2 min readEnhancewell
The future feels like some far-off nebulous concept, but the truth is: you’re creating the future right now. The people you surround yourself with and the team members you invest in directly impact the trajectory of your life and your business. Today, we’re going to talk about some character qualities you can look for in your current employees to help you identify your business’ next leaders.
6 traits to look for in your next leader
Remains calm under pressure
Work shouldn’t always be a stressful place. However, we all know that tensions rise every once in a while. Look around for the employees who take the pressure well. Is there an employee who calmly rectifies mistakes and keeps their cool when emotions boil over? This cool cucumber might be ready for a managerial role.
Employees look to the leaders in times of stress. Create a culture of calm by choosing a leader who keeps their cool— no matter what happens.
Creates solutions when problems arise
If you have an employee whose first response is “woe is me,” they’re likely not your next star leader. Leaders don’t focus on problems. Instead, they focus on solutions, generating new ideas to solve problems and bounce back better than before. Ask your employees for input to see which ones are problem solvers and discover new solutions along the way.
*Positive attitude *
The world isn’t always rainbows and sunshine, but looking on the bright side of life is contagious. Look for leaders who build up other employees with positive energy.
Integrity
Nobody’s perfect. That’s a given. True leaders own up to their mistakes and take steps to fix their errors.
Leaders bear great responsibility, so look for employees who display integrity with the small things. When someone proves their employer can trust them with the inconsequential items, they might be ready to lead where the stakes are high.
Always learning
Learning is the key to growth. Can you imagine what would happen if leaders chose not to grow post-1990? They’d still be sending faxes and calling meetings via conference call. Would they be searching the internet for answers? Absolutely not.
Look for employees who love their careers enough to continue their education. Search for those who pursue self-improvement. Leaders are never content remaining stagnant. Instead, they’re looking for new ways to better themselves, and, in turn, those around them will benefit, too.
*Empathy *
Leaders must know how to rise above the day-to-day squabbles and extract themselves from interoffice drama. But that doesn’t mean they should be cold and distant. Empathy is a hallmark of great leaders. Look for the employees who remember to ask about co-workers’ lives and those who offer to cover a shift when they find out a colleague has a sick child or parent.
When you invest in your organization’s future now, you’ll create a legacy of leadership that lasts long after your retirement. Mentor your employees, and you’ll build a future leadership team that’s complete with the values, work ethic, and methodology that’s important to you.