Turnout numbers haven’t changed much in the years the Gallup Organization has been tracking. In the United States, employee engagement figures hover around 30%. In the rest of the world, the picture is even bleaker: only around 13% of workers are hired.
What exactly are the traits of a rock star employee? Here are seven attributes you’ll find in most members of that elusive group.
RAccountable: The best take ownership of whatever project they are working on and set high standards for their performance. They are only satisfied when their customers sing the praises of their company. When they make a mistake, they admit it and learn the lessons so it doesn’t happen again. When they are successful, they ensure that others who have helped and supported them along the way are also recognized for their contributions. In other words, they share the credit and take the blame.
EITHEROptimistic: Come what may, they are programmed to look for the good in people, projects, and situations. They are energetic, enthusiastic, and confident in their work and how their team members work together. They see obstacles as challenges to overcome as they are excited to grow and open to change. They have a positive outlook and can be counted on to light up the room when they are around.
againstReactive: Rockstar employees have the ability to look at all aspects of a problem and come up with a host of new and exciting solutions. They are not afraid of failure as they know that part of success is having to fail from time to time. They have the unique ability to use innovative thinking to develop new methods of observing and solving problems.
kind: Engaged employees have excellent interpersonal skills and have a wide network of people who know, like and trust them. They nurture their professional relationships and focus more on giving than receiving. They get to know people as individuals and abide by the rule of “doing to others what THEY would have done to them.”
yesstudious: Your best talent wants to be better tomorrow than they are today. The best ones invest in themselves and their abilities in order to develop and grow both personally and professionally. They love to learn and seek out any opportunity they can to gain knowledge on a variety of subjects. If they are unsure about something, they will do the necessary research to discover the answer.
TTeam Players: Gallup shows that actively engaged employees have a strong network. Engaged employees focus on lifting others up as they climb and enjoy sharing the spotlight of their accomplishments because they realize they didn’t do it alone. Although they may take the lead on projects, they have a clear connection between team activities and team purpose. They allow others to enjoy working and traveling with them.
HASAction-oriented: Average employees make to-do lists. Rock stars set their priorities and get the job done. They do not hesitate out of fear or indecision, they look at the situation and act based on the information they have at the moment they receive it. Because “moving objects tend to stay in motion”, rock stars choose to “fail forward” and keep the momentum going. Their passion for what they do helps them know when to compromise with others and when to stand their ground.
RRisk taker: Natural leaders are not afraid to change the status quo. They make the necessary decisions and push the limits of their comfort zone. They take bold steps towards their goals. They feel that if they are not making mistakes, they are not learning. They love to come up with new ideas and new ways of thinking, and their passion inspires others to take their lead.
Take the time to notice when your ROCK STAR employees are accomplishing great things. Ask for their ideas and learn from them. You can then incorporate your ideas and methods into the training of new employees and the development of the rest of your team. When you use the best practices learned from your actively engaged employees, you recognize your value to your organization and help the rest of your team move your company forward.