The turnout numbers haven’t changed much in the years the Gallup Organization has been tracking. In the United States, employee engagement numbers are around 30%. In the rest of the world, the picture is even bleaker: only about 13% of workers are employed.
What exactly are the traits of a rock star employee? Here are seven attributes you’ll find in most members of that elusive group.
R.Responsible: 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: No matter what, you 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 analyze 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.
whatind: Engaged employees have excellent interpersonal skills and have a wide network of people who know, like, and trust them. They cultivate 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.”
Sstudious: Your best talent wants to be better tomorrow than it is today. The best invest in themselves and their skills so they can develop and grow both personally and professionally. They love to learn and look for any opportunity they can to gain knowledge on a variety of topics. If they are not sure about something, they will do the necessary research to discover the answer.
youTeam 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 on their accomplishments because they realize they didn’t do it alone. Although they can take the lead on projects, they have a clear connection between team activities and the team’s purpose. They allow others to enjoy work and travel with them.
INAction Oriented: Average employees make to-do lists. Rock stars set their priorities and get the job done. They do not doubt out of fear or indecision, they look at the situation and act based on the information they have at the time they receive it. Because “moving objects tend to stay in motion,” rock stars choose to “miss forward” and maintain momentum. Their passion for what they do helps them know when to compromise with others and when to stand their ground.
R.Risk 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 time to notice when your ROCK STAR employees are accomplishing great things. Ask them for their ideas and learn from them. You can then incorporate your ideas and methods into training new employees and developing the rest of your team. When you use best practices learned from your actively engaged employees, you recognize their value to your organization and help the rest of your team move your business forward.