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Making Good Managers Part 3: Identify High-Potential Leaders

Written by CoAdvantage | Jul 25, 2023 3:11:10 PM

Welcome to part 3 of our blog series, "Making Good Managers: Identifying High-Potential Leaders." In this blog, we'll explore supporting future leaders and recognizing leadership qualities within your organization.

Discover the qualities of supportive, results-oriented, diverse, and effective problem-solving leaders. Then, learn how to foster these skills in your team members for success. Let's develop and support high-potential leaders to shape a successful future.

However, that can be easier said than done! Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Qualities that work well for a leader in one corporate culture may not translate to another. This is often why businesses hire Big Names from other companies, only to see their performance fall flat.

First, look for team members who possess leadership qualities.

In a comprehensive study, analysts at the esteemed McKinsey & Company diligently gathered data from hundreds of thousands of individuals. Their research found four distinct behavior types accounting for 89% of leadership effectiveness. This insightful discovery sheds light on the critical factors that significantly contribute to successful leadership in various organizational contexts.

1. Leaders are supportive

This goes beyond having the emotional intelligence to be able to maintain morale and team spirit. Worker success relies on access to essential resources: knowledge, personnel, equipment, and more, enabling effective job performance. Good leaders are able to find ways to supply the support their teams need.

2. Leaders have a strong results orientation

This one is likely self-explanatory: they are able to define, set, and chart a path toward specific, achievable goals.

Leaders with a strong results orientation possess a clear and focused mindset when it comes to achieving goals and objectives. They excel in defining precise targets and laying the foundation for their team's success. By communicating clear objectives, they instill a sense of purpose and motivation among their team members.

3. Leaders seek a different perspective

Good leaders recognize and utilize the inherent value of collaboration and cooperation in the workplace. T They don't act like dictators or obsessives, instead, they involve others in gathering information and making decisions to consider all viewpoints.

Embracing diverse perspectives fosters innovation and creativity within the organization. Effective leaders actively listen to diverse viewpoints, tapping into a wealth of ideas and solutions. This inclusive approach empowers individuals to contribute their unique insights, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement among the team.

4. Leaders are effective at problem-solving

At the end of the day, a leader really has two closely related duties: to make decisions and to solve problems. A cornerstone of being a good leader is being adept at problem-solving – a combination of innate talent and learned skills.

Leaders navigate complex situations with confidence, drawing on their abilities and experiences. They analyze challenges, find solutions, and make informed decisions that drive progress. This problem-solving skill comes from continuous learning, enabling leaders to guide their teams through adversity.

Second, cultivate those qualities and skills.

After identifying potential leaders, the next crucial step is to prepare them through comprehensive training and skill development. This includes equipping them with essential knowledge and tools, covering communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking. The actual way you provide this development can vary and should probably consist of a combination of the following:

Key Takeaways

The path to creating good managers and identifying high-potential leaders is crucial. Understanding supportive, results-driven, diverse, and effective problem-solving leaders highlights their key role in achieving success.
Enabling future leaders with various perspectives, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork is essential to long-term business success. By fostering a supportive atmosphere and granting access to vital resources, leaders nurture a thriving atmosphere for individuals and teams.

The path to effective leadership involves supporting these qualities and skills through comprehensive training and skill development. Equipping potential leaders with essential knowledge and tools enables them to excel in their roles. Developing effective leaders is crucial for meeting future demands and ensuring stability in a dynamic marketplace.

"Making Good Managers: Identifying High-Potential Leaders," highlights the importance of recognizing leadership qualities and fostering team growth. Together, we create a strong leadership pipeline, poised to navigate the complexities and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Read more from the 'Making Good Managers' Series!

Explore the "Making Good Managers" series to uncover a wealth of valuable insights on leadership development. The series covers the key aspects of developing leaders, tailored to the needs of business owners like you. Learn about planning effective career paths, fostering diverse perspectives, and enabling problem-solving skills.

Looking for ways to build a strong leadership pipeline and drive long-term success? Check out the links below to embark on a journey to develop impactful and successful leaders in your business, and learn the key to thriving even in an ever-changing marketplace.

Part 1: How to Hire or Promote the Right Leaders

Part 2: Fixing a Bad Manager

Part 4: How to Plan Effective Career Paths

Part 5: How to Develop Good Leaders

Looking to identify and develop high-potential leaders to prepare for the future of your business? CoAdvantage offers the resources and support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed.