Building Leaders at Every Level
How to Spot and Develop Untapped Potential in Your Team
Most leaders look for talent at the top. But the truth is, your next great leader might already be on your frontline. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about mindset, clarity, and behavior. The strongest organizations develop leaders at every level: the front desk associate who sets the tone for customer experience, the project coordinator who keeps the team aligned, or the gym coach who motivates members beyond the workout.
In every role I’ve held, I’ve found at least one person capable of far more than they realized. By coaching, challenging, and supporting them, I watched them grow into leaders who transformed not only their work but the culture around them. These are the moments that make leadership worth it.
3 Traits to Look For in Emerging Leaders
1. Coachable Spirit
Do they want to learn and grow? True leaders stay curious and open. If someone is hungry for feedback and eager to stretch themselves, they’re worth investing in.
2. Trust
Trust runs both ways. They need to trust you enough to be honest about struggles, and you need to trust them to follow through. Without trust, leadership development stalls before it starts.
3. Emotional Intelligence
Leadership isn’t about barking orders—it’s about understanding people. Look for team members who can show empathy, read situations, and connect with others. Emotional intelligence can be developed, but a natural baseline makes a big difference.
Bonus Qualities That Go Far
Follows instructions well: Gets things done right the first time.
Accountability: Willing to admit mistakes and learn from them.
Consistency: Shows up with reliability day after day.
Your Role as a Leader
Spotting potential is just the start. Developing leaders means coaching them into confidence, giving them opportunities to practice, and modeling the behavior you want to see. Sometimes all it takes is someone believing in them before they believe in themselves.
When you invest in frontline leadership, you’re not just preparing your business for the future—you’re building resilience, culture, and growth that lasts.
Action Step: 8 Questions to Ask Yourself This Week
Who on my team consistently goes above and beyond—even in small ways?
Who asks questions or shows curiosity about how things work beyond their role?
Who do others naturally turn to for guidance, advice, or support?
Who takes feedback well and applies it quickly?
Who demonstrates empathy and awareness of how their work impacts others?
Who admits when they’ve made a mistake—and shows they’ve learned from it?
Who has earned my trust by following through on commitments?
Who would I trust to step into my role, even for a day, if I weren’t here?
Pick one person who checks at least a few of these boxes. Spend intentional time with them this month—coaching, sharing insights, and giving them safe opportunities to lead. You may be surprised how quickly their growth lifts your entire team.
This is exactly the kind of leadership framework I help organizations implement. If you’d like a pulse check on where your team’s untapped leaders are—and how to develop them—let’s connect.
