How to Identify Leaders Among Staff

By Ron Segura

Have you ever been told that you have what it takes to be a leader? For most organizations, that statement holds the key to future success. Leaders don't just appear when you need them; they are grown and nurtured from within. By investing in the development of your current employees, you can build a robust pipeline of skilled leaders, ensuring a smooth transition and a culture of continuous growth. 

Discovering and nurturing potential leaders is not a matter of chance, but a result of a proactive and intentional strategy. This approach is key to identifying and developing the leadership potential within your organization. 

Early Identification and Empowerment 

Identifying and nurturing 'hidden gems' within a team can significantly enhance overall dynamics and productivity. These individuals often show initiative and possess a collaborative spirit that not only inspires their colleagues but also contributes positively to the work environment. They frequently take on additional responsibilities, which can indicate their leadership potential. This empowerment is the key to unlocking their full upside and inspiring others in the team. 

To effectively support these standout team members, it's essential to engage in open discussions about their professional aspirations. This communication not only affirms their value within the team but also strengthens their sense of belonging. 

Once these emerging leaders are recognized, providing them with growth opportunities is crucial. This could include assigning them tasks such as training new employees, handling customer complaints, or leading team meetings. These practical experiences are instrumental in building their self-confidence and enhancing their skill sets, thereby establishing a strong foundation for their future contributions to the team. 

Mentorship and Structured Training 

It's important not to place new leaders in challenging situations without support. Just because someone excels in a role, like a janitor, doesn't mean they will automatically become a great leader. Instead, create a formal mentorship program. Schedule weekly one-on-one sessions to discuss past experiences and explore how those situations could have been handled differently. Review the company's goals with them and illustrate how their role contributes to the larger picture. This ongoing support is a valuable investment of your time and resources. Remember, patience is not just a virtue — it's essential in this process. It is unreasonable to expect a new leader to possess the knowledge and wisdom that took you years, if not decades, to acquire. This emphasis on mentorship ensures that your new leaders feel supported and confident in their roles. 

The Powerful Impact of Internal Growth 

The commitment to internal development and promotion is not only a strategic initiative but also a vital means of enriching your recruitment and retention efforts. This approach clearly communicates to potential employees the exciting growth opportunities we offer and fosters deep loyalty among our current team members, creating a positive and thriving workplace environment. 

Conversely, the consequences of inaction are pretty profound. Neglecting investment in internal leadership development may lead to a void in effective leadership, increased employee turnover, and a lackluster company culture. Such risks are ones that no organization should consider taking lightly. This stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction should serve as a powerful motivator for your leadership development efforts.  

In the profound words of Noel Tichy, "Winning companies thrive due to exceptional leaders who foster leadership development at every level of the organization." It is essential that you don't simply wait for leaders to emerge; instead, take proactive measures to nurture leadership potential within your team today. 

Ron Segura is the founder and president of Segura & Associates, a consulting firm for contract cleaning companies as well as building managers in North and South America.