Last month our blog pertained to making one’s list of New Year’s resolutions as being something many do and there it ends. Making the typical New Year’s resolution into very real resolve happens only when your list is supported by a concrete plan to take you from where you are today to the ultimate achievement of the goal. Without this, the list of resolutions remains no more than a wish list. 
So far so good? As it relates to the workplace, I’d like to think that all of us on this 8th day of January are starting out well focused on our goals for 2015 because we’ve made our plan. As such we have a vision that is supported by one of the necessary ingredients that will enable us to be successful.
I recently came upon an article published in INC. magazine that provides some valuable insight as what we need to be mindful of as we begin executing our plan. It’s entitled “5 Desirable Traits of Great Employees” by Kevin Daum. The article is written from the HR perspective when trying to identify potential contributors. Regardless, demonstrating them as a part of who you are going forward in the job adds potential momentum of the very things you want to achieve this year. I put these forward as the second ingredient worth serious consideration to supplement your effort.
The five traits below are summarized as follows:
- Accountability
You can be smart, likeable and talented but, if you can’t be trusted to do what you say you’ll do, you are likely to attract the kind of attention that will work against the very things you’ve resolved to do. Great employees find their own path to success without being micromanaged. - Flexibility
Demonstrating that you are flexible and willing to go with a potentially changing flow goes hand in hand with your desire to move upward. This may entail a willingness to break a rule and in doing so still end up with a favorable result. - Creativity
You demonstrate this by making unexpected connections or asking unexpected questions. That is a good indication of the creative thinking that is important in one’s movement upward. - Communication
This is demonstrated by your willingness and ability to communicate important information, ideas and challenges effectively. Pay attention to non-verbal skills you are projecting as well using active listening skills and the facial expressions you exhibit. Finally, making eye contact is a great communicator of your comfort level. - Passion
Conveying passion … a true excitement to be a part of an organization … is not something seen throughout many organizations. To the extent that you are excited about where you are headed in achieving your resolve for this year, let it show and, for certain, it will be noticed and welcome.
The self-imposed work you have signed on for is related to what you want to achieve this year. The traits conveyed above are simply ways that you might want to be as you carry out your plan because they have the potential of adding the frosting to your efforts. And just as the frosting adds something sweet to the cake, you will be potentially sweetening the results of your efforts this year. Want a slice?
Mike Dorman
