5 qualities of rock star employees
Recruitment is an integral part of any leader’s job. I spend significant time searching for talent to enhance my diverse, highly functional marketing communications team.
Having supervised a range of employees throughout my career – from A+ to mediocre – I’ve identified five critical qualities for employee success in a team environment.
they want to be on a team
I’ll say it loud so everyone in the back can hear: If you dislike working with others, do not join a team! Save yourself and your potential teammates the headache.
Actual teams communicate, collaborate, and lean on each other. Employees who prefer working in solitude tend to flounder in team-centric environments. If you don’t like working on a team or are currently miserable on a team, I beg of you: find a different job ASAP.
they have a natural curiosity
In optimal conditions, all living things grow. Employees who want to be successful contributors to their teams and advance their careers have an innate hunger for learning and honing the skills that will take them to the next level. You don’t have to encourage most rockstars to do this; they always want a challenge that will propel them. Support these individuals and earmark a budget for them to upskill in every way possible. Don’t worry about them leaving for greener pastures – if you inspire them and open pathways to use newly acquired knowledge and skills, they’ll stick around longer than you think.
they want feedback
Top performers know how powerful gift feedback is and crave it. They don’t shy from criticism, and they can accept praise. Feedback is not a weapon to destroy them; it’s fuel to ignite their ascension. If you have an employee who proactively asks for feedback, don’t hesitate to give it to them.
they’re a self-starter
Rockstar employees don’t wait to be told what to do; they take the initiative to get the job done. These individuals are highly valued in marketing and communications – they listen well, digest information, and hit the ground running. Tell them the desired outcome, provide the right resources, and they’ll always exceed your expectations.
they overcommunicate
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com.
Leaders don’t have time. And they especially don’t have time to constantly follow up with their teams on everything. Rockstars establish a cadence and output of communication that ensures their leaders have the information they need. That way, leaders don’t feel in the dark, and employees don’t feel micromanaged from constant follow-up.
want to be a rockstar?
Focus your recruitment process on attracting rockstars who will take your team to the next level. With employees possessing these five qualities, you can spend more time developing and guiding a strong organizational vision while your rock stars execute it successfully.
want to amplify your roster?
The rockstars in an organization tend to get the most positive attention from leadership, including kudos, awards and the first look for advancement. Consider whether you have these five characteristics and strengthen any gaps to shine bright on your team.