Archived Coaching Tip:
How to spot a potential leader October 03, 2007
Here are eight ways to spot a potential leader, from Fred Smith Sr., a columnist for Leadership Journal who died in August:
1. Do I see a constructive spirit of discontent? The person who observes “there’s got to be a better way to do this” is probably a leader. People locked inside the status quo are not leaders.
2. Do they offer practical ideas? Leaders seem to be able to identify which ideas are practical and which aren’t.
3. Is anybody listening? When leaders speak, people listen. If nobody listens to them, they’re not giving leadership.
4. Does anyone respect them? If people respect a person, they’ll follow that person.
5. Can they create or catch vision? When they talk to people about the future, do their hearers’ eyes light up? A person who doesn’t feel the thrill of the challenge is not a potential leader.
6. Do they show a willingness to take responsibility? Potential leaders accept the pressure of responsibility. They sense that the joy of contributing to other people is what leadership is all about.
7. Do they finish the job? The person who grabs hold of a problem and won’t let go, like a dog with a bone, usually has leadership potential.
8. Are they tough-minded? No one can lead without being criticized or without facing discouragement.