10 dominant qualities of highly effective employees

Visualize yourself as someone who works with a team of notable, hardworking and happy employees. What do all of them have in common? Their enthusiasm? Their passion? Their willingness to make a change?

We often assume that the more experienced an employee, the more qualified she is. But as we examine the characteristic that sets an effective employee apart from, say, an unproductive one, their differences couldn't be more different. What specific characteristics do highly effective employees that steers them right to their goals and allow them to take their job to a whole another level?

Highly effective employees have a high level of self-awareness

They recognize their genuine talents and are constantly monitoring their attitude "“ two things which are important in getting the job done. But not only are they aware of themselves or their environment but they are also fully capable of improving themselves by observing and listening conscientiously to the things that are essential to their growth.

They take initiative

Highly effective employees are in charge of themselves and can work efficiently with or without a group. They don't completely rely on leaders to make the right decisions and are ready to make the call when needed. When faced with a challenge at work or a project roadblock, most people would simply shrug and say, "There isn't much we can do about it." In contrast, an effective employee will take charge and help the team find the right solution.

They are proactive

Apart from their ability to take initiative, highly effective employees are known to be proactive. Bestselling author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen R. Covey, defines being proactive as "taking responsibility for your life." According to him, people who find success in their careers do not blame their mistakes or misgivings on factors like genetics or circumstances like the weather. "Instead of reacting to or worrying about conditions over which they have little or no control, proactive people focus their time and energy on things they can control."

They tend to defy stagnation

Stagnation, not procrastination, is the number one enemy of productive employees. Being naturally inquisitive, successful employees require constant physical and mental stimulation. They never allow themselves to feel complacently comfortable at work. When they suffer from boredom or feel like they are stuck at work, they will always find a way to shake things up.

Highly effective employees are in control

They know how and when to react in different situations at work. They have the will power to contain themselves when faced with upsetting situations. Self-discipline is a factor necessary in the stability and structure of a team. They know when to restrain themselves, especially when the circumstances are against them.

Efficient people don't produce average outputs, work with their own standards and encourage the same effect to other people. These people also give other employees the freedom that they need in order to grow professionally. Highly efficient people represent an organization that supports diversity, standing as an example to others.

Highly efficient employees are good listeners

These people avoid too much talk. They know that in order to communicate well, they have to listen attentively as listening is highly significant to avoid miscommunications. A lot of the communication exchanges are non-verbal; hence they pay close attention to colleagues too. Highly efficient people are open to sentiments, views, facts and opinions; listening without judgment and constantly showing supportive, warm-hearted and focused attitude.

They are capable of influencing others

Highly effective employees share their knowledge and come forward to willingly train amateur employees. They have the initiative to lead a team and do not wait for others to direct them. These employees do not seem to get tired of looking for leadership roles.

They carry the mindset of a manager

Planning ahead and building a strategy are part of their character to avoid having others wait for their outputs as they are devoted to the teams they belong to. Also, they always make sure that they do the tasks well.  Highly effective employees choose to do the more practical things and give extra effort without second thoughts.

They detect ineffectiveness

Identifying deficiencies and doing something to make it better is one hobby of the highly efficient people. Since ineffective processes mean bigger company expenses, they suggest methods on how to fix it. When permitted, they act on it themselves in an efficient manner.

They dedicate themselves to continuous learning

Highly effective people are willing to reinvent themselves all over again for the better through opening their doors to limitless learning. They choose to learn even in small things like observing, interacting and engaging in different activities. These people remain objective, but know how to adapt in an ever-changing work environment

Different companies have different standards on employee efficiency. However, bosses would always favor workers who are hands on, prepared to receive work-related criticisms, and genuinely evaluate themselves to make every aspect of work provision better.

Also, workers who never hesitate to ask whenever they need assistance are not showing weakness, but efficiency. Most importantly, the highly efficient establishes a cycle of success both for professional and personal growth all of the time.

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