Too often, organizations learn that effective performance in a current role does not guarantee equally effectively performance in a more senior, more critical position. For organizations interested in building their bench strength, better identification and development of true high potential talent is critical. MDA’s assessment and leadership development expertise shortens the cycle time in identifying and developing an organization’s high potential talent.

The war for talent is waging again—made simple by the fact that 50 million baby boomers are starting to think about retirement, and only 17 million GenXers are available to back fill their leadership roles. Enlightened organizations are determined to identify future leaders earlier in their careers and build development programs to retain and develop them quickly for the next level.

Effective HIPO programs use targeted assessment processes to uncover three critical pieces of information that provide insight about potential: Successful Intelligence, Motives/Values, and Personality. The assessments, when done well, are a key part of a broader succession planning program that involves manager ratings, a talent review discussion, 9-block calibration, and individual development planning.

MDA consultants help leaders understand the potential of each individual and help create development plans that allow for specific stretch assignments, learning methods, and growth experiences that meet the needs of both the organization and the individual. They help leaders in the organization build their competence at having important development conversations with high potential talent to keep them engaged and motivated to stay and thrive in the organization.