When we work with good managers, moving forward in our careers can become so much faster and easier.
And by “good manager,” I don’t mean someone who is simply friendly, kind, or easy to get along with.
I mean someone who can recognize potential.
Think of a high-quality leather jacket, for example.
Before it becomes the finished piece we love, the leather goes through a long and delicate process. Conditioning, working, polishing…
Even the finest leather can be ruined if it isn’t treated properly. The right techniques need to be applied at the right time.
It takes patience. It takes care.
Just like a high-potential employee.
Without the right manager, that potential can easily get lost along the way.
A good manager recognizes your potential almost instantly. They give you room to grow. They make time for your development and give you meaningful feedback. They let you make mistakes.
And sometimes, they bring out strengths in you that you didn’t even know you had.
In my 20 years of experience in HR, and through countless coaching conversations, one thing I’ve seen again and again is this:
Many high-potential employees don’t shine simply because they are talented. They shine because they have the right manager.
If you have a good manager, know that you’re lucky.
So, are you working with a manager who sees your potential?
Or are you still looking for one?
Hatice Demircan