Hiring someone with leadership potential can be a game-changer for your agency. These individuals not only contribute to the present but are also future assets, poised to grow into leadership roles as your company expands. The question is: How do you spot leadership potential in a new hire before they even start working with you? It’s not always obvious, but there are a few telltale signs you can look for during the interview process.
Here are three key indicators to help you identify leadership potential in new hires.
1. Look for Leadership Experience in Their Previous Jobs
One of the most straightforward indicators of leadership potential is whether the candidate has previous leadership experience. This doesn’t necessarily mean they need to have been a manager or a team lead, but you should look for examples of situations where they’ve taken on leadership responsibilities in past roles.
For example, maybe they led a project, mentored a colleague, or volunteered to organize team activities. These experiences show that they’re comfortable taking the initiative and managing others, even if it wasn’t in an official leadership capacity. Leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about how people naturally step up and guide others when the opportunity arises.
During the interview process, ask specific questions about their previous roles and responsibilities. For example, you could ask:
- “Can you describe a time when you took the lead on a project?”
- “Have you ever had to manage a team, even informally?”
The way they answer will give you insights into how they’ve handled leadership situations in the past.
2. Gauge Their Desire to Become a Leader
Another clear sign of leadership potential is whether the candidate has expressed a desire to be a leader in the future. Some people may not have held leadership roles before, but if they have the ambition and motivation to grow into one, that’s a good indicator they’ll step into a leadership role with the right guidance and opportunities.
Ask about their career goals and listen closely for signs that they’re interested in leadership. Do they talk about wanting to manage teams or lead projects? Have they expressed an interest in learning how to develop their leadership skills? Someone who is eager to lead and open to learning will be more likely to rise to the challenge when the time comes.
Some great questions to ask during the interview include:
- “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
- “What motivates you to take on new responsibilities?”
- “Have you thought about becoming a leader in the future? What kind of leader would you like to be?”
If their career aspirations align with leadership, they’re more likely to demonstrate leadership qualities early on in their role.
3. Look for Selflessness and a History of Helping Others
Perhaps one of the most important qualities of a good leader is the ability to put others first. Selfless leaders are willing to help their colleagues and lift others up without expecting anything in return. This selflessness is a key trait that can’t be taught—and it’s a strong indicator of leadership potential.
During the interview, ask about how the candidate has interacted with their peers in previous roles. Have they been willing to assist others, even when it didn’t benefit them personally? Look for examples where they’ve helped someone else succeed, shared credit for a project, or offered support to a colleague struggling with their work. These actions show a selfless approach to teamwork, which often translates to strong leadership.
Ask questions like:
- “Can you tell me about a time when you helped a colleague, even when it wasn’t part of your job?”
- “How do you approach working with teammates who need extra support?”
- “What role do you usually take on in team settings?”
Candidates who naturally support and elevate others often have the qualities necessary to become great leaders.
Conclusion: Spotting Leadership Potential Before They Start
Finding leadership potential in new hires isn’t always about their current skill set—it’s about looking for qualities that will make them great leaders in the future. By identifying leadership experience, ambition to lead, and selflessness in their interactions with others, you can spot candidates who will thrive in leadership roles down the line.
Hiring people with leadership potential is an investment in your agency’s future. Look for these signs early in the process, and you’ll build a team that’s capable of leading your business to new heights.