Stuck in a rut or not getting promoted? Have you considered what your manager really needs from you?
This month we spoke with 102 leaders and managers and asked them what behaviors they really want from their team members.
Here are the top 5 most valued attributes in star employees
#1 Bring Solutions (Not Problems) to the Table
Leaders want solution-focused team members.
While managers are open to discussing issues and keen to help you find solutions, they're not fond of having a problem just dumped on them.
The majority of team leaders interviewed want employees to think about a range of possible solutions that could resolve an issue before you meet with them. Not only does it reduce their workload (for which they'll be grateful), it shows you have initiative and good problem-solving skills.
You don't have to come up with the solution entirely on your own, but getting an idea started will make you more valuable to your manager and the company.
Tip: Stay ahead of the packYou don't have to be the one who discovers a problem to be the one to offer a solution. Example: "In the meeting yesterday Bob said there was a problem with backorders. I have an idea that might help, do you have a minute?" Be professional: discuss it with your manager only and never speak poorly of others.
#2 Be On Time and Prepared for Meetings
No doubt you've heard this a thousand times before. However, you'd be surprised at how frequently this topic came up as a major concern for managers. You may have a great manager who doesn't make a big deal if you slide in to a meeting a few minutes late... but it's being noticed.
Why is it such a big deal? Because being late, even by a few minutes, says that you're not able to properly manage your time and resources. Being unprepared or flustered erodes the confidence your manager— and the rest of the team—have in your abilities.
So don't sabotage all the hard work you've done to build your professional reputation! Be on time, be prepared, and be present. Get your preparation done the day before. Plan your day so you know you'll be on time. If you're late, don't kid yourself— it's on you.
Tip: Stay ahead of the pack If you can't control the schedule, control people's expectations. For example, if you have meetings scheduled back-to-back, when you arrive at the first meeting let everyone know that you need to leave at a certain time to make the second meeting. Always schedule a 5-10 minute time buffer so you can manage delays.
#3 Remember You're an Ambassador for Your Team or Department
No matter where you go or what you do, you are representing your team or department. How you conduct yourself reflects on how your entire team is perceived. It's up to you to demonstrate a credible and professional demeanor.
Tip: Stay ahead of the pack No matter where you are in the workplace, always remember you are being observed. Conduct yourself in a way that you'll be proud of, no matter what is happening around you.
#4 Maintain a Good Attitude
This was a great point made by more than over 70 of the mangers we interviewed—a bad attitude is bad news for everyone.
Employees with a lot of negativity rarely get promoted. They bring down the whole team, and productivity suffers.
Every job has its stresses, but the key is to handle them as calmly as possible. You may not be able to control the situation, but you can control your response to it. Take charge of yourself and choose to behave in a way that will best serve your long-term professional goals.
Tip: Stay ahead of the pack When tired, overworked, or feeling undervalued, attitude and optimism tends to decline. If you learn to recognize when you're stressed and take steps to calm yourself, you can prevent negative reactions and resist being influenced by the negativity of others.
#5 Own Your Mistakes and Learn From Them
When we make a mistake, especially at work, the temptation is to downplay it. But covering it up, blaming someone else, or being defensive can actually make the situation worse in the long run.
Managers want team members who will own up to their mistakes. By admitting you made a mistake, you're not showing a weakness— you're actually showing your strength. It demonstrates to your manager that you're responsible, you have integrity, and that you're willing to learn and grow.
Tip: Stay ahead of the pack Think of your mistake as happening for you, not to you. That allows you to see it as an opportunity. Can you help other team members avoid the same mistake by writing up a new procedure for your manager to review? Can you research a new piece of equipment or suggest a training program? By doing this, you take the spotlight off your slip-up and refocus it on your value.
Good luck - go out there and be great!
