Leaders come in various forms—those who desire to lead and those who unite a peer group without the intention to lead. According to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals, shifts are happening, as 84% report more employees are defining success by work-life balance than by climbing the corporate ladder now compared to three years ago. Specifically, some Gen Z workers are not yet interested in a formal leadership role, they’re still focused on leveling up their skills.
Recognizing leadership potential is crucial for companies to ensure that emerging generations are prepared for management roles. Understanding who possesses the strongest potential for these positions enables internal promotions, which helps sustain the company’s legacy and growth. Having a succession plan motivates employees, reduces company costs by promoting employees from within, and fortifies organizational culture. Potential leaders have a natural curiosity in understanding nuances within the business. Having a good combination of hard and soft skills enables them to communicate and strategize ideas effectively.
Traits of Future Leaders
Goal setting. Future leaders find value in creating and obtaining goals. Someone on your team who sets SMART goals—specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-bound—develops core qualities such as organization and time management that are crucial to leadership positions.
Taking initiative. A potential leader takes the initiative on current or upcoming projects and is eager to undertake additional work that benefits the company. By taking the initiative, individuals acquire new and valuable skills. Taking on extra work can also foster community connections and strengthen company relationships by cultivating a joint effort toward company goals.
Emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is a trait of a potential leader. Having the ability to identify and understand what they are feeling and being able to name an emotion helps manage that emotion. Because of this, the emotionally intelligent have high self-confidence and are realistic about themselves. This imperative skill can increase communication and teamwork.
Vulnerability. Being vulnerable is tough in the workplace, but it is attainable. Embracing vulnerability fosters a relatable and comfortable environment for coworkers to discuss setbacks and explore strategies for moving forward. Being open-minded allows creative energy to thrive and prosper. Future leaders flourish in a collaborative environment.
Dressed for success. Taking the time and creativity to dress the part is a sign of being a potential leader. Representing the company at events and in the office provides a glimpse into the individual’s personality and symbolizes success. This demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, which reinforces the employee’s work ethic.
Most qualified person. An employee who is highly skilled at their job does not necessarily mean that they are going to be a great leader. These technical skills are great, but they do not guarantee that they possess the knowledge to inspire a team, have excellent communication skills, and exhibit empathy.
There are various tools and resources available that can help identify and assess leadership potential. These tools often utilize comprehensive evaluation methods to uncover talents and skills that highlight a person’s ability for effective leadership. The combination of learning leadership traits and the use of tools and resources can help you determine future leaders within your team.
About Specialized Recruiting Group
Specialized Recruiting Group (SRG) is in the business of people. SRG supports local business communities and professionals seeking new career opportunities by offering an individual approach to professional staffing placements.
To provide accurate and timely employment forecasts for business leaders, Express Employment Professionals commissions an ongoing Job Insights survey to track employment and hiring trends across a wide range of industries. The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,010 U.S. hiring decision-makers.
