How to Recognize the Best Talent

I can remember my very first role in leadership during the early 90's. I was the Customer Service Manager of The Sports Authority in Hampton, VA. I was excited about the opportunity to lead because I'd never held such a position. I could sell, I had exceptional customer service skills, but being responsible for others was an area that I had no experience in. It didn't take me long to notice who reported to work on time, who had a positive attitude, and who the consistent performers were. Unfortunately, those employees typically weren't high in number, so they stood out amongst their peers! What's interesting is to me is that some of my direct reports were positive (but only when I was around). Some of them reported to work on time (but weren't the best performers). I realized in those moments that recognizing the best talent wasn't as obvious as I thought.Sometimes the best and brightest were my average performers from a numbers perspective. The irony is, some of the qualities in my best talent years ago is evident in the employees who are recognized as the best talent today. A few of those qualities are:

• Courage: My best employees weren't afraid of uncertainty. When faced with a challenge, they didn't avoid what they didn't know. Instead, they would ask questions to learn in an effort to increase their knowledge and enhance their skill set. Employees who possess courage aren't afraid to make a mistake and they are also accountable for their errors. The unfamiliar is welcomed by them.
• Responsible: Employees who possess this quality feel obligated to do an outstanding job and to give their best. My brightest employees also known as "superstars" could be trusted with their responsibilities as well as additional assignments. Not only do great employees hold themselves accountable and deliver results,they also adapt better than their peers.
• Passionate: The best employees are enthusiastic about their roles, the business, and they are dedicated to the team/organization. Passion breeds commitment and these employees always have goals that they are striving to meet.
• Initiative: The best employees are self-starters. I enjoy not having to tell people what to do and some of my best employees have asked me what to do if they didn't know. As a matter of fact, they even asked for SOMETHING to do, when their tasks were complete! Employees with initiative are determined to follow through with a task, which really makes my job as a leader easy.

Time and experience has taught me that my best talent wasn't always indicated by performance rankings. My best employees were courageous, responsible, hard-working people who possessed passion and were willing to give their best every day. I can honestly say that not much has changed since my first role in leadership when it comes to recognizing the best talent.

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