Great question! Getting this right has both short and long term impact for individual and the organization. I look for "The Five A's" - ASPIRATION (do they even want to be a top level future leader); ABILITY (to perform today and learn/grow for tomorrow); AVAILABILITY (are/can they be available to move as/when the business needs without harming them or the business); AGILITY (can they shift/adjust at the speed and in the manner the business needs); ACTION (do they have a bias towards action that keeps them moving forward in a manner that aligns with the culture and the business). I've applied this approach in multiple businesses. It has been very helpful. Be well my friends. Keep up the fire!

I look for leaders who embrace uncertainty and understand that they might not have all the answers, but they are confident in their ability to learn and adjust.

I look for individuals who demonstrate a combination of strategic thinking, adaptability, and a proactive attitude. These leaders see the big picture, take initiative, and thrive in dynamic environments. Emotional intelligence is also crucial, as future executives need to inspire and effectively manage teams, showing empathy and strong self-awareness. Clear communication and collaboration are essential, as great leaders build relationships and motivate others across teams. Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning and growth is key, as it signals a drive to innovate and evolve with the organization. By providing mentorship and leadership opportunities, these traits can be nurtured, preparing the individual for executive roles.

When I’m grooming next gen leaders in my team, here’s what I specifically look for: 1. Curiosity-driven action – I value those who don’t just accept things as they are but question and explore new ways to solve problems. 2. Ownership mentality – I’m drawn to team members who own their work like it's their business and push for results without needing a push. 3. Influence through trust – Leaders earn trust by example. I pay attention to those who lead by action and naturally inspire confidence in their peers.

There are very interesting points shared already, but my two points to spot next key exes - 1. Leadership is all about who can speak-up with clarity and the others are ready to listen and act. So the personality who can speak with confidence with humility automatically earns others confidence and that to me is a good sign of a leader. 2. Focused follow-through is also a good sign to see in a future leader. I found very few executives who come back after the first request. Being on top of their focus list is also a key trait.

There are various leadership things one can pen down to identify and prompt future leaders but to me one thing which stand out is answer to the below question which is "Is he or she trustable"? Trust that he or she will do her best in individual subject matter expertise Trust that he or she will take company and team interest first before thier own Trust that he or she will keep thier committments

1. Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to think critically and navigate complex challenges. 2. Confident, Not Arrogant: Confidence balanced with humility fosters trust and respect. 3. Visionary with Influence: A clear long-term vision and the charisma to inspire others to follow it. 4. Servant Leadership: Prioritizing the well-being and success of team members to create a culture of trust and collaboration. These qualities are essential for driving organizational growth and maintaining a positive, forward-thinking workplace culture.