13 Personality Traits of the Perfect Employee

You’re trying to land the “perfect” job. Your resume is ready, you’ve done your company research and practiced for your interview – but you know something’s missing.

This is what you need to succeed in any job…

1. Honesty

If I hired you I would expect you to be honest and to do what’s in the best interest of my customers. I must have faith in you and believe you will work as I do, with integrity.

2. Dedication

My business has succeeded because of many things and above all is dedication. I have dedicated much and given this business my best. Because of my efforts I can now reap the rewards afforded me and look for others to

3. Commitment

I have worked when tired, sick or feeling “blue” – that hasn’t stopped me. My customers expect much and it’s my job to take care of them.

My problems are my own and will never lower the level of service I provide because of any issue I have. I am committed. Can you say the same?

4. Professionalism: Punctuality and Respect

Much can be said about today’s young workforce. They are bright and full of ideas – but many lack two basic characteristics of a professional.

You must be on time and show respect for the customers, your fellow employees and most importantly yourself.

Your employer is not concerned that:

• The train was late or
• There was bumper-to-bumper traffic during your ride to work

A professional plans ahead and leaves enough time to allow for the mishaps that plague everyone each day. Respect your job and how others look at you.

5. Ability to Work with Others

We’ve all heard “we’re a team” or “we’re all in this together”. That’s true, so get used to it. The lone wolf mindset doesn’t work well in today’s society; we are a social bunch and our customers are no different.

Employers expect their employees to evaluate the problem, develop a solution and execute all the steps needed for a successful resolution. You can’t keep running to the boss for answers; you’re hired to find solutions not create more problems for the boss.

Rely on your fellow team mates to find out what works and what doesn’t. Communication and strong people skills will take you far.

6. Willingness to Work Long Hours

I wish I can say you’ll only work 40 hours a week, but I can’t. Competition is tough. Businesses need employees that are willing to work when needed. Businesses don’t plan for overtime but welcome it when appropriate. There is good overtime and bad overtime.

Wasted hours will always be frowned upon but when the “business is there” we expect you to be there too.

7. Be Flexible: Avoid “That’s Not My Job” Syndrome

If there’s any one phrase that drives a boss nuts it’s “that’s not my job”. Do yourself a favor and remove this phrase from your mind now.

Prepare to do what’s needed to service the customer, whether it’s your job or not.

8. Ability to Deal with Stressful Situations

Success doesn’t come easy; there will be mountains to climb and obstacles to overcome. Next will be stress; the always present weight on your shoulders.

I used to keep a framed quote on my desk that read “the measure of a man is how he handles adversity”. Be the one that others look up to when times are tough. That’s the start of true leadership.

9. Ability to Make Good Decisions

Well-reasoned thinking is what your employer needs. Don’t be rash and rush off to make the sale before you size-up your customer.

• Know what he needs
• Why he needs it and
• How similar products and service are priced.

Good decisions are made by a good understanding of the situation. Don’t be afraid to bounce ideas off your team mates; remember; we’re all in this together.

10. Good Communication Skills

As a company representative, you’re expected to know your business well and have the ability to share with others what we do and how we do it. Your talents of speaking well, getting to the point quickly, reading people and positive body language are priceless.

Read team building books, watch videos on how to interpret body language and join a group like Toastmasters, where you can practice and improve your public speaking. Great communicators aren’t born, they’re made.

11. Enjoy Providing Service

Your employer can teach you the skills needed for your job but can’t teach the most needed skill of all – your desire to “serve” others. You must want to help, assist and make a difference in a customer’s day.

Providing service must never be a chore that “has to be done”. It must come willingly and be a natural part of who you are.

12. Strong Desire to Exceed Guest Expectations

Being “good enough” is never good enough. You must always be better and can do better. This is what your boss wants and what’s needed for success. Your customer, your guest, expects even more.

They are not satisfied with status quo or average, they want great. Strive to exceed their expectations every time and to create a memory. That’s what keeps your customer coming back for more.

13. Anticipate Guest Needs

Exceeding guest expectations doesn’t come without hard work and a lot of preplanning. When things go wrong, and they will, is not the time to think of “what do we do next?” You must already have a plan in place and have taken the steps ahead of time, so you’ll never actually need your plan.

Think like they do and answer these questions before your customer steps foot in the door:

• “What will they like?”
• “How will they use the product?”
• “Does it work as advertised?”
• “Can we deliver what we promised?”

There’s no magic formula in business and frankly, no such thing as a perfect employee. But with hard work, a healthy dose of common sense and these 13 personality traits you’ll be well on your way to succeed in http://stevedigioia.com/blog/this-is-what-you-need-to-succeed-at-any-job/any job!