How to Spot High-Potential Employees Early
Look for people who consistently display:
|
Trait |
Observable Behaviour |
|
Initiative |
Volunteer for stretch tasks without being prompted |
|
Influence |
Others naturally seek their opinion or follow their lead |
|
Curiosity |
Ask smart questions that go beyond their role |
|
Reliability |
Deliver high-quality work under pressure |
|
Self-Awareness |
Acknowledge mistakes and adjust quickly |
|
Growth Mindset |
Show hunger to learn new skills and improve |
|
Cross-functional Reach |
Work smoothly across departments |
Bonus Insight: What organizations often look for
- Leadership potential, not just performance.
- Cultural alignment and the ability to represent the brand.
- Scalability: Can this person handle a bigger role tomorrow?
(main source: Jenine Waters, 2025)