Succession Planning: How to Identify Leaders

For an organization to grow and continue to meet its goals, it needs a plan in place to identify and develop leaders. Many companies have programs in place for leadership development, but to properly identify leaders is perhaps even more important. It can also be more challenging. When companies identify leaders early in their careers, they have more opportunities to develop their skills. Good leaders are cultivated over a career, not in a period of one to two years, so it’s crucial to start early. How do you identify leaders? What traits do you look for and which do you avoid? Look for people who have a tolerance for risk Successful leaders are not afraid of risk. They challenge norms and take calculated risks to push boundaries so that their businesses do not stagnate or lose relevance. Sitting behind a desk with a “business as usual” mindset is is not the mark of a great leader. The world moves too quickly for that business model to be viable. Avoid people who spend too much time on consensus building Consensus is important. It can increase employee participation and engagement, but it is time-consuming and doesn’t always lead to the best decisions. We all know that trying to get people to agree on anything can be like trying to herd cats. A leader who spends too much time asking others what direction to take and what the business should be pursuing is not leading. Instead, look for an individual who is interested in the opinions of others, but has his or her own ideas and isn’t afraid to pursue them. Look for people with personal integrity Leaders who act with integrity inspire others and make them more willing to follow their vision. Integrity is demonstrated through small actions and behaviors. People with integrity support the team, even when they are under pressure. They take responsibility. When something goes wrong, they don’t blame the economy, co-workers, clients, or anyone and everyone but themselves. Good leaders take responsibility, learn from their mistakes and move on. Avoid people who are overly competitive and lack humility Having an ego Read More »

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