It Is Time to Be a Star Employee

When I was 12 growing up in West Virginia, all I wanted to do was play Little League Baseball. I was fortunate to play on a team that won the championship several years in a row. Playing with good players made me a better player. I eventually made the all-star team. Making this team was the result of hard work and dedication. I practiced constantly and played sandlot baseball with players older than I was in the off season in order to become a better player. I wanted to excel in every phase of my life, and I gave 100% effort all the time. I took these experiences from the field and applied them in my work life.

Can you say you have done the same?

An article from Inc. talks about the issue of determining the traits of star employees. CEOs look for these traits that can get you hired and promoted. These seven traits are happiness, creativity, hustle, honesty, flexibility, passion and confidence. You need to show your employer that you are a positive person and find ways to perform new tasks.

CEOs also want you to have quality and quantity in your performance, as well as honesty, as you will be entrusted with company information. You also need to be flexible when your job requires working outside your job description, have passion for your position, plus show traits that make you a star employee.

JotForm provides insights on those people in an organization who are thought to have the abilities to ascend to positions of responsibility. According to the Harvard Business Review, a small portion of a typical workforce tends to drive a large proportion of organizational results. Since star employees can have a profound effect on organizations, it is important to identify and work with them long term.

Standout performers have the star qualities of a great attitude, distinct skills and abilities, ability to aim high, drive to stretch and grow, plus strong communication skills. Star employees have excellent social skills, need challenging work, ability to grow and support for growth and development. They attract other stars to your organization, raise the bar for all employees and simply make your organization better.

Elorus points out star qualities for effective teamwork in the workplace, which is a most for organizational success. The most important ingredient to achieve success is having employees with effective teamwork qualities. Important qualities include not being arrogant, being helpful with colleagues, be social toward each other, learn to keep balls in the air, be a chameleon, learn new skills, take ownership of your work, be a troubleshooter, truly commit to your job, be direct but not rude, and be autonomous.

Strive to make the workplace thrive through sharing appreciation, mutual assistance and achievement gained through common goals. Build relationships with each other and have respect that is real.

With respect to development professionals, according to a Classy article, six key skills of all-star development professionals are the ability to:

1. Build relationships through personalized communication
2. Surprise and delight donors
3. Use creativity to power through campaigns.
4. Persevere.
5. Learn and adapt.
6. Stay on top of fundraising trends.

ASC pointed out the 10 most effective traits of effective nonprofit leaders. They include:

1. They have a clear destination in mind.
2. They are mission-driven.
3. They are comfortable in their own skin.
4. They are like Curious George.
5. They are not know-it-alls.
6. They are always game to grab a coffee.
7. They don’t let others drain them of their energy.
8. They are not afraid to be audacious.
9. They embody a spirit of gratitude.
10. They are not missed too much when they are gone.

You now understand traits and qualities of star employees. You have observed what key skills make you stand out from others in your organization. Do you have the traits and characteristics to stand out in your organization? If so, do others acknowledge this fact? I suggest that you step up your game and strive to be the best employee you can be in your organization.

Push yourself to exceed expectations, and set your personal bar high. Seek to learn from high achievers. Determine what separates these performers from others. With improved performance, you will gain attention from organizational leadership. Strive for consistent results and secure best-of-class examples. There is no time like the present to improve your work performance. Always shoot for the stars as it could take you to places you have never been before! It is time for you to be a star employee!