I had a client who was looking to promote one of his staff into a lead role in his company.  He had his eye on a relatively new person on staff.  I asked him what characteristics caused him to overlook people far more senior to him.  My client said that the relatively new person came into work early every day; stayed late regularly until the job was done; exemplified a positive, can-do attitude; was smart and on top of duties; and sought out more and more responsibility.

So I asked him about his other staff who had been on the job much longer.  He said they were good employees that he wouldn’t want to lose.  They more or less put in their time and did a adequate job, yet more or less settled into their role in the business and appeared content with where they were in the organization.   He continued, saying that these people seemed comfortable with what they were doing, and, while not negative, didn’t seek out additional duties or responsibilities.

Bingo!  My client was looking for someone who exhibited the characteristics of the owner: hard work, core competence, dedication, and a desire to seek more and more responsibility.  Bottom line, owners and managers are looking for people who want to get ahead and are willing to do what it takes to get there.

I’m not saying that someone has to work 10 hours a day and get paid for only eight, but I am saying that people who want to grow with a company tend to do what it takes to catch the eye of the owner, and to demonstrate a commitment and loyalty that stands out.  Some people are born with that drive.  Others learn it.  Either way, it is a great formula to adopt in order to excel in leadership and management in any enterprise.

Tags: Advice, Business, Determination, Developing Leaders, Drive, Knowledge, Leaders, Leadership, Leadership Excellence, Leadership Skills, Learning, Management, Motivation, People Leaders, Reputation, Responsibility, Sales, Success, The Mind of a Leader