Unlocking Your Potential: Three Behaviors That Leaders Look For
Many people wonder why some colleagues seem to advance much faster than others, even when they start at the same time. It's easy to assume luck, excessive effort, or even "brown-nosing" is at play. However, after years of observing high-potential individuals, I've identified three specific behaviors that truly set them apart. These behaviors aren't about working harder; they are about working smarter and demonstrating key qualities that leadership values. These insights are broadly applicable across industries, and understanding them can help you break free from the self-conscious cycle of feeling judged at work.
1. Performance Trend Over Time: Embrace Mistakes as Opportunities
Everyone makes mistakes. Projects fail, deadlines are missed, and code breaks. The key differentiator lies in how you respond to these setbacks. Hiding mistakes, blaming others, or repeating the same errors will negatively impact your performance. However, you can actually leverage mistakes to demonstrate high potential by showcasing an upward performance trajectory.
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Focus on Improvement: Don't view initial struggles as a sign of inadequacy. Instead, recognize that you've established a baseline from which to improve.
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Own Your Mistakes: Acknowledge errors and actively seek ways to prevent them in the future.
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Demonstrate Growth: Show a clear pattern of improvement and avoid regression. The steeper the initial climb, the more impressive the perceived potential.
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Potential as Acceleration: Think of performance as velocity and potential as acceleration. A high performer may maintain consistent output, but the person who is consistently improving showcases higher potential for growth.
2. Taking Ownership: Go Beyond the Bare Minimum
Taking ownership doesn't mean doing more work; it means demonstrating a genuine care for the quality and outcome of your work. It's about going beyond the bare minimum and displaying a sense of responsibility.
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Show You Care: Instead of simply stating "I don't know," offer to find the answer or connect the person with someone who can help.
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Be Reliable: Taking responsibility for ensuring questions are answered or problems are addressed makes you a valuable team member.
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Combat Burnout: Caring about your work makes it more enjoyable, reducing the likelihood of burnout and resentment.
3. Rapid Learning: Prioritize Adaptability and Speed
High potential people are not necessarily experts in everything. Instead, they excel at rapidly acquiring new knowledge and skills. In today's rapidly changing work landscape, the ability to quickly learn and adapt is highly valued.
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Focus on Targeted Learning: Be selective about what you need to learn and concentrate your energy on mastering those specific areas.
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Embrace the Learning Process: Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from experienced colleagues.
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Prioritize Efficiency: Develop strategies for quickly acquiring new skills and knowledge to maximize your learning efficiency.
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It's About How Quickly You Learn: Demonstrate your capacity to acquire new information and apply it effectively. This showcases adaptability and a growth mindset, key indicators of high potential.
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