Top Qualities of a Good Employee – What Makes a Good Employee?
There are countless articles out there that talk about the qualities of a good employee from an HR or business owner’s perspective, including a few on this site. Today, I’d like to flip that and provide an aspirational list of qualities for job seekers to work towards.
The answers are based on input from the business community, the HR department, and other qualified sources.
8 Key Qualities of a Good Employee
- Honesty
When talking to business owners, honesty (or trustworthiness) is always one of the first qualities mentioned. Honest people have an easier time landing new positions and promotions.
- Reliability
Reliability is related to honesty but it extends past words and is backed up by actions. An honest employee will be truthful about the reasons he or she is late for work. A reliable employee will simply show up on time.
- Adaptability
In today’s fast-paced business environment, adaptability is cited as one of the top qualities of a good employee. This is particularly evident with small businesses, as team members often have to adapt to new responsibilities.
- Communication
Another favorite of managers and HR departments when it comes to qualities of a good employee, communication (both virtual and in-person) is something that every team and department values.
- Passion
This one is tough to fake or replicate, but it’s important nonetheless. Displaying a passion for your work will help you establish yourself as someone that managers want to hire, nurture, and promote.
- Discipline
Discipline is often referenced as one of the most useful qualities of a good employee. The only reason it’s not referenced more? Some hiring managers prefer related terms like focus or dedication.
- Teamwork
When it comes to the qualities of a good employee, teamwork incorporates communication, adaptability, and a lot of the traits listed above, but it is also important enough to reference in its own right.
- Energy
Energy makes this list because its opposite – lethargy – is one of the least desirable traits in an employee. You don’t need to be bouncing off the walls, but a good employee is always alert, focused, and ready to work.
The bottom line?
There are lots of factors that contribute to your success as a job candidate and employee. Even if you don’t display these qualities of a good employee 24/7/365, being associated with any of the traits above will help you secure positions and put yourself on the path to success.
3 Comments;