Finding hidden internal talent

Your next great hire might already be on your payroll, and they could be hiding in plain sight. While traditional succession planning has its place, some of your best talent might be showing their potential in less obvious ways. Here’s where to look:

1. Project Contributors: Watch for employees who consistently volunteer for extra projects or raise their hands for new initiatives. These self-starters often have skills far beyond their current role. Create a simple form for employees to indicate interest in cross-departmental projects and track who follows through. Look especially for those who take on stretch assignments while maintaining quality in their core responsibilities – they’re showing both ambition and time management skills.

2. The Teacher Effect: Notice who others naturally go to for help, even when it’s not their job. These informal mentors often have leadership potential, even without formal authority. Ask team leads to identify their go-to people and watch for employees who take time to document processes or create training materials unprompted. The ability to explain complex concepts simply often indicates both deep understanding and leadership capability.

3. Problem Solvers: Track who brings solutions, not just problems, to team meetings. These innovators might be ready for bigger challenges. Create a channel for employees to submit process improvement ideas and pay attention to who consistently thinks beyond their immediate role. The employee who suggests improvements for other departments shows both initiative and big-picture thinking.

Remember: Sometimes, your best talent isn’t the loudest in the room or the most obvious choice. By looking beyond traditional indicators of potential, you might discover your next great leader is already on your team – they just need the opportunity to prove it.