Part of building a successful business is preparing for the future. A healthy future for your company will include talent development and succession planning. It’s tempting to hire someone who already has all the skills needed for an open position, but developing future leaders depends more on personal characteristics and cultural fit. Hire for attitude, train for skill. Key attributes include:

Passion — What motivates and inspires this person? When do they show enthusiasm? Look for someone who will be engaged with their work and whose passion can inspire those around them.

Initiative — Initiative can manifest itself in many forms, from previous leadership roles to proactive problem-solving. Leaders must be willing to make decisions—even without complete information—and should be naturally inclined toward growth and improvement.

Communication — Good leaders must express themselves clearly and listen to others effectively.

A forward-thinking company knows that preparing for the future includes people planning. Doing so will ensure you are well on your way to a bright future for your business.