How to nurture emerging leaders

High-rise buildings are reflected in a building in Tokyo's Shiodome district developed by Mitsubishi Estate Co, Sumitomo Realty & Development Co, Mitsui Fudosan Co and other companies February 5, 2009.

BOSTON (Reuters) - Some specific steps can help smooth the difficult transition of high-potential managers from functional leaders to enterprise leaders, says Harvard Business Review.

The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org (www.hbr.org). Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters.

"One of the most difficult managerial transitions is moving from functional leader to enterprise leader. Preparing people for these top jobs needs to start early.

Give potential candidates experience on cross-functional projects. If you run a global business, be sure to give them international assignments as well.

As their leadership promise becomes evident, give these high potentials positions on a senior management team and exposure to external stakeholders, such as investors, the media, and key customers.

Before promoting them to the enterprise level, send them to a substantial executive program that addresses organizational design, business process improvement, transition management, and other capabilities.

When these rising stars are finally ready to take the reins, place them in units that are small, distinct, and thriving. Surround them with an experienced and assertive team who they can learn from."

- Today's management tip was adapted from "How Managers Become Leaders" by Michael D. Watkins.

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