Company leaders often ponder who will run things in the future. While attracting and maintaining managerial talent is an important part of running a successful company, know also that you may have potential leaders in your midst already. Here are three underutilized groups in every company that excel in leadership roles.

Individual Contributors

These employees are usually the technical experts who train new employees and serve as role models. They give feedback, work with customers and are an excellent pool for future leaders because of their expertise and experience working with others.

Women

At every level, more women are rated by their peers, their bosses, their direct reports and their fellow associates as better overall leaders than their male counterparts – and the higher the organizational level, the wider that gap grows.

Young Supervisors

The average age at which companies start leadership training is 42, but setting the expectations that everyone can grow and prioritizing self-development early on means managers make fewer mistakes and have a greater likelihood of success. It Also increase the probability that every company employee will work for an effective boss.

Source: Zenger Folman