An employee doesn’t have to be a top salesperson to bring exponential value to a company. They stand out from the crowd in many other ways. Simply put, their contribution far outweighs their cost, regardless of their expense.
If you are an employee, strive to make each of these a habit. If you are an employer, appreciate and reward the behavior.
1. They don’t wait to be asked.
Many employers are accustomed to just telling people what to do. Employees create value when they anticipate what is needed and get it done without any prompting.
2. They attack the disease, not the symptoms.
So much company time goes to firefighting on a reactive basis. Employees create value when they assess the root cause of the problems and make systemic change that eliminates the problems completely.
3. They are the pressure release, not the pressure builder.
Employees create value when they help people decompress so they can improve productivity regardless surrounding stress.
4. They plan the work and work the plan.
Employees create value when they add effective structure and drive the team forward with effiency.
5. They do their homework.
Idea generation is useful, but not every suggestion is beneficial or appropriate. The wrong proposal can cause distraction or even derail the team. Research the idea and be goal directed.
6. They look to be smarter than the boss.
People are never infallible, and even leaders need to learn. Employees create value when they bring knowledge to the table that fills the boss’s blind spot.
7. They view the path five steps ahead.
Many workers can barely see the tasks right in front of their face. Employees create value when they are looking out beyond step one and two. Often they will solve issues before they even come close to occurring.
8. They act with the big picture in mind.
People who only work in their own isolation often cause challenges for those in other parts of the company. Employees create value when they work to comprehend how their efforts impact the whole so they can adjust accordingly.
9. They build bridges, not bombs.
There are plenty of people looking to sabotage others while trying to get ahead. Employees create value when they encourage camaraderie and an environment where a rising tide lifts all boats.
10. They cross-train themselves and others.
A company with specified individualists is in constant danger of losing expertise or capability. Employees create value when they increase redundancy of process and talent.
11. They create a circle of influence.
A growing company needs leaders. Employees create value when they can inspire others to make things happen both internally and externally.
12. They work ahead of the curve.
The future is always moving closer, and signs of what’s to come are always present. Employees create value when they are future curious and consider what’s to come in their actions and thinking.
13. They proactively and effectively communicate.
Being ambiguous or leaving people hanging contributes to a frustrating work environment. Employees create value when they instigate consistent and complete communication that keeps everyone informed.
14. They know when to lead and how to follow.
A leader can’t lead all the time if others are going to grow. Employees create value when they encourage others to step up and support them as the enthusiastic second in command.
15. They fight for what’s right and commit to the achievable.
People who push without basis can eat time and cause consternation. Employees create value when they stand up for their beliefs and take a pragmatic view before going all in.
16. They make the office a great place to work.
Employees create value when they help create a positive environment that others can’t wait to join.
17. They integrate time for learning and working on the company.
There is more to growth than just the daily grind. Employees create value when they grow themselves in ways that can help advance the company toward lofty objectives.
18. They motivate their co-workers and superiors.
Employees create value when they make everyone feel good about what they do and why they do it.
19. They instigate admiration for the company.
One bad representative of the company reflects on the whole crew. Employees create value when they provide a positive image that reflects well on everyone else.
20. They make others look amazing.
A showoff can alienate the whole team, creating frustration and rancor. Employees create value when they share credit with others on the team, elevating everyone’s happiness and confidence.
21. They create pleasant surprises everyday.
Any work environment can become dull and unimaginative. Employees create value when they stimulate energy and creativity in the workplace.
22. They are problem solvers, not whiners.
Constant complaining runs rampant in the business world. Employees create value when they brush aside the complaints and help people focus on the resolution.
23. They clean up messes.
Even the most productive people can sometimes move so fast the details are left undone. Employees create value when they make sure the company is safe, compliant, and protected from carelessness.
24. They maintain a happy home, at home.
Home life can easily intrude on the workplace, making others uncomfortable and creating distraction. Employees create value when they establish boundaries and set an example of work-life balance so others can learn from their best practices.
25. They turn troublemakers into rainmakers.
There will always be problem people in business. Employees create value when they can turn cynics into advocates and fear mongers into champions.
26. They resolve unhealthy conflict.
The workplace is stressful, and often people channel that stress onto others. Employees create value when they can diffuse tense situations and help people return to civility.
27. They engage in healthy conflict.
A company without strong debate is bound to head over a cliff or be passed by eventually. Employees create value when they bring important issues to the table, even when against the popular view.
28. They make most things seem easy, especially when they are not.
Work today is more involved then ever before. Employees create value when they manage tasks seamlessly, inspiring others to raise their performance as well.
29. They don’t just do, they teach.
Companies need people who can help others grow. Employees create value when they improve the work force and delegate, giving others the opportunity to gain proficiency and confidence.
30. They manage obstacles as if they were opportunities.
Bumps in the road are bound to happen. Employees create value when they take on those issues with positivity and excitement.
31. They expand everyone’s network of influence.
A company doesn’t grow by accident, and the CEO can’t be the only one to get the good word out. Employees create value when they promote the company as evangelists, generating opportunities at every turn.
32. They influence often, and manipulate when necessary.
Sitting in a corner and grinding out tasks is the minimum work for pay. Employees create value when they encourage people to reach their potential and help them overcome their internal demons.
33. They leave a trail of manageable process behind.
Often companies move so fast they are constantly reinventing the wheel. Employees create value when they document what works and encourage replication.
34. They attract other valuable employees.
Valuable employees are hard to find, but they tend to know each other. Employees create value when they act as a beacon for others looking to be exemplary.
35. They embody the company’s core values.
A company misaligned is a company adrift and unlikely to succeed long term. Employees create value when they demonstrate to others the behavior and attitudes that will lead everyone to success.
Most successful companies have at least one or two employees that rise above the set standard and would create a vacuum if ever they leave. Here are the traits that make them indispensable.
1. They are natural researchers.
Nobody has all the answers. Extremely valuable employees never let ignorance stand in the way of progress. When information is lacking, they will do their homework and readily share resources.
2. Their ego is the lowest priority.
Feelings and insecurities are important, but they can get in the way if placed front and center. Extremely valuable employees know who they are and know they are responsible for their own experiences. Their ego is never a source of disruptive drama.
3. They consistently inspire everyone else.
The CEO can’t be the only evangelist and inspiration for the company. Employees need to see that success happens on multiple levels. Extremely valuable employees uplift everyone else and help everyone increase their performance and improve their morale.
4. They can teach anything.
Companies grow and personnel changes. Creating training programs is important, but sometimes someone just has to get a newbie up to speed. Extremely valuable employees can deconstruct any process and help others learn to perform it quickly.
5. They are all about efficiency.
Some people take on a task and work just to get it done. Extremely valuable employees know that any job worth doing is worth doing faster and easier the next time. They document their process on any task or problem and figure out how to make it simpler every time.
6. They happily assume any role at any time.
Business is a constant flow of change and managing resources. Instead of getting caught in the upheaval, extremely valuable employees dig in and act as utility players filling the necessary gaps regardless of their position, and they do it without letting their own responsibilities suffer.
7. They solve problems before they become disasters.
People buried nose-deep in their own issues are likely to get hit in the beak with unpleasant surprises. Extremely valuable employees always have a forward-looking, big picture view so that they can anticipate issues in advance and create solutionsthat streamline and bulletproof any process.
8. They build a network, and use it.
People can only grow as far as the information and the support around them will allow. A limited education and network will produce limited results. Extremely valuable employees are able to tap into resources quickly and easily to solve any problem or create nearly any opportunity. You won’t see just 62 people on theirLinkedIn.
9. They can advocate effectively.
Many employees complain that they aren’t heard, valued, or that their needs are never met. Sometimes it’s because of poor management, but often it’s because effective self-advocacy takes thought and effort, not just vocalizing ideas or complaints. Extremely valuable employees know how to consider the company’s position and resources. They can present a viable and executable plan that makes sense and provides a win-win for everyone involved.
10. They believe honesty is the best policy.
Most employees do what they have to do to get along. Telling people the truth can be uncomfortable and cause conflict. Extremely valuable employees know that hidden truths eventually surface, and rarely in a positive, productive way. Without being unkind, honest employees help others see potentially damaging truth before bad things happen.
11. They come to work because they want to, not have to.
So many people work at jobs they hate because they need the money or because they are stuck and afraid to move. These employees maintain the status quo but will rarely advance themselves or the company. Extremely valuable employees have chosen to be at this company and actively share their pride and excitement with everyone around them.