Why passionate men succeed, even if they are mediocre

By identifying and developing promising employees early, the High Potential program aims to level the playing field and increase the representation of women in senior roles. But new research reveals unintended consequences. By relying on subjective criteria, such as an employee’s passion for work, these programs can actually reinforce gender disparities. In theory, passion is a positive attribute associated with drive, dedication, and motivation. But in reality, showing passion disproportionately benefits men. Rather than acting as an equalizer, programs that are more likely to emphasize passion will inadvertently stack the deck in favor of men, especially men whose performances are solid but not exceptional. This highlights the need for organizations to scrutinize their selection processes for high-potential programs, especially those that emphasize subjective criteria such as passion.