--- title: Explain stages in a talent pipeline description: In a talent pipeline, stages represent the structured progression steps that show how a candidate advances toward readiness for a role. --- [Skip to content](https://help.engagedly.com/explain-stages-in-a-talent-pipeline#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Contact us](https://help.engagedly.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Customer portal](https://help.engagedly.com/tickets?hsLang=en) ![Engagedly dark.png\]](https://help.engagedly.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Engagedly%20dark.png?height=31&name=Engagedly%20dark.png) - [About Us](http://www.engagedly.com/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Management Team](http://www.engagedly.com/about-us/management-team) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [About Us](http://www.engagedly.com/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Management Team](http://www.engagedly.com/about-us/management-team) - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://help.engagedly.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Customer portal](https://help.engagedly.com/tickets) - [Our Website](https://engagedly.com/) [Our Website](https://engagedly.com/) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.engagedly.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Talent Mobility](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-mobility?hsLang=en) 3. [Plan Succession](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-mobility?hsLang=en#plan-succession) # Explain stages in a talent pipeline In a talent pipeline, stages represent the structured progression steps that show how a candidate advances toward readiness for a role. They provide a clear, visual way to track development over time. Stages provide the progression layer of the pipeline, showing where each candidate stands in their journey toward succession or role readiness. ### **Stages in a talent pipeline** 1. **Identified:** Candidates are recognized as potential talent. At this stage, they are flagged for observation and possible development but have not yet undergone formal assessment. 2. **Assessed:** Candidates are evaluated for skills, performance, and potential. This stage ensures that only those with the right capabilities move forward in the pipeline. 3. **Grooming:** Candidates receive targeted development opportunities such as mentoring, training, or stretch assignments. The focus is on building competencies required for future roles. 4. **Advanced exposure:** Candidates gain broader experience through cross‑functional projects, leadership opportunities, or strategic initiatives. This stage prepares them for higher responsibility and visibility. 5. **Successor bench:** Candidates are marked as ready successors for critical roles. They represent the organization’s immediate bench strength and can step into roles when needed. ![Stages in a talent pipeline2](https://help.engagedly.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stages%20in%20a%20talent%20pipeline2.jpg?width=670&height=253&name=Stages%20in%20a%20talent%20pipeline2.jpg) ### **Why these stages matter** This structured progression ensures that talent development is intentional and measurable. Each stage builds readiness step by step, making succession planning transparent and reducing risk. By the time candidates reach the Successor Bench, leaders have confidence in their ability to take on critical responsibilities. ### **How stages work** - Candidates are added to the pipeline and placed in the first stage by default. - They move across stages using drag‑and‑drop, making progression intentional and visible. - Movement through stages does not automatically mean readiness; readiness is tracked separately to ensure evaluation is deliberate. - The first and last stages cannot be removed, which keeps the pipeline structured and consistent. - [Getting Started](https://help.engagedly.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#overview-indigo-v3) - [Admin Settings (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#admin-settings-indigo-v3) - [Overview (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#overview-tangerine-v2) - [Admin Settings (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#admin-settings-tangerine-v2) - [Homepage (Pre-Tangerine: V1)](https://help.engagedly.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#homepage-pre-tangerine-v1) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Marissa AI](https://help.engagedly.com/marissa-ai?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started](https://help.engagedly.com/marissa-ai?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Configuration and Policy](https://help.engagedly.com/marissa-ai?hsLang=en#configuration-and-policy) - [HR Agent Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/marissa-ai?hsLang=en#hr-agent-overview) - [App-Specific Agents](https://help.engagedly.com/marissa-ai?hsLang=en#app-specific-agents) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/marissa-ai?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Analytics](https://help.engagedly.com/analytics?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/analytics?hsLang=en#overview) - [Analytics Dashboard](https://help.engagedly.com/analytics?hsLang=en#analytics-dashboard) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/analytics?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Engagedly Mobile App](https://help.engagedly.com/engagedly-mobile-app?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/engagedly-mobile-app?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin and Manager Features in Mobile](https://help.engagedly.com/engagedly-mobile-app?hsLang=en#admin-and-manager-features-in-mobile) - [Employee Features in Mobile](https://help.engagedly.com/engagedly-mobile-app?hsLang=en#employee-features-in-mobile) - [Butterfly EI](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Pulse Survey](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#pulse-survey) - [Instant Feedback](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#instant-feedback) - [Nurture Stream](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#nurture-stream) - [Yearly Survey](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#yearly-survey) - [Exit Survey](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#exit-survey) - [Response Submission](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#response-submission) - [Understand Butterfly Survey Reports](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#understand-butterfly-survey-reports) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/butterfly-ei?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Talent Mobility](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-mobility?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Get Started with Talent Mobility](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-mobility?hsLang=en#get-started-with-talent-mobility) - [Discover Talent](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-mobility?hsLang=en#discover-talent) - [Manage Talent](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-mobility?hsLang=en#manage-talent) - [Plan Succession](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-mobility?hsLang=en#plan-succession) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-mobility?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Goals and OKRs](https://help.engagedly.com/goals-and-okrs?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/goals-and-okrs?hsLang=en#overview) - [All User Resources (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/goals-and-okrs?hsLang=en#all-user-resources-indigo-v3) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/goals-and-okrs?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Manager (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/goals-and-okrs?hsLang=en#manager-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/goals-and-okrs?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [Goals (Pre-Tangerine: V1)](https://help.engagedly.com/goals-and-okrs?hsLang=en#goals-pre-tangerine-v1) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/goals-and-okrs?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Growth](https://help.engagedly.com/growth?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/growth?hsLang=en#overview) - [All User Resources (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/growth?hsLang=en#all-user-resources-indigo-v3) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/growth?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Manager (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/growth?hsLang=en#manager-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/growth?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/growth?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Performance](https://help.engagedly.com/performance?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/performance?hsLang=en#overview) - [All User Resources (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/performance?hsLang=en#all-user-resources-indigo-v3) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/performance?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Manager (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/performance?hsLang=en#manager-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/performance?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/performance?hsLang=en#faqs) - [360 Feedback](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Manager (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback?hsLang=en#manager-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback?hsLang=en#faqs) - [360 Feedback (Indigo)](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback-indigo?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Get Started with 360 Feedback](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback-indigo?hsLang=en#get-started-with-360-feedback) - [Launch a 360 Feedback Cycle](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback-indigo?hsLang=en#launch-a-360-feedback-cycle) - [Manage 360 Feedback Cycles](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback-indigo?hsLang=en#manage-360-feedback-cycles) - [Manage Nominations and Participation](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback-indigo?hsLang=en#manage-nominations-and-participation) - [Manage 360 Feedback Submissions](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback-indigo?hsLang=en#manage-360-feedback-submissions) - [360 Feedback Reports and Analytics](https://help.engagedly.com/360-feedback-indigo?hsLang=en#360-feedback-reports-and-analytics) - [Workflow](https://help.engagedly.com/workflow?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Get Started With Workflow](https://help.engagedly.com/workflow?hsLang=en#get-started-with-workflow) - [Understand Workflow Concepts](https://help.engagedly.com/workflow?hsLang=en#understand-workflow-concepts) - [Create and Manage Workflow](https://help.engagedly.com/workflow?hsLang=en#create-and-manage-workflow) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/workflow?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Learning (LXP)](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#overview) - [All User Resources (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#all-user-resources-indigo-v3) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Manager (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#manager-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [Admin (Pre-Tangerine: V1)](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#admin-pre-tangerine-v1) - [Manager (Pre-Tangerine: V1)](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#manager-pre-tangerine-v1) - [Employee (Pre-Tangerine: V1)](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#employee-pre-tangerine-v1) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/learning-lxp?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Real-Time Feedback](https://help.engagedly.com/real-time-feedback?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/real-time-feedback?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/real-time-feedback?hsLang=en#admin) - [Manager](https://help.engagedly.com/real-time-feedback?hsLang=en#manager) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/real-time-feedback?hsLang=en#employee) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/real-time-feedback?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Meetings Module](https://help.engagedly.com/meetings-module?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/meetings-module?hsLang=en#overview) - [All User Resources (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/meetings-module?hsLang=en#all-user-resources-indigo-v3) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/meetings-module?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Manager (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/meetings-module?hsLang=en#manager-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/meetings-module?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/meetings-module?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Coaching](https://help.engagedly.com/coaching?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/coaching?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/coaching?hsLang=en#admin) - [Manager](https://help.engagedly.com/coaching?hsLang=en#manager) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/coaching?hsLang=en#employee) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/coaching?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Team Pulse](https://help.engagedly.com/team-pulse?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/team-pulse?hsLang=en#overview) - [All User Resources (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/team-pulse?hsLang=en#all-user-resources-indigo-v3) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/team-pulse?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Manager (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/team-pulse?hsLang=en#manager-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/team-pulse?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/team-pulse?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Employee Social](https://help.engagedly.com/employee-social?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/employee-social?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/employee-social?hsLang=en#admin) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/employee-social?hsLang=en#employee) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/employee-social?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Groups](https://help.engagedly.com/groups?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/groups?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/groups?hsLang=en#admin) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/groups?hsLang=en#employee) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/groups?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Surveys](https://help.engagedly.com/surveys?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/surveys?hsLang=en#overview) - [All User Resources (Indigo: V3)](https://help.engagedly.com/surveys?hsLang=en#all-user-resources-indigo-v3) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/surveys?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/surveys?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/surveys?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Engagement Survey](https://help.engagedly.com/engagement-survey?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/engagement-survey?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/engagement-survey?hsLang=en#admin-tangerine-v2) - [Employee (Tangerine: V2)](https://help.engagedly.com/engagement-survey?hsLang=en#employee-tangerine-v2) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/engagement-survey?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Rewards](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards?hsLang=en#admin) - [Manager](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards?hsLang=en#manager) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards?hsLang=en#employee) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Rewards (Indigo)](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards-indigo?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Get Started with Rewards](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards-indigo?hsLang=en#get-started-with-rewards) - [Understand Gamification](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards-indigo?hsLang=en#understand-gamification) - [Configure Reward Settings](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards-indigo?hsLang=en#configure-reward-settings) - [Manage Points to Currency and Budgets](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards-indigo?hsLang=en#manage-points-to-currency-and-budgets) - [Set Up Points Redemption and Reward Catalog](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards-indigo?hsLang=en#set-up-points-redemption-and-reward-catalog) - [Working with Rewards](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards-indigo?hsLang=en#working-with-rewards) - [View Rewards Reports](https://help.engagedly.com/rewards-indigo?hsLang=en#view-rewards-reports) - [Check-Ins](https://help.engagedly.com/check-ins?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/check-ins?hsLang=en#admin) - [Manager](https://help.engagedly.com/check-ins?hsLang=en#manager) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/check-ins?hsLang=en#employee) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/check-ins?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Integrations](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [HRIS Integrations](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#hris-integrations) - [Single Sign-On (SSO) Integrations](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#single-sign-on-sso-integrations) - [User Provisioning (SCIM) Integrations](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#user-provisioning-scim-integrations) - [Communication and Workspace Integrations](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#communication-and-workspace-integrations) - [Goal and Productivity Tool Integrations](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#goal-and-productivity-tool-integrations) - [Learning and LMS Integrations](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#learning-and-lms-integrations) - [Engagedly Product Suites](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#engagedly-product-suites) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/integrations?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Talent Profile](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-profile?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-profile?hsLang=en#admin) - [Manager](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-profile?hsLang=en#manager) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/talent-profile?hsLang=en#employee) - [Skill Assessments](https://help.engagedly.com/skill-assessments?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/skill-assessments?hsLang=en#admin) - [Manager](https://help.engagedly.com/skill-assessments?hsLang=en#manager) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/skill-assessments?hsLang=en#employee) - [Suggestions](https://help.engagedly.com/suggestions?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://help.engagedly.com/suggestions?hsLang=en#overview) - [Admin](https://help.engagedly.com/suggestions?hsLang=en#admin) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/suggestions?hsLang=en#employee) - [FAQs](https://help.engagedly.com/suggestions?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Notes](https://help.engagedly.com/notes?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/notes?hsLang=en#employee) - [Resources](https://help.engagedly.com/resources?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Employee](https://help.engagedly.com/resources?hsLang=en#employee) - [Other Apps](https://help.engagedly.com/other-apps?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Talent Card](https://help.engagedly.com/other-apps?hsLang=en#talent-card) - [CXO](https://help.engagedly.com/other-apps?hsLang=en#cxo) - [Org Directory](https://help.engagedly.com/other-apps?hsLang=en#org-directory) - [Diversity and Inclusion](https://help.engagedly.com/other-apps?hsLang=en#diversity-and-inclusion) - [About Us](http://www.engagedly.com/about-us) - [Management Team](http://www.engagedly.com/about-us/management-team) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://help.engagedly.com/hs-fs/hubfs/footer.png?width=36&height=24&name=footer.png "Chill listening crop-3")](https://engagedly.com/) Engagedly Inc, 7420 Manchester Ave, Maplewood, USA, MO 63143 Copyright © 2026, Engagedly Inc.