Identifying and developing future leaders within your agency is no longer optional. However, with the proper action steps, you can identify the strongest leaders within your agency and help them develop their skills to become successful future leaders. It’s not rocket science, but you must be intentional and consistent to gain traction. Here are five action steps you can take to identify and develop future leaders:
- Identify employees who demonstrate initiative: One of the most essential qualities to look for in potential future leaders is the ability to take initiative. Look for employees who aren’t afraid to step up and take on projects or tasks that no one else will. Those willing to put in extra effort to make sure a job is done right will likely be successful leaders.
- Observe team dynamics: Pay close attention to how team members interact with each other and how they respond to challenges. Take note of which employees take on unofficial leadership roles and how they lead. I hate titles, and they aren’t necessary to lead.
- Ask employees about their career aspirations: Employees with a strong sense of ambition and drive are likely to be successful leaders in the future. The key is identifying the “why” behind those ambitions and differentiating those looking to inflate their egos vs. make an impact.
- Provide leadership opportunities: Even the responsibility of planning a team-building event requires some level of leadership.
- Leverage personality profile assessments that include emotional IQ testing. While it's not perfect, it is effective.
Lastly, if you aren’t in a leadership position and desire to be. Take on challenges for the team, and then ASK for more responsibility from your leader. I can’t think of any agency principal who would say no to an employee offering to contribute more. #NetVUPlatinumPartner