In order for leadership to have continuity in an organization, there has to be a well structured plan for this. This will happen if the organization focuses on those individuals with leadership potential.
So what is the process of finding leaders within an organization?
Here are some tips:
1. Pay more attention to potential rather than performance.
An employee's performance is a reflection of his or her expertise and ability. While it's an important factor to consider when looking for a leader, it's not all that matters. You should also pay attention to the individual's overall potential and desire to grow. Keep in mind that not everyone is born with good leadership skills, even though their performance is of high caliber. Thus, focus on people who have the capacity to take on leadership roles and are not content to be mere followers.
2. Take notice of level of engagement.
It's important for a leader to have a high level of engagement and be invested in the goals of the company. Look for someone who actively participates in meetings and team discussions. A potentially effective leader is someone who always has an idea of how processes can be improved. That person is always interested in the way the company works and how he or she may contribute to its success.
3. Who isn't afraid of being held accountable?
Those who hold themselves accountable for failure have a great chance of becoming great leaders. If a person always shies away from responsibility, especially for their actions, it just means that they are not ready to take on a bigger and more important role in the organization.
4. Find someone who does multitasking well.
If you feel that you've somehow spotted potential leaders in your workforce, try giving them some more responsibilities. What you want to do is give them a heavier burden and see how well they can carry the burden. It is when someone is in a tough situation that he or she can show their ability to multitask and overcome difficulties.
5. Remember those who have excellent communication skills.
It is important for leaders to have remarkable communication skills. If they want, for example, to get their ideas across to their members, they must be able to do so without so much effort. You want a leader who is capable of explaining their opinions in a clear and concise manner. A good leader also has the ability to get the attention of the people they are talking to or addressing.
It's not an easy process to identify a person who has a good potential to be an effective leader. But with the help of an executive coaching specialist, you will be able to spot the most valuable members of your team.