ABSTRACT
The basic criteria for selecting a potential strategic leader are that they are bright enough, emotionally competent and conscientious. The individual who has a blend of all the essential characteristics held in balance, without any of them dominating to the point of distortion, and who has no critical deficiencies or flaws, is a potential future top leader. Many individuals may start their leadership career dealing with operational issues and it is this ‘tactical’ leadership with which they may feel most comfortable. Strategic leadership has to contend with a far wider spectrum of issues and of weightier import, over much-extended timescales and often in a dynamic and unpredictable environment. If an organisation is to maintain its strategic advantage then the development of the next generation of leaders must be a strategic imperative. The identification and development of future strategic leaders is, therefore, fraught with difficulties as it risks opening up many unwanted issues within an organisation.
