One of the most critical responsibilities of a leader, regardless of their level, is to identify and nurture potential successors. This task becomes particularly crucial for small to mid-sized companies, where the pool of potential leaders is limited.

While it’s common for companies to consider top performers as future leaders, exceptional performance in a current role doesn’t guarantee success in a leadership position. Instead, I recommend that companies actively search for leadership qualities in all employees, be they front-line workers, back-office staff, or the managers next door.

But what should you look for beyond performance when evaluating potential promotions? Here’s a checklist of twelve essential leadership qualities to watch for. Continuously keep an eye out for employees who exhibit these qualities. Among them, you may discover great future leaders.

1. Independence. Potential leaders exhibit a high level of independence. They seek advice from others for important decisions but are comfortable making up their minds and drawing their own conclusions.

2. Integrity. They admit their mistakes, avoid making excuses, refrain from blaming others, and consistently take the high road in disputes.

3. Initiative. Potential leaders are proactive. They swiftly identify tasks that need to be done and undertake them with minimal prompting and supervision.

4. Analytical Rigour. They demonstrate a high level of analytical rigour. They quickly get to the core of issues, focus on what truly matters, and make well-thought-out judgments.

5. Strategic and Tactical Acumen. Potential leaders maintain a balance between strategic and tactical thinking. They keep the big picture in mind, identify trends, and think two or three steps ahead. Simultaneously, they pay attention to details and excel in execution.

6. Inspirational Leadership. They inspire others with their passion, commitment, and a strong sense of purpose. Those around them recognize and respect these qualities, becoming motivated to perform at higher levels.

7. Self-Assuredness. Potential leaders operate with a sense of optimism. They look for the positives in events and people, demonstrating confidence in their problem-solving abilities.

8. Balanced Decision-Making. They approach problems with an open mind, consider various perspectives, avoid jumping to quick conclusions, and resist impulsiveness.

9. Coachability. They are open to constructive feedback, recognizing their limitations. They actively seek role models and mentors, embrace new ideas, and willingly experiment with different approaches.

10. Questioning Norms. Potential leaders like to question and challenge the status quo. They don’t blindly accept established norms and are assertive enough to voice their opinions without being labelled as difficult.

11. Kindness. They tend to be effective communicators who engage in meaningful conversations with everyone. They respect others and keep their egos in check, making them enjoyable to be around.

12. Knowledge Sharing. Potential leaders are comfortable sharing their knowledge and genuinely enjoy helping others succeed. They understand that the more they give, the more they receive, benefiting everyone involved.

By actively seeking these qualities in your employees, you can develop leadership potential at all levels of your organization. Recognizing these attributes in your team members and nurturing them will not only benefit your company but also create a positive and inclusive work culture where leadership can emerge from unexpected places.

It’s a long-term investment in the growth and success of your organization, and it starts with looking beyond the surface and valuing the potential in each individual.