacy

At the heart of high potential talent is self-efficacy—a deep, intrinsic belief in one's own abilities. This confidence stands out in the face of adversity and change. When confronted with challenges, individuals with strong self-efficacy don’t retreat; instead, they embrace obstacles as opportunities to grow. They view setbacks not as failures but as stepping stones on the path to improvement, always prioritizing progress over perfection.

Even high-potential talent struggles with self-doubt. But here’s the truth: Self-efficacy isn’t about being perfect in front of a challenge—it’s about trusting that when you inevitably make a mistake, you’ll recover, learn, and move forward.

Coaching tip – Ask yourself: “If I knew with certainty that I would succeed, how would I think, feel, and act differently right now? What’s stopping me from adopting that mindset?”

Exceptional Learning Agility

High potential individuals are not necessarily the fastest learners, but they are incredibly adaptable. They consistently review their approaches and remain open to fresh perspectives. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that 91% of high potential employees excel at adapting their methods based on past experiences. This adaptability is critical in navigating complex challenges and finding new solutions to evolving workplace needs.

Coaching tip – Ask yourself: “When was the last time I adapted quickly to a new situation? What specific behaviors or mindsets helped me learn and adjust effectively?”

High Emotional Intelligence

The ability to connect with others is one of the defining traits of high potential talent. Individuals with strong interpersonal skills excel in emotional intelligence and effective communication. They can adjust their communication style based on their audience, mediate conflicts, and keep relationships strong, ensuring teams remain collaborative and cohesive. These abilities allow them to influence others, regardless of their title or hierarchy within the organization.

Coaching tip – Ask yourself: “When I struggle to get my point across, what patterns emerge? (e.g., over-explaining, hesitating, being too direct/indirect)? How can I experiment with a different approach?”

Self-Reflection and clarity

High-potential individuals look to gain a deep awareness of their strengths, talents, and development areas. They invest in their growth by reflecting regularly on their goals, values, and skills, ensuring they are always aligned with their purpose and ambitions. Reaching such clarity sets them apart, as it empowers them to make intentional decisions in both personal and professional contexts.

From clarity comes action. When you understand your unique strengths, you can leverage them strategically, becoming more adaptable, resourceful, and effective in any situation.

Coaching Tip - Ask yourself: “When faced with challenges, what strengths do I tend to rely on most, and how can I further cultivate them? What feedback do I receive most often, and how can I use this insight to sharpen my personal development focus?”

from potential to action

Potential only matters when it is activated and expressed through meaningful action. High-potential individuals are results-oriented not because they are chasing performance metrics, but because they see productivity as a path to express, progress, learning, and evolution. Their drive stems from an intrinsic motivation to grow—not just to check a box for an organization or a performance evaluation. Their blend of focus, determination, and a continuous learning mindset keeps them moving forward, turning potential into tangible impact.

How can you be action-oriented in ways that leads to tangible impact?

One approach is truly simply starting from developing and mastering the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and optimize decision-making. With a twist - learning to be more organized and results-oriented works best when you keep in consideration your own style, preferences and ways of thinking. Finding balance and striving for incremental progress over drastic change enhances your ability to stay on track and maintain high productivity, even in demanding circumstances.

Coaching Tip: Ask yourself: When I feel overwhelmed with tasks, what criteria do I currently use (consciously or unconsciously) to decide what gets done first? How can I refine this approach to ensure I’m focusing on what truly matters?

don't do it alone

Do you actively seek professional development, mentoring, or coaching? High-potential individuals are deeply committed to expanding their skills and self-awareness, and one of the most effective ways to do so is by regularly seeking honest, constructive feedback. Engaging with peers, leaders, mentors, and even friends provides fresh perspectives, helping to either validate or challenge personal perceptions.

The key to developing a strong feedback mindset is threefold:

✅ Make it a habit—actively seek feedback instead of waiting for it.

✅ Diversify sources—gain insights from different perspectives to build a well-rounded understanding.

✅ Stay curious, not defensive—try viewing feedback as a tool for learning, not criticism.

High-potential individuals integrate consistent feedback into their routines, making it a natural part of their personal and professional growth. In teams, this normalizes open conversations and fosters a culture where continuous learning is valued.

Expanding your feedback network is essential. Peers, mentors, leaders, and even clients or customers offer different vantage points, each highlighting areas of strength and improvement. The broader the perspective, the clearer the roadmap for growth.

Finally, curiosity is a game-changer. Instead of resisting constructive feedback, high-potential individuals lean into it with an open mind. They ask follow-up questions, explore new ways to improve, and use feedback as a catalyst for progress. This shift turns feedback from a potential threat into a strategic advantage.

Coaching Tip: Ask yourself, “Who are three people I trust to give me honest feedback? How can I make it a habit to seek their insights regularly?”

keep your STRATEGY simple

Self-awareness is the first step, but maintaining an action-oriented mindset is what drives real progress. When working on developing your potential, outline a clear strategy:

✅ Define one or two simple, specific goals - enhance your focus.

✅ Set clear milestones—define what success looks like.

✅ Outline actionable steps—break big goals into manageable actions.

✅ Assess and adjust regularly—stay adaptable and refine your plan as you grow.

it's a Hero’s Journey

Like the heroes of ancient myths, your potential is not just a gift—it’s a quest. Every challenge you face, every lesson you learn, and every risk you take shapes your path. Embracing this journey doesn’t just propel your career forward; it allows you to make a lasting impact in every aspect of your life.

The key? Keep challenging yourself. Tapping into your potential is really about stepping into the unknown, adapting, evolving and shaping your own path.