While the goal of every hiring is to find the best candidate for the position, it can be challenging to determine which characteristics are most valuable. While an ability to perform the tasks associated with the position will always be a key, additional traits can take an employee from mediocre to excellent within a workplace. Before you send an official offer out to your next hire, consider these three signs of a top performer in the making.
Emphasis on Their Craft
While all technical employees are expected to understand their area of expertise, top performers push to excel at the technical aspects of their job. Often, they keep up-to-date with industry trends for their own benefit, and may even pursue outside training to keep pace with the evolving industry. While they may also possess generalist skills in other technical areas, they demonstrate a true passion for their specific area, and will likely bring an increased level of energy to the position.
This level of focus often accompanies a tendency to take the initiative in regards to their work, as well as the development of their skills. These workers generally seek out new assignments when the opportunities arise, and are open to exploring new and different ways to handle tasks as they are assigned. They tend to believe that challenges within their work provide them an opportunity to grow when others may see it in a less positive light.
Respect for Organizational Priorities
Regardless of the personal preference, top performers understand that respecting a business’s bottom line is essential to overall business success. With that in mind, they are willing to contribute to whichever tasks best support the business, and will always make critical tasks a priority. Additionally, they treat business priorities as their own, making the success of these tasks a personal priority worthy of extreme care and attention.
While adequate employees may hem and haw about taking on responsibilities outside of their core focus, top performers will accept responsibilities that are within their capacity in times of need. This often makes them a go-to employee in moments of crisis, and ideal candidates for future development, as their flexibility can make them easy to work with during times of change.
Relationship-Oriented
Top performers know how to network. They are comfortable working with personnel from within all of the levels of an organization, and handles external contacts with ease. Additionally, they are often willing to jump in and lend a hand to coworkers who may be struggling or overwhelmed by current tasks
Relationship-oriented employees often have large support networks outside of their current organization, allowing them access to additional sources of knowledge in cases where assistance is needed quickly.
Often, top performers are also seen as emotionally stable, and brings a level of consistency to their work and their environment. They are willing to compromise, and have an open mind when it comes to hearing the concerns of others with a stake in a project or issue.
Are you looking for top performers?
By focusing on candidates who bring these traits to the table, you increase your odds of finding the kind of employee who will be a top performer for your business. If you would like assistance in locating your next superstar employee, contact Resolution Technologies today and let their experience guide you along the way.
