What does a leader – or a potential leader – look like? How can you spot one as you evaluate prospective hires and develop your current employees?
You need a structured plan for leadership continuity. This means zeroing in on individuals who can play a transformational role in your company’s future and help maintain your competitive edge.
Leadership Traits
Look for these defining characteristics of great leaders:
- Humility: Leaders recognize and embrace that “we are all human.” They never put themselves on pedestals, but rather, treat others the way they’d like to be treated and support the overall efforts of their team. They are receptive to new ideas, realizing they are not the only ones who can foster change. Through a willingness to challenge their own assumptions, they actively surround themselves with diverse perspectives to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Transparency: Employees with leadership potential are those who practice open communication and personify respect and dignity. Transparency is about collaboration, team building and idea sharing. Beyond transparent behaviors, these individuals encourage others to voice their opinions. They promote emotional honesty, even to the point of uncomfortable conversations during key meetings and decision-making forums.
- A learning spirit: Leaders develop their own competency by continuously learning and gathering expertise across multiple fields – not just their own. They encourage learning in others, appreciating this ultimately benefits not only individuals, but their team and the entire organization.
Leadership Tendencies
The best leaders have a natural tendency to:
- Build strong relationships. They are savvy in cultivating strong, authentic relationships. They hone and practice their skills in areas including active listening, communications and team facilitation.
- Seek out mentors. Great leaders align themselves with mentors and subject matter experts to whom they can turn for advice, insight and feedback. They choose these fellow leaders carefully, singling out those with a high degree of integrity, which they aspire to emulate.
- Serve others. Leaders are constantly of service to others. This applies to their co-workers and peers, as well as customers. They empower team members to achieve their goals and bring out the best in people – putting others’ needs before their own and helping them reach their highest potential. This “servant leadership” is one of the highest platforms to launch leadership success.
Identifying and developing leadership potential is an ongoing human capital challenge. As you strive to meet it, consider partnering with Pridestaff Modesto. We’ll work with you to address your unique needs and customize a strategy for ongoing success. Contact us today to learn more.
