How to Recognize a Potential Leader: 7 Qualities You Must Look For

August 7 2019 - There will be one employee in every team who will exhibit leadership qualities. They will unofficially assume an authoritative role where they successfully lead their team in one way or another. Such informal leaders will exhibit certain traits that will enable them to be good leaders in the future. You must recognize such individuals and train them to leaders.

Here are some important qualities you must look for.

Good Listener

Is one of the team members a really good listener? If yes, they can be on track to be the next leader. Because a good leader is always open to ideas, suggestions, and feedback. They understand that communication extends beyond just words. They are also adept at identifying non-verbal cues like body language and eye contact.

Learning Spirit

A good leader never stops learning. Look for someone who is always finding one way or another to keep their mind sharp and learn something. They are interested in learning new skills and keep their existing skills up to date.

Good Communication Skills

A good leader isn't just a good listener but also an effective communicator. If you want to consider someone for a leadership role, make sure they have good communication skills. These include active listening, emotional intelligence, ability to converse and good written communication.

Good with Challenges

Which team member do you turn to when you need a solution to a tricky problem? Chances are they would be successful future leaders. Such employees always take advantage of the situation if they have been presented with a problem. They will leverage the trust you show in them and go the extra mile to come up with innovative solutions. The ability to take a problem and develop a solution is an important skill that every leader possesses.

Team Player

A good leader fosters collaboration within the team rather than wanting to be an individual contributor. Spot those who participate in a group setting and facilitate a conversation around ideas. Informal leaders learn how to delegate tasks and empower their team members by trusting them to do the tasks assigned to them. They develop strategies with the team members rather than giving out commands.

Ownership During Difficult Situations

Those with leadership qualities will take ownership during difficult times rather than playing the blame game. They won't shame their peers and rather help them deal with the situation at hand. They will use data and factual information to seek solutions and lead the team to problem solving.

Mentors Others

A good leader will offer mentorship to someone who shows an interest in being mentored. Look for those who identify strengths in their peers and give them useful feedback. If they give clear, actionable and constructive feedback, they would be empowering their colleagues, the same way leaders do. Great potential leaders inspire others to care about the company goals and make a valuable contribution.

By investing time in employees exhibiting leadership qualities and training them, you would elevate the performance of the organization. Drive leadership development-oriented approach in an organization as they will help you identify and mould good leaders.

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