In my recent performance review I was deemed to be a high potential employee, or HiPo in HR speak. What does HiPo mean? Well, according to a recent talk by an HR person, HiPos get noticed by higher-ups in company. HiPos are valuable employees. HiPos are rare. The conferring of this title must be explained to upper management by HiPo’s direct supervisor. HiPos get special attention when it comes to training budget. HiPos are assisted in their career path, that is, their plan for advancement. “Whatever.” I thought at time, rather indifferently. This HiPo talk caused quite a stir in office, what with all people concerned about how non-HiPos will be treated. I joined in these conversations for a while and then returned to my desk, not giving HiPo another thought. Until my performance review.

How this weighty designation came to be applied to me is quite a mystery. I thought I was just doing my job. Apparently, somewhere along way, I inadvertently revealed my potential. I must confess. Being called a HiPo didn’t flatter me or make me feel great about myself. It disturbed me. Not to point that I’m being kept up at night, but it has rankled me somewhat. I don’t want to be a HiPo. I just want to do my job. I don’t want to be noticed by upper management. I have no career plan besides continuing in my current position. I am a technical writer. By our very nature technical writers are insular and solitary creatures. Corporate ladder climbers we are not.