Getting It Wrong

Anthony LoPinto

When companies hire new employees, each has its own methodology for assessing the potential of candidates, both new hires and internal promotions. A recent survey published by the Wall Street Journal, indicate that 40% of internal job moves by people regarded as high-potential end in failure.

According to George Hallenbeck, of the Center for Creative Leadership, “A lot of organizations go astray, in that they lack clarity on exactly what is it we mean when we say potential. Potential for what?” Some companies size-up potential based on a candidates culture fit, but clearly that can backfire in a period of change when business as usual is the wrong answer.