FCW Insider: What makes a Rising Star?

So how do you know if someone has real growth potential?

That is a question we received after we began accepting nominations for the 2009 Rising Star awards. It's a fair question. As yet, no one has discovered any sure-fire litmus test for identifying sure-bet employees. And judges will be making their calls based on the nomination forms, not personal knowledge of the nominees.

That being said, I think most good managers know a rising star when they see one. You recognize the attitude pretty quickly. You see the creativity they bring to their tasks and their ability to follow through. And you watch them grow before your eyes as they take on new tasks and demonstrate new talents.

The real challenge is translating that gut feeling into a compelling nomination.

The key is to think in terms of accomplishments and attributes. In what concrete ways have they contributed to your team or your organization -- and to what extent do you see a track record taking shape?  What particular talents and intangibles do they bring to the job that suggests their better days are yet to come?

In some cases, nominations focus on the track record, while in others, they hang on one particular (and significant) achievement. Either is one reasonable. Just go with the strongest argument you can make.

To submit a nomination, click here. The deadline is April 27. If you have any questions, go to the nomination page and submit a comment; if appropriate, I will post the question and a response; otherwise, I will reply by e-mail.

We look forward to seeing your nominations.