8 Qualities of Remarkable Employees

Great employees are reliable, dependable, proactive, diligent, great leaders, and great followers. They possess a wide range of easily defined; but hard-to-find qualities.

Here are eight qualities of remarkable employees:

1. They ignore job descriptions.
The smaller the company, the more important it is that employees can think on their feet, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and do whatever it takes, regardless of role or position, to get things done.

2. They’re eccentric.
People who aren't afraid to be different naturally stretch boundaries and challenge the status quo, and they often come up with the best ideas.

3. They know when to dial it back.
Remarkable employees know when to play and when to be serious; when to be irreverent and when to conform; and when to challenge and when to back off. It’s a tough balance to strike, but a rare few can walk that fine line with ease.

4. They publicly praise. Praise from a boss feels good. Praise from a peer feels awesome, especially when you look up to that person. Remarkable employees recognize the contributions of others, especially in group settings where the impact of their words is even greater.

5. They privately complain.
We all want employees to bring issues forward, but some problems are better handled in private. Great employees often get more latitude to bring up controversial subjects in a group setting because their performance allows greater freedom. Remarkable employees come to you before or after a meeting to discuss a sensitive issue, knowing that bringing it up in a group setting could set off a firestorm.

6. They always demonstrate the creative spirit and drive.
Great employees follow processes. Remarkable employees find ways to make those processes even better, not only because they are expected to, but because they just can't help it.

7. They’re adaptable. When an employee is able to adapt to change, even the unexpected ones, they’re someone you want on your team. This is someone who is a problem solver and can just get on with it. They welcome change and are keen to get others on-board too.

8. Team player Being able to lead a team is one thing; being able to engage with team members and collaborate as an equal when necessary is another thing. For a company to have continued success, everyone needs to be a team player.