Good employees possess many unique traits that set them apart from average employees. They arrive to work on time, drive themselves to be better, ask questions when they don't know the answers and help others. However, you need to consistently demonstrate other key traits to further distinguish yourself as your company's top job-performer.
Professionalism
Top job performers are always professional. That is, they are highly skilled and competent in executing their responsibilities and always perform tasks to the best of their ability. You must also dress appropriately and not mix personal feelings with business. For example, you might want to scream at a customer who shouts at you at the department store sales counter, but you must maintain your aplomb. Customers respect you more and recognize your professionalism, which can lead to greater sales and outstanding performance. Professionalism was the No. 1 trait companies seek when hiring employees, according to "Forbes."
Positive Attitude
Those who are best at their jobs usually have positive attitudes. They believe they can succeed and usually do. Busy corporate or institutional offices can incite pressure and frustration. You have tasks to complete, meetings to attend and crucial deadlines for reports and projects. Top performers tend to maintain positive attitudes even on the worst days.
Self-Starter
If you want to be a top job performer, you must be a self-starter. These types of individuals know what needs to be done and get things accomplished. They don't wait for their bosses to write out "To-Do" lists. Bosses are busy and can't micro-manage employees eight hours per day. They have their own agendas. You must take the initiative to get things done if you want to be a top job performer.
Good Communicator
The best-performing employees are excellent communicators. They know how to communicate with all types of employees, including hourly workers, managers and top company executives. Communication not only encompasses writing and speaking but excellent listening skills. For example, as a consultant, you must listen to clients to perform work according to their specifications. Equally important, you must listen to your subordinates to determine which management styles work best for them. An employee who needs more direction may require an authoritarian management style.
Organized
Top job performers are also well organized. They keep track of their progress on projects and meet important deadlines. During this process, you may use an organizer to record when tasks and projects must be completed. You then delegate tasks and request frequent updates from employees to gauge your progress. Organizational skills help top performers accomplish more.