How to Choose Your High Potential Leaders

Dear DISC Wizard,

We have a new Emerging Leaders Program starting here and I’ve been asked to select one high-potential direct report from my department for the program. The problem is, I have a few that I think would do well in the program.?How do I choose??~ Jennifer S.?

Dear Jennifer,

Since it can be hard to select just one person for an opportunity like this, you could do an “ELP interview” – essentially having the members of your team “apply” for a space in the program.?The interview process for the program can follow a similar format to hiring someone for a job.

> POSTING THE OPPORTUNITY: Send an initial email explaining the program, the process for applying and requesting anyone who is interested to reply.?

> INITIAL SCREEN: Set up a meeting with those who respond to talk about their interest in and expectations of the program.?Specifically asking, “Why are you interested in leading others?”

> ASSESSMENT PROCESS: Have those that pass your initial screen complete an assessment that measures their drive and passion for leading (we have one called The 6 Workplace Motivators that measures just that) .?

> FINAL INTERVIEW: Besides what you have personally experienced with this potential participant, now is the time to ascertain if they have exhibited leadership qualities in the past by asking the following questions.

1. Tell me/us about the time you demonstrated leadership skills at work?
2. Have you ever served in a mentor or coaching role? If so, what is your leadership style?
3. Which supporting skills do you think are most important for a leader??When have you demonstrated one of the skills you mentioned?
4. Tell me/us about a time when you managed a conflict situation?
5. What was the hardest decision you have ever made at work? What helped prompt the best course of action?

Keep in mind what I tell my clients when interviewing; “The best predictor of future behavior is… past behavior.”

~ The DISC Wizard