There’s a good chance you’re missing out on a bunch of benefits your company offers to select employees. However, there’s a standard business practice that can be your gateway to gain access and get more value from your employer.

Are you getting your fair share of support and resources to develop your skills and advance your career? Well, if you aren’t seen as a high potential at work, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on a ton of valuable opportunities that your company offers.

High-Potential Perks

You see, being recognized as a high-potential employee is a big deal in the corporate world because it comes with a bunch of benefits that can supercharge your career.

As a high-potential, you can get more value out of your employer. Companies are willing to make substantial investments in your development, granting you access to a realm of growth opportunities that aren’t available to everyone. This can include coaching, specialized training, and additional resources that make you even more promotable.

So, being designated as a high-potential isn’t merely a title; it’s a gateway to opening doors and propelling your career forward.

Pave Your Path to Get More Value

But what if you haven’t yet secured that coveted upper right spot on the 9-box grid? What if you’re not getting invitations to meet with company VIPs or invitations to participate in leadership acceleration programs?

Well, the good news is that you don’t have to wait for these opportunities to come to you. In fact, there’s a common practice at every company that can serve as your ticket to accessing more resources for advancing your career.

Get More Value Out of Your Dev Plan

I’m talking about something often overlooked – the professional development planning process. You know, that document you’re required to prepare with your manager each year that spells out goals and actions to help you become a better professional.

Instead of treating this as a “check the box” task, use it as an opportunity to tap into more tools and resources that can boost your promotability. Not sure what to include?

Here’s 6 ideas to get your gears turning:

1. Self Assessments: If you’re in the early stages of your career, you could surely benefit from insights into your strengths, traits, and preferences. Use your development plan to gain access to workplace assessments such as Myers-Briggs, CliftonStrengths, DISC, Kolbe, and more. Tools like these lead to greater self-awareness, which is essential to advance your career.

2. Stretch Assignments: You don’t need to wait for your manager to approach you with a challenging assignment; this is an opportunity you can (and should) proactively request. Get outside your comfort zone — think about the skills or experiences you want to acquire, and then discuss your ideas with your manager. For example, earlier in my career I wanted to gain more global experience, so I initiated a task force with regional leaders to share and adopt best practices.

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3. Professional Associations: Membership in professional associations is an excellent way to stay updated on industry trends and expand your professional network. Get your company to cover membership dues and access another valuable resource for your ongoing development.

4. Professional Certifications: Certifications are another way to advance your abilities and knowledge. These designations not only elevate your expertise but also increase your market value, both within and beyond your organization. It’s likely your company will pay for these programs as well, especially when they align with your role.

5. Higher Education: If you want to further your education, make it happen on your company’s dime. Many companies will reimburse some, if not all, of your tuition costs for a degree. Plus, you might even be able to gain support for a more flexible work schedule to accommodate your studies.

6. Career Coaching: Are you aiming for a transition into a senior leadership role? Consider requesting a career coach who can provide guidance. Coaches can serve as impartial sounding boards, helping you identify and overcome career-related obstacles or navigate transitions.

Aim High and Ask for More

Bottom line, view your professional development plan as an opportunity to get more value and investment in yourself from your company. If you don’t ask, you won’t receive, so go ahead and aim high!

The fantastic thing is that when you take charge of your professional development plan, it sends a powerful message to management: you’re committed to growth and development, which, in turn, boosts your status as a high-potential employee!