Most leadership development programs aren’t working. Only 24% of senior executives at firms that have them consider them to be a success. Companies must take a more scientific approach to turning their raw talent into leaders, say three authors from Egon Zehnder, which has been measuring executive potential for 30 years. Begin by identifying which of seven key leadership competencies (results orientation, strategic orientation, collaboration and influence, team leadership, developing organizational capabilities, change leadership, and market understanding) are critical to your top roles. Next, assess employees’ potential by looking at five predictors of strong competencies (motivation, curiosity, insight, engagement, and determination) and then map people’s potential to role requirements to see how far they can go. Last, to help them get there, provide the right coaching and development opportunities.