High potential development programs
In addition to on-the-job development strategies such as rotations and short-term assignments, many companies benefit greatly from having formal high potential development programs. There's a lot of talk about whether or not organizations should have development programs just for high potentials, so let's take a look at both sides. On one hand, high potential only programs can be controversial to implement. If it's not clear to others how individuals are selected, you may cause morale issues among those not selected.
On the other hand, the benefits of a well designed and well run high development program can far outweigh the potential risks. By far the most important goal of these development programs is to get high potentials ready to become successors for key positions. It also sends them a strong message that you value them, and are making an investment in their growth. Let's take a look at what will make this type of program successful.
Start by asking yourself a few tough questions. What are our objectives for this program?Source: