Unspoken Rules of High Performers and High Potentials
An Exposé on the Silent Codes That Drive Success
Success. It’s a word that gets tossed around like confetti at a New Year's Eve party, but what does it really mean? For some, it’s the corner office with the skyline view. For others, it’s the freedom to work from a hammock in Bali, as long as the Wi-Fi is strong. But let’s get real—no one accidentally stumbles upon success. There’s no fairy godmother waving a wand, no genie granting three wishes. What separates the wheat from the chaff, the rockstars from the roadies, is a set of unspoken rules. Rules that high performers and high potentials follow religiously, even if they don’t talk about them. And why don’t they talk about them? Because if you know the secret handshake, you’re in the club. If not, you’re left trying to figure out why your big ideas are met with polite nods and why that promotion feels like a carrot on a stick.
So let’s get into it. I’m going to lift the curtain on the secret sauce that fuels the A-list of the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds. Grab a drink, settle in, and let’s take a no-bullshit dive into the unspoken rules of high performers and high potentials.
Rule #1: They Don’t Worship at the Altar of Busy
Let’s start with the biggest lie in modern work culture: “I’m so busy.” Busy is a badge of honor for the mediocre. High performers know that busy is the enemy of productivity. You know what’s sexy? Output. The ability to take a massive project, break it down into bite-sized chunks, and then execute like a Navy SEAL on a mission.
High performers and high potentials have a deep-seated understanding that time is the only resource you can’t replenish. They don’t fill their calendars with back-to-back meetings just to feel important. They fill their calendars with only the meetings that matter. If you want to succeed, start treating your time like it’s more valuable than Jeff Bezos’ next rocket launch. Be ruthless with it.
Pro tip: Say no. Say it often. Say it with a smile. If you’re saying yes to everything, you’re saying no to the things that really matter.
Rule #2: They Embrace the 80/20 Rule—But With a Twist
The Pareto Principle is the holy grail of efficiency: 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. High performers live by this, but here’s the twist—they don’t just stop at finding that 20%. They double down on it. They take that 20% and squeeze every last drop of potential out of it.
The average worker gets distracted by shiny objects—the latest tool, the newest trend, the hottest buzzword. High performers have tunnel vision. Once they identify the 20%, they’re like a dog with a bone. They don’t get distracted, they get obsessed. And obsession, my friends, is what separates the good from the great.
Rule #3: Feedback Is Their Protein Shake
Let’s be honest—most people treat feedback like a root canal. They dread it, avoid it, and when they do get it, they let it fester like an untreated infection. High performers, on the other hand, are feedback junkies. They crave it, they seek it out, and they use it to fuel their growth.
But here’s the kicker: they don’t just accept any feedback. They have a finely tuned BS detector that helps them sift through the noise. They know that not all feedback is created equal. High performers listen to those who have been where they want to go. They’re not interested in the opinions of the peanut gallery; they want insights from people who’ve been in the trenches, people who’ve bled, sweated, and come out on the other side victorious.
Rule #4: They Know When to Disrupt and When to Conform
Here’s the thing about being a high performer: you have to know when to play by the rules and when to break them. The truth is, most people are sheep. They follow the herd, color within the lines, and keep their heads down. High performers are wolves. They assess the landscape, understand the power dynamics, and then decide whether to follow the rules or tear them up and make their own.
But—and this is a big but—they’re strategic about it. They don’t disrupt for the sake of disruption. They disrupt when it gives them a clear advantage. They know that being a contrarian in a room full of yes-men is valuable, but only if they have the substance to back it up.
Key takeaway: Conformity isn’t inherently bad; it’s just a tool. Know when to use it and when to toss it out the window.
Rule #5: They Manage Up Like a Politician
If you think hard work alone is going to get you noticed, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. High performers know that managing up is just as important as managing down. They treat their bosses like key stakeholders in their career. They understand that perception is reality, and they actively shape that perception.
But here’s the thing—they do it without being sycophantic. They manage up by consistently delivering results and making sure the right people know about those results. They understand that a great idea is worthless if it dies in the vacuum of a cubicle. High performers know how to package their ideas, present them effectively, and get buy-in from the people who matter.
Pro tip: Learn to speak the language of your boss. If they’re numbers-driven, bring data. If they’re all about vision, paint a picture. Tailor your approach to resonate with them, and you’ll find yourself in the inner circle before you know it.
Rule #6: They Prioritize Mental and Physical Fitness
It’s easy to think of success as a purely mental game, but high performers know better. They treat their body like a high-performance machine, understanding that physical fitness is directly tied to mental acuity. They’re not all CrossFit junkies or marathon runners, but they have a routine that keeps them sharp. Whether it’s a daily run, a yoga session, or just a walk to clear their head, they make time for physical activity because they know it pays dividends in the boardroom.
And it’s not just about physical health—mental fitness is just as critical. High performers invest in their mental well-being through mindfulness, meditation, or simply unplugging from the grind. They know that burnout is the silent killer of potential, so they guard their mental health like it’s Fort Knox.
Rule #7: They Build Strategic Relationships—But They’re Not Networking
Here’s a dirty little secret: high performers hate traditional networking. The idea of pressing the flesh at some conference cocktail hour makes their skin crawl. But that doesn’t mean they’re hermits. Quite the opposite—they’re masterful at building strategic relationships. The difference is that they don’t network; they connect.
High performers know that genuine relationships are built on value exchange, not business card swaps. They identify the key players in their industry, the people who can open doors or provide insights, and they find ways to add value to those relationships. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, offering help, or just being someone worth knowing, they build a network that’s based on substance, not surface-level schmoozing.
Key insight: Your network should be a reflection of your values and ambitions. Don’t just aim to know people; aim to be someone worth knowing.
Rule #8: They’re Students of the Game
You want to spot a high performer? Look for the person who’s always learning. They’re the ones reading the latest industry books, attending webinars, and staying ahead of trends. But more importantly, they’re not just absorbing information—they’re applying it.
High performers have a growth mindset. They understand that what got them here won’t get them there, so they’re constantly evolving. They invest in their own development because they know that in the game of life, the only way to stay ahead is to keep learning.
Pro tip: Don’t just be a consumer of content; be a practitioner. Take what you learn and put it into action. That’s where the magic happens.
Rule #9: They Understand the Power of Personal Brand
In today’s digital age, your personal brand is your calling card. High performers know that it’s not just about what you do; it’s about how you’re perceived. They’re intentional about crafting a personal brand that aligns with their goals and values.
But here’s the twist—they’re not trying to be everything to everyone. They understand that a strong brand is as much about what you stand against as what you stand for. They’re willing to be polarizing if it means standing out. High performers don’t chase likes; they chase respect. They know that a strong personal brand can open doors, attract opportunities, and ultimately propel them to the next level.
Key takeaway: Your personal brand is an asset—treat it like one. Be authentic, be intentional, and don’t be afraid to take a stand.
Rule #10: They Play the Long Game
In a world that’s obsessed with quick wins and instant gratification, high performers are the ones playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. They have a long-term vision, and they’re willing to make short-term sacrifices to achieve it. They understand that success is a marathon, not a sprint.
This doesn’t mean they’re not ambitious or that they don’t take risks. Quite the opposite—they’re strategic risk-takers. But they’re not gambling on the next big thing; they’re investing in their future. High performers have a knack for seeing the bigger picture and making decisions that might not pay off today
, but will pay off in spades down the road.
Pro tip: Keep your eye on the prize, but don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. The road to success is paved with long-term thinking and short-term action.
The Real Secret Sauce
Here’s the real kicker—the unspoken rules of high performers and high potentials aren’t secrets at all. They’re right there, hiding in plain sight. The difference is that while most people are busy being busy, chasing after the next shiny object, or getting comfortable in their complacency, high performers are doing the work. They’re executing with precision, learning with intention, and playing the game with a level of awareness that most people simply don’t have.
The question is, are you going to be one of them? Are you going to keep playing by the old rules, or are you ready to rewrite them? Because in the end, the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t talent, luck, or even hard work—it’s knowing the rules of the game and having the guts to play it better than anyone else.
So, what’s it going to be?
Hi there. It’s Brian. In addition to this Substack, I wrote Talk Tech To Me. I take on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplify them for the modern recruiter.