The world assumes. The naysayers disbelieve. The activists shout it out but no one is listening. Meanwhile, the inevitable is preparing itself for its performance.    

Such is the life of a stealth performer, who performs under the radar. They are not in the spotlight and are not viewed as "A" players, given their timid and unassuming appearance. But don’t be fooled by appearances alone. They thrive on getting the job done, achieving targets and making it all come through. Yet, for reasons only they may know, they remain under the radar. Some say its because they are introverts. Others presume and yet some others believe they may not like the spotlight. That their focus is pure.   

Whatever the case may be, the leader or manager must provide a conducive environment in which they can thrive, exceed. But, before that even takes place, they need to be found. They are not the obvious choice or the ones that come to mind when you talk about "A" players. The expected swag is missing. The attitude, the bluster and self-assuredness are absent. The covert performance leaves one unhinged. After all, if the numbers are there, why not shout them out from the rooftops. It’s a personality trait that is not understood by everyone. Yet, they roam the plains of our corporate world brazenly. 

Similar to interviews where we look for skills to match the position, we must also look for the right attitude. For attitude is what sets potential recruits apart. Skill can be taught. Attitude is the holy grail we all look for. In the same way, performance must be looked at not under the guise of effervescent personalities, but, hard core numbers and achievements. We must try to dig these stealth performers out. They may not yearn for the spotlight as would the "A" players, but one cannot ignore them or their achievements either. They may have motives beyond obvious attention. But identifying them is more important than we may initially realize. 

Their intentions, their awareness, respect and overall performance are in place. Now it is our turn to ensure they do not go unnoticed. They may be the real top performers that are doing the heavy lifting for our successes. The one thing that seems to come in clearly is that these stealth performers love growth. 

Opportunities to grow can be provided with multiple parallel channels including mentoring, tailored training, recognition & rewards. Most of these are not high-cost options and can be managed internally, giving this initiative an easy head-start. 

Dormant as they may appear, they are not extinct. What is happening under the surface is critically more important than the hollow posturing of many above the surface. Let’s move away from the superficial telltale signs that we assume mean more than they do. Let’s look at the numbers. The output. The standards, performance, abilities, the seething potential below the surface.

Clandestine movements they may have, but aversion to recognition / growth / rewards they assuredly do not. Give them reason to blossom and they will show you how its done. If the organization is to succeed, these seeds of change need to be sown. Today.        

https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzair-hassan-6451024/