Written by: Dianne McKim, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Leaders are needed in every organization and company. There are a lot of articles, information, and videos out there on leaders and leadership. That is a good thing.
But what about those who are not yet in leadership roles? How do you identify those who can become great leaders? These individuals can be recognized by paying attention and noticing how they function and what drives them. These individuals are your Emerging Leaders.
So how do you identify the Emerging Leaders in your organization?
Recognize
Emerging leaders:
Truly want to better themselves; they look for opportunities to learn new skills
Appreciate and respect their company when they are given opportunities to participate in training, especially when it is for their long-term future at the company
Deliver results in their current role and go over and above their requirements to provide even more
Seek extra responsibilities and additional skills so they can prepare for leadership roles
Influence others to be better, do more, work smarter, etc
May already be supervising others
Are value-oriented and are sure their personal values align with the company values
Look forward to the future with a positive outlook, ready to do what it takes to go forward
Inspire others to be the best version of themselves
Have a strong desire to lead, which is evidenced by their challenges in the everyday way of doing things
Now you have some key characteristics to look for to identify these Emerging Leaders. The next step, then, is for you to know what to do if you identify them. These individuals won’t become great leaders on their own. They will need help.
Develop
Here are a few things you can do to help them become the leader that is best for them and for your company.
Establish stretch goals to help them grow.
Provide the tools they need to achieve and accomplish the goals set before them.
Build a rapport and relationship with them so you can speak into their life.
Acknowledge with recognition and feedback when they excel and when they need to improve.
Notice who others turn to when they have questions and encourage this individual in that ability.
Talk to the employees of the supervisors to find out if they like and respect them.
Listen and probe to find out the reasons emerging leaders use for solving problems.
Notice the attitude and approach the person uses when faced with challenges and difficulties.
Talk with them and find out what their long-term career goals are and if they see and desire growth to move into roles at the company.
As you recognize the signs of Emerging Leaders and then take steps to help them grow into leadership positions, you will have invested time and money wisely in that effort. P.S. If you are or want to be an Emerging Leader but need some help, reach out, and let’s talk here.
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Dianne McKim, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
A Certified Career, Leadership, and Life Coach, Workshop Facilitator, Author, Speaker, and Guest Interviewee, Dianne McKim has the professional training, personal experiences, and knowledge to help clients successfully grow and thrive.
Dianne enjoyed a long and impactful career in Corporate America, successfully leading teams, influencing peers, mentoring team members, and interacting at all corporate levels (including C Levels). During that time, she developed strong relationships with executives, management, peers, and team members, allowing her to successfully spearhead major projects while negotiating, and navigating bureaucracy.
This wasn't always the way, however. Dianne is an abusive relationship survivor, who navigated through a long and difficult divorce, which resulted in her running a household, working full time the whole time, and raising children as a single mom for 14 years. She dealt with family issues, job losses and job searches, loss of relationships, a lack of confidence, and very low self-esteem.
Over time, Dianne rebuilt her life, rediscovering herself and strengthening her confidence. As she did, she learned how to stand strong in her abilities, understand her value and embrace her identity. As her confidence grew, she discovered how to have professional success, personal contentment, and spiritual fulfillment.
Dianne has taken all that she learned, along with her unparalleled ability and deep care and compassion for others and began Precious Stones Coaching. Her coaching style is inviting, understanding, and encouraging with just the right amount of leadership, guidance, and accountability to help her clients focus on their priorities and accomplish their goals. Dianne wholeheartedly commits to helping her clients achieve and fulfill their calling, purpose, and destiny.
