Hiring new talent who can bring in fresh thinking is exciting, but many times the right people are already in place – you just have to identify them, writes Christopher Hopper for Fast Company.
But how can you tell who has potential and what should you do about it? Here’s what to look for:
Calculated risk-takers who learn from failure
Organizations that create room for potential failure promote innovative thinking and create calculated risk-takers at the same time. Keep an eye out for results-focused individuals who are willing to disrupt the status quo. That’s a mark of a future leader.
Those who lead without a formal position of authority
Look for people in your organization who get into the trenches and lead their colleagues, regardless of their position. Collective, rather than individual, success is the goal, and being willing to step up and rally the team around a common goal — even when it isn’t in your job description — is an invaluable trait.
These are the colleagues who are likely to lead from the front once in an official leadership role, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to complete the task at hand builds trust and loyalty within the team.
Volunteers willing to take ownership
Having the drive to try new things without being intimidated by learning new skills is a fantastic quality to look for in potential future leaders. Those who aren’t afraid to take ownership of a project, don’t shy away from responsibility and dive in headfirst are the ones who will drive growth when in leadership positions.
These individuals tend to have a strong learning mindset and will ensure their skills and processes stay up to date. When in a leadership position, they’ll ensure the same is true for the rest of the team as well.