Characteristics of Top Performers
Career News March 23, 2013Number One – Be Decisive
When there is a tight deadline, you cannot afford to linger over a decision. You must gather necessary facts and tap into others’ expertise whenever needed and develop an action plan. You can get a head start over others by acting in a timely manner. You must be able to focus and ensure that no issue remains in review where the solution remains out of sight.
Number Two – Flexibility
Do not confuse being decisive with being rigid and stubborn. You cannot be successful if you do not roll with the punches or adapt.
Number Three – Ability to Look at the Big Picture
Just as a superhero in a movie does not need a lengthy briefing about impending doom and is ready to take decisive action at an instant having gleaned details all along and absorbed key facts as evil developed, so you need to be able to look at the big picture and be innately aware of what is going on around you. Your boss at the office will also recognize you for the individual who is quick off the block and is able to make decisions that are in the long-term interests of the company.
Number Four – Being Social
You should be the first person everyone think of when a problem has to be resolved at the workplace. You cannot accomplish this if you hibernate from nine to five every day in your cubicle. So you need to make an effort to connect with people continually. Maintain several points of contact at the workplace by varying your route through the office. Connect with people by nodding and smiling at them. You must aim to have people recognize you and perceive you as an indispensable component of the company.
Number Five – Reliability
It is hard to sell an unreliable car on the car lot. Saying “it works most of the time” does not inspire a buyer to even kick the tires. Similarly, managers, supervisors, or executives at your company will not feel comfortable handing off important work assignments to employees who could possibly complete the assignment successfully. They will want as much guarantee as possible and someone with a proven track record for success. Ensure that you do not promise more than you can deliver. Make sure you gave yourself a navigable path. Be clear about what is expected of you and what you are capable of doing. Then jump in and make sure that you deliver consistently.
Number Six – Be a Great Networker
You can only be successful if you are adept at assembling, delegating and consolidating processes and people to desired end. You must know how to solve problems and generate ideas by building relationships with individuals of various abilities and backgrounds. I am not talking about Facebook and LinkedIn contacts, but about the need to network within the organization. Even if you do not know the answer to a problem, you should know somebody who does.
Number Seven – Creativity
You must be willing to take calculated creative risks to improve or streamline an accomplishment. You must be able to think out of the box and look for alternate solutions. You must be able to rely on your intuition and try out a new route because an idea that worked in the past may not work in the present or future.
Number Eight – Be Self-Assured
Fall back on your strengths and ignore your deficiencies. So what if you are not an eloquent public speaker, you have the ability to lead a brainstorming session. Your confidence will feed on itself if your skills help you accomplish results.
Number Nine – Be Able to Close
You must be able to energize yourself and others. If you are given a project, you must run with it like a relay runner carrying a baton and not stop until you cross the finish line. You must have the stamina to hurdle roadblocks and a reflexive response to directional changes; these are reasons why you should be able to handle additional responsibilities. You may appear to be full of caffeine, but should actually possess an internal stopwatch and be a fierce competitor, whether as an individual or as a team member.
