Traits of an Amazing Employee
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What makes a truly great employee.
Great employees = great companies. This week’s #culturedrop is a list of some massively important traits to look for in employees. AND… this week is special because we're using an example from our own team: This month marks nine years since Kari joined our team!
If you've ever hired me to speak at a conference, work with your team, or help build culture, you've interacted with Kari. She's our front line, she handles business operations, paperwork, client outreach, and so many other things that keep the train on the tracks over here.
In her honor, I want to talk about what actually makes someone a great employee, because Kari is a masterclass in it. These aren't abstract ideals — these are real, observable behaviors that show up every day.
“People who embody these qualities are people to promote, reward, and do everything in your power to keep.”
If you're a leader reading this thinking about the people on your team, pay attention. People who embody these qualities are people to promote, reward, and do everything in your power to keep.
Framed up using our team’s culture.
I’m going to frame this all up using my team’s Cultural DNA Code and our clearly defined culture of what it means to be part of our team. This is based on the 5 tenets of our culture: Be Exceptional, Lighten Up, Own Your Shit, Ever Forward, & Blood Type: Grit. Here we go.
Be Exceptional.
This one is about the basics done brilliantly. Paying attention to detail. Seeing the big picture while also tending to the small things. Prioritizing our clients and the people we serve. Continuously stepping up and doing next-level work, always improving.
Kari is exceptional at being exceptional. She doesn't coast. She doesn't do the minimum. She takes her work seriously and it shows in everything she touches.
“Work is hard. Life is hard. The “weather” you bring to a situation matters more than most people realize.”
Lighten Up.
This tenet is about taking personal ownership of how you show up. Your energy, your words, the impact you have on the people around you. It means intentionally bringing a positive, lighthearted presence to our coworkers and the work itself.
Work is hard. Life is hard. The "weather" you bring to a situation matters more than most people realize. Kari is immaculate here. She's positive, productive, joyful, and supportive. Every single day:)
“Addressing conflict directly and honestly, finding mutually beneficial resolutions, and moving forward.”
Own Your Shit.
Accountability. Taking full ownership of what's in your bucket of responsibility. If something goes sideways, not pointing fingers — looking inward first. Addressing conflict directly and honestly, finding mutually beneficial resolutions, and moving forward.
In nine years, I've never known Kari to have a conflict with anyone on our team. But more importantly, she's the kind of person you can approach about anything. She fully owns everything in her own bucket and is highly accountable. That's rare and incredibly valuable.
Ever Forward.
This one is about constant improvement. Never being complacent and always asking "is this the best way?" Seeing feedback as neccessary to improve and a healthy relationship-builder rather than a threat. Being adaptable, flexible, and growth-oriented.
Kari is so great at giving and receiving feedback, she is open to change, adaptable, always looking to improve. These are things that make someone genuinely promotable, excellent qualities to have on your team.
Blood Type Grit.
Resilience. Big-picture thinking. A willingness to take risks, go for it, and blaze our own trail. Bringing the fire every day.
Kari is relentlessly ambitious and genuinely bought in. When I come to her with a wild new idea, her response without hesitation is always "let's go!" Always embodying a “What's next?" attitude that is contagious and makes our whole team better.
“Having employees who exhibit these qualities can be the difference between a good team and a great one.”
The bigger point.
These five tents and the behaviors and traits that they embody — be exceptional, lighten up, own your shit, ever forward, and blood type grit — aren't great markers to look for. Having employees who exhibit these qualities can be the difference between a good team and a great one. These qualities are leadership traits, regardless of title.
If you're managing people right now, think about who on your team shows up this way. Those are the people to invest in, recognize, and build around.
And Kari — thank you. Nine years, so many fun times, belly laughs, inside jokes, challenges overcome, and more than a few great ideas later, this company wouldn't be what it is without everything you've contributed, and the way you show up every day. You are truly awesome and a gift to have on this team. We are so grateful for you :)
Related Blogs:
5 Traits of an Absolutely Phenomenal Leader
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This article was created by Galen Emanuele for the #culturedrop. Free leadership and team culture content in less than 5 minutes a week. Check out the rest of this month's content and subscribe to the Culture Drop at https://bit.ly/culturedrop
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