10 strategies to identify and nurture tomorrow's trailblazers

As organisations evolve, so must their leadership pipeline. The future success of many companies hinges on identifying and nurturing individuals who will be able to take the reins in the future and steer the business towards greatness. These future leaders need more than just technical skills; they require a blend of vision, courage, and commitment. But these employees don’t always stand up and identify themselves; so employers need a proactive and strategic approach to ensure they can ‘grow their own talent’.

Some might say that identifying and nurturing talent within an organisation is akin to tending to a garden – both require deliberate care, patience and foresight. Others may feel that it is not a worthwhile strategy as ‘leaders are not chosen; they emerge’. Truthfully, it is a combination of the two, but an employer that has a laid back approach may find that while they are focused on other priorities – their talented employees are out looking for greener pastures.

So, why is it crucial for employers to focus on talent development?

Talent is not static; it is a dynamic force waiting to be harnessed. By identifying and nurturing talent, organisations are investing in their own resilience and long-term success.

Here are two of the reasons it is important to focus on talent development:

1. Strategic Advantage:

• Unearth Hidden Gems: Identifying talent isn’t just about finding the obvious stars; it’s about recognising potential in unexpected places. Often, the quiet contributor in the corner cubicle possesses untapped brilliance.
• Stay Ahead: In today’s competitive landscape, organisations that proactively identify and nurture talent gain a strategic edge. These future leaders drive innovation, adapt to change, and propel the company forward.

2.  Retention and Engagement:

• Retention Magic: When employees feel valued and see growth opportunities, they’re more likely to stay. Talent development reduces turnover, saving recruitment costs and preserving institutional knowledge.
• Engaged Workforce: Nurtured talent translates to an engaged workforce. These individuals are motivated, committed, and eager to contribute. Their positive energy ripples through the entire organisation encouraging others to follow their lead.

10 strategies to identify and nurture talent that employers can try today:

Some organisations are well down their talent acquisition and management path and others are just at the beginning. It does not matter where you are, just that your business has a commitment to identify and nurture talent. The following outlines 10 high level actions that will help to cultivate the next generation of trailblazers:

1. Identify High-Potential Talent Early:

• Talent Scouting: Keep an eye out for emerging stars within your organisation and note that they could just be the quiet one!
• Assessment Centres: Consider using assessment centres to evaluate leadership potential objectively. These can provide incredible insights to build the bench strength of your organisaiton.
• 360-Degree Feedback: Gather insights from peers, subordinates, and supervisors. This will uncover hidden strengths and potential road blocks.

2. Provide Challenging Assignments:

• Stretch Goals: Assign projects that push their boundaries in a safe and challenging way.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Rotate talent across departments to broaden their perspectives.
• Special Projects: Involve them in strategic initiatives and ensure that they have a voice at the table – not just a seat.

3. Mentorship and Coaching:

• Seasoned Mentors: Pair talent with experienced leaders who can guide and inspire. Ensure you pick ones that have the appetite to share the tools of their trade.
• Coaching: Develop their soft skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Build on their ability to embrace and lead change.

4. Leadership Development Programs:

• Formal Training: Invest in leadership development workshops and courses; but always make sure there is an opportunity to transfer these skills to the workplace.
• Simulations: Use realistic scenarios to hone decision-making skills.
• Action Learning: Solve real business problems as part of a team. Empower them to lead.

5. Encourage Networking and Industry Involvement:

• Professional Associations: Where applicable, encourage the attendance of conferences and seminars.
• Networking Events: Provide the opportunity to connect with peers and industry influencers.
• Thought Leadership: Encourage your talent to write articles or speak at events.

6. Succession Planning and Job Rotation:

• Pipeline Mapping: Map out potential leadership roles and have a discussion around this for fit and motivation.
• Job Rotation: Expose them to different functions and geographies.
• Shadowing: Let them observe current leaders in action.

7. Promote a Growth Mindset:

• Embrace Learning: Encourage curiosity and continuous learning. Don’t ever let them settle for the status quo. Encourage a culture where emerging leaders need to ask the questions.
• Fail Forward: Teach them that setbacks are stepping stones to growth and are all part of the journey.
• Feedback Culture: Regularly provide constructive feedback and ask for it in return.

8. Lead by Example:

• Walk the Talk: Demonstrate the three Cs of leadership—clarity, courage, and commitment.
• Authenticity: Be genuine and transparent about your own leadership journey. Be vulnerable about your own failures.
• Delegate Responsibility: Allow them to take ownership. Then step back.

9. Create a Succession Plan:

• Individual Development Plans: Tailor plans for each potential leader.
• Emergency Succession: Prepare for unexpected leadership gaps.
• Talent Reviews: Regularly assess progress and adjust plans. Share these plans with HR and appropriate leadership positions.

10. Celebrate Their Achievements:

• Recognition: Acknowledge milestones and achievements. Celebrate the road travelled instead of purely focusing on the road ahead.
• Public Praise: Highlight their contributions in team meetings and special projects.
• Invest in Their Growth: Sponsor their attendance at leadership conferences.

Grooming leaders is not just about filling positions

Some employers will always look to the open market when a new senior leader position is available. In some scenarios, this is appropriate to bring in new perspectives and to challenge ‘group think’, however there is always room for organisations to identify talent within the business. There is no question that by committing to the growth of employees, organisations can ensure a robust leadership pipeline that will navigate the challenges of tomorrow.

Remember, grooming future leaders isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about shaping the legacy of your organisation. A well thought out talent management program sends a message to all employees that this is a business that is serious about investing in their people.

Further information

For assistance with all your workplace matters, Members of Ai Group can contact us or call our Workplace Advice Line on 1300 55 66 77 for further information. Ai Group offers a range of training courses to support employers on their development journey. 

Join Ai Group today!

Take advantage of more than 150 years of experience actively solving Members’ workplace issues and representing their interests at the highest levels of national and state government. Being a Member of Ai Group makes good business sense.

Download our brochure to see why you should join and call us on 1300 55 66 77 or visit our Why join page to sign up for a consultation with one of our member representatives.