The Rare Find

Book excerpt: It isn't enough to figure out which candidates are competent. If talent spotters want to create a great organization, they must aim higher. They need to find people with breakthrough potential Sports coaches are constantly looking for that 'impact player' who will transform an average team into championship contenders. Venture capitalists are hunting for the entrepreneurs who will create the next Apple. Medical chiefs want young surgeons whose discoveries will transform disease care for the world. In all these fields, the gap between good and great turns out to be huge. Leaders can't ignore it. The key question stops being- 'Are you good enough to be here?' Instead, it becomes- 'Is there a chance you could become spectacular?' Rare finds involve a willingness to take a chance on people whose greatest talents are as yet unproven . . .