***
by
Kevin Daum
An employee doesn't have to
be a top salesperson to bring exponential value to a company.
Amazing employees stand out
from the crowd in many other ways. Simply put, their contribution far outweighs
their cost, regardless of their expense.
Many employers today are
willing to pay top dollar for the right people, but often they wouldn't
recognize those "A" players, because they aren't looking for the
right traits or they are too self-absorbed to know a good thing when they have
it.
Well, here is a list of
traits that can easily be observed for solid company ROI [Return on
Investment].
If you are an employee,
strive to make each of these a habit. If you are an employer, appreciate and
reward the behavior.
1. They don't wait to be asked.
Many employers are accustomed
to just telling people what to do. Employees create value when they anticipate
what is needed and get it done without any prompting.
2. They attack the disease, not the symptoms.
So much company time goes to
firefighting on a reactive basis. Employees create value when they assess the
root cause of the problems and make systemic change that eliminates the problems
completely.
3. They are the pressure release, not the pressure
builder.
Stress is natural in the
workplace, and uptight people can feed off each other. Employees create value
when they help people decompress so they can improve productivity.
4. They plan the work and work the plan.
Haphazard thinking and action
usually delivers mediocre results. Employees create value when they add
effective structure and drive the team forward with efficiency.
5. They do their homework.
Idea generation is useful, but
not every suggestion is beneficial or appropriate. The wrong proposal can cause
distraction or even derail the team. Employees create value when they research
ideas before implementation so that little effort is wasted on the
unachievable.
6. They look to be smarter than the boss.
People are never infallible,
and even leaders need to learn. Employees create value when they bring
knowledge to the table that fills the boss's blind spots.
7. They view the path five steps ahead.
Many workers can barely see
the tasks right in front of their face. Employees create value when they are
looking out beyond step one and two. Often they will solve issues before they
even come close to occurring.
8. They act with the big picture in mind.
People who only work in their
own isolation often cause challenges for those in other parts of the company.
Employees create value when they work to comprehend how their efforts impact
the whole so they can adjust accordingly.
9. They build bridges, not bombs.
There are plenty of people
looking to sabotage others while trying to get ahead. Employees create value
when they encourage camaraderie and an environment where a rising tide lifts
all boats.
10. They cross-train themselves and others.
A company with specified
individualists is in constant danger of losing expertise or capability.
Employees create value when they increase redundancy of process and talent.
11. They create a circle of influence.
A growing company needs
leaders. Employees create value when they can inspire others to make things
happen both internally and externally.
12. They work ahead of the curve.
The future is always moving
closer, and signs of what's to come are always present. Employees create value
when they are future curious and consider what's to come in their actions and
thinking.
13. They proactively and effectively communicate.
Being ambiguous or leaving
people hanging contributes to a frustrating work environment. Employees create
value when they instigate consistent and complete communication that keeps
everyone informed.
14. They know when to lead and how to follow.
A leader can't lead all the
time if others are going to grow. Employees create value when they encourage
others to step up and support them as the enthusiastic second in command.
15. They fight for what's right and commit to the
achievable.
People who push without basis
can eat time and cause consternation. Employees create value when they stand up
for their beliefs and take a pragmatic view before going all in.
16. They make the office a great place to work.
People who are negative bring
down morale and demotivate. Employees create value when they help create a
positive environment that others can't wait to join.
17. They integrate time for learning and working on
the company.
There is more to growth than
just the daily grind. Employees create value when they grow themselves in ways
that can help advance the company toward lofty objectives.
18. They motivate their co-workers and superiors.
People need encouragement, no
matter their position. Employees create value when they make everyone feel good
about what they do and why they do it.
19. They instigate admiration for the company.
One bad representative of the
company reflects on the whole crew. Employees create value when they provide a
positive image that reflects well on everyone else.
20. They make others look amazing.
A showoff can alienate the
whole team, creating frustration and rancor. Employees create value when they
share credit with others on the team, elevating everyone's happiness and
confidence.
21. They create pleasant surprises everyday.
Any work environment can
become dull and unimaginative. Employees create value when they stimulate
energy and creativity in the workplace.
22. They are problem solvers, not whiners.
Constant complaining runs
rampant in the business world. Employees create value when they brush aside the
complaints and help people focus on the resolution.
23. They clean up messes.
Even the most productive
people can sometimes move so fast the details are left undone. Employees create
value when they make sure the company is safe, compliant, and protected from
carelessness.
24. They maintain a happy home, at home.
Home life can easily intrude
on the workplace, making others uncomfortable and creating distraction.
Employees create value when they establish boundaries and set an example of
work-life balance so others can learn from their best practices.
25. They turn troublemakers into rainmakers.
There will always be problem
people in business. Employees create value when they can turn cynics into
advocates and fear mongers into champions.
26. They resolve unhealthy conflict.
The workplace is stressful,
and often people channel that stress onto others. Employees create value when
they can diffuse tense situations and help people return to civility.
27. They engage in healthy conflict.
A company without strong
debate is bound to head over a cliff or be passed by eventually. Employees
create value when they bring important issues to the table, even when against
the popular view.
28. They make most things seem easy, especially when
they are not.
Work today is more involved
then ever before. Employees create value when they manage tasks seamlessly,
inspiring others to raise their performance as well.
29. They don't just do, they teach.
Companies need people who can
help others grow. Employees create value when they improve the work force and
delegate, giving others the opportunity to gain proficiency and confidence.
30. They manage obstacles as if they were
opportunities.
Bumps in the road are bound
to happen. Employees create value when they take on those issues with
positivity and excitement.
31. They expand everyone's network of influence.
A company doesn't grow by
accident, and the CEO can't be the only one to get the good word out. Employees
create value when they promote the company as evangelists, generating
opportunities at every turn.
32. They influence often, and manipulate when
necessary.
Sitting in a corner and grinding
out tasks is the minimum work for pay. Employees create value when they
encourage people to reach their potential and help them overcome their internal
demons.
33. They leave a trail of manageable process behind.
Often companies move so fast
they are constantly reinventing the wheel. Employees create value when they
document what works and encourage replication.
34. They attract other valuable employees.
Valuable employees are hard
to find, but they tend to know each other. Employees create value when they act
as a beacon for others looking to be exemplary.
35. They embody the company's core values.
A company misaligned is a
company adrift and unlikely to succeed long term. Employees create value when
they demonstrate to others the behavior and attitudes that will lead everyone
to success.
***
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