One of the key responsibilities of any leader is to identify and develop the next generation of supervisors. But how do you determine who has the potential to be an effective leader? And once you’ve identified them, how can you best prepare them for success?
Certain skills and attributes set future supervisors apart. While some technical skills can be trained, strong leadership is often rooted in qualities that are harder to teach but not impossible to attain. There are foundational leadership competencies, such as those listed below, that many employees already possess and just need strengthening. The key is for managers to observe and act when they see the potential.
- Trust from team members: A person who is naturally respected by their peers often possesses strong interpersonal and ethical qualities that are essential for leadership.
- Strong communication skills: Clear, concise, and effective communication—whether verbal or written—is a cornerstone of leadership.
- Critical thinking and common sense: Leaders must make sound decisions, often in high-pressure situations. Good judgment and problem-solving abilities are critical.
- Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth helps a leader continuously improve and adapt. Self-awareness is key to developing emotional intelligence—one’s ability to perceive, express, understand, and regulate one’s emotions. Research has shown that emotionally intelligent leaders affect their organizations through improved decision-making, increased employee engagement and retention, and enhanced communication.
- Leading by example: Employees who model professionalism, responsibility, and a strong work ethic naturally influence others positively. Kouzes and Posner, authors of the best-selling book The Leadership Challenge, suggest that modeling the way is an essential behavior in exhibiting exemplary leadership. This includes asking direct reports for feedback and following through on actions they committed to.
These skills form the fundamentals of good leadership and it’s important to observe and grow these competencies before an individual transitions into a leadership role. That’s why identifying employees who already demonstrate these traits is essential. (For more on this, see our previous MMTs on Identifying Future Leaders and Developing Represented Staff.)
Additionally, mentorship plays a crucial role in developing future supervisors. A good mentor provides guidance, shares experiences, and helps mentees build confidence in their abilities. Encouraging high-potential employees to seek mentorship—and offering to mentor them yourself—can accelerate their growth.
A few things to consider when discussing career growth with employees:
- For represented staff, understand the collective bargaining agreements (CBA) language and consult Employee & Labor Relations if needed, especially when discussing stretch assignments and advancement opportunities.
Keep in mind that approach matters:
- If an employee expresses interest in a leadership role, guide them to relevant resources and training.
- If management identifies potential in an employee, approach the conversation with encouragement and support.
(See our previous MMT on Development & Feedback for more guidance.)
What Skills Can Be Strengthened Now and What Resources Can I Share?
Investing in these areas will help prepare employees for supervisory roles. The suggestions listed below are only a few examples.
Basic Business Writing
- Writing Formal Business Letters and Emails – LinkedIn Learning
- Quick Tips for Better Writing – LinkedIn Learning
Computer Basics: Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Excel:
- Excel Skill Level 1 – LinkedIn Learning
- Word:
- Word Skill Evaluation – LinkedIn Learning
- Microsoft Word Essentials – LinkedIn Learning
- Outlook:
- Outlook Basic Training – LinkedIn Learning
Delegation & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Leadership: Practical Skills – LinkedIn Learning
- Leadership Foundations – LinkedIn Learning
- Communicating with Emotional Intelligence – LinkedIn Learning
- Developing Emotional Intelligence – UCLA LMS eCourse
Innovation Training
- Develop Your Creative Thinking and Innovation Skills (LinkedIn Learning – Learning Path)
- Develop the Skills to Drive Innovation in Your Organization (LinkedIn Learning – Learning Path)
Encourage employees to take advantage of available resources:
- LinkedIn Learning – Various courses on leadership, communication, and technical skills.
- Campus HR/LMS – Internal training, development programs such as the Staff Enrichment Program or Professional Development Program, and workshops.
- Community College Courses – Affordable options for business and technical skills.
- Seminars & Webinars – Industry-specific development opportunities.
- Online Courses – Flexible learning options for busy professionals.
By proactively identifying and developing future supervisors, organizations can ensure a strong leadership pipeline, fostering both individual and team success.
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Do you have feedback, questions or a suggested topic you would like to learn more about? Please email: managementtips@ucla.edu.
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