3 Qualities That Make Star Employees Stand Out

As the CEO and founder of a growing technology company, I have had the privilege of overseeing hundreds of employees as they transitioned through our team. From leading a team of five to managing a 150+ strong team, I have seen firsthand what it takes to make employees stand out from the crowd.

The good news is that standing out is more straightforward and accessible than you might think. Whether you want a promotion, training or more recognition on your team, here’s what your boss might be looking for.

Related: 7 Character Traits The Best Employees Share

1. You are good at your job

It may seem obvious, but being good at what you do is a big part of getting recognized. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or in a management role. Either way, performance is key. There are many things that help a person stand out, but in my mind, this is the most important.

If you want to stand out, make sure your KPIs and any other metrics meet (or, ideally, exceed!) your goals and that you’re getting good results in your role. Consistency is also a factor – meeting your goals every once in a while is not a substitute for sustainable excellence. The more often you win and drive business, the better.

Additionally, showing initiative by identifying problems and proposing solutions can set you apart. Employees who go beyond their job descriptions to contribute their ideas demonstrate a recognized level of commitment. It’s not just about doing your job well — it’s about taking ownership and showing that you care about the company’s success as much as your own.

If you’re currently making a mistake in practice, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback to learn how to improve. That shows the first step, too! And if you do more than you expect or achieve something great in your role, be sure to write down your success in case you need to share it down.

2. You are very popular

Meeting all of your performance criteria is important, but if you’re disrespecting or belittling other team members, that doesn’t help you stand out in the right way. Being kind and approachable to the whole team (managers and peers alike) shows that you care about more than just yourself.

Our culture at Lemonlight really emphasizes having a positive attitude at work, so this is one of the things I pay attention to. (This would be a great gift for what your leaders will be looking for, too! If in doubt, emulating your company values ​​will probably help you get noticed).

If you have an opportunity to connect with other team members, offer help to someone in need or just be a friendly face in the office or on Zoom, take this opportunity. It’s a great way to feel more connected to the team again a good way for senior leaders to be aware.

Related: 3 Important Character Traits That Help Employees Quickly Rise Through the Ranks at Their Companies

3. He is eager to learn

Finally, I respect and appreciate people who work to improve themselves, look to grow in their role or stay at the top of the industry. A true desire to be great is visible and impressive — and it’s hard to lie!

People who are eager to learn tend to see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than delays. They focus on improving and finding solutions, which are more productive than focusing on problems or blaming others. This self-improvement attitude often leads to better performance, too, so it can work doubly for you.

If you want to stand out, take the initiative to seek out learning opportunities: formal education, online courses or simply reading articles and books related to the field are all good options. Attending conferences, networking with industry professionals and participating in workshops can also help you learn and stay ahead of the curve. You can also check with your manager about what resources they think would be helpful to help you grow.

Being proactive about your development shows that you are committed to your role and the company. It shows that you’re not just doing a little to survive, but you’re looking for ways to be successful and bring more value to the team.

Related: 6 Traits of Great Employees

As I have watched our team grow over the years, many things have changed, but these core qualities have always been the mark of a good employee. We have had many team members – past and present – stand out to me because they exemplify these qualities.

If you want to be noticed, focus on these features. Being great at your job, being popular and having a thirst for knowledge is what makes outstanding employees get noticed. Embrace these traits, and you’ll be on your way to lasting productivity and achieving your career goals.