Top Five Traits That Will Get You Ahead in Your Career

Whether you’re a manager or direct report, these are some of the traits that stand out the most when it comes to annual reviews.

1.) Strategy

Strategy is one of the best ways to stand out, because it's not always asked of you. You want to show proactiveness in improving things around you. Some examples: improving a process (the whole thing or just a step), introducing new software, setting the foundation of a new business strategy, building out 101 guides, taking the initiative to build stronger relationships (especially across departments), sharing knowledge like industry news, or teaching skills, ect. 

2.) Adaptability

Adaptability can play out in two ways: First, diving in when there's change. This can mean a new team or a new tool or a game plan. It's about showing willingness to jump into something new. Managers often appreciate seeing this trait in direct reports, and can make a hefty impression at the start of a new team or project. On the flip side, it’s also quite noticeable if you’re not agreeable to change. It’s something your manager will notice and remember, as you could have make it more difficult for the team to adjust to the new change.

The second way you can show adaptability is the flexibility in your work. For instance, can you write short form, long form, on different types of subjects, using different structures, ect.? Basically, are you approaching things roughly the same way you usually do or are you flexible to test new things out?

3.) Results-minded

A lot of creative people seem to forget this. Your big ideas, your work should tie into business performance. You can make a better argument for your ideas and for your professional growth by proving how you moved the company forward.

4.) Excellence

Excellence can mean a lot of things. It can mean: turning in work without errors, always hitting deadlines, always attending meetings on time, handling the details (and not just the work itself; things like blocking your calendar if you're OOO), sharing insights about a project, congratulating someone, commenting or giving a thumbs up when someone shares something, mentoring / teaching / troubleshooting, ect. It’s showing that you’re someone your manager or team can trust and count on.

5.) Speed

Kinda goes without saying, but time is money. The people who are both excellent and fast almost always get first dibs on any kind of test project. Speed/productivity can also be a tie-breaker when it comes to promotions.