7 Best Qualities of a Good Employee

  1. Excellent Communication Skills
  2. Strong Critical Thinking Skills
  3. Willingness to Work Toward a Common Goal
  4. Always Displaying a Positive Attitude
  5. Ambassadors of Your Brand
  6. Lifelong Learners
  7. Proactive and Results-Oriented

Are you looking to take on new team members to strengthen your lines? Maybe you’re worried that you’ll make the wrong choice. There are a few qualities of a good employee that should stand out to an employer or hiring manager when choosing the right person for a role or raise.

Finding the right people to propel your business forward is not an easy task. Hiring the right talent requires experience, knowledge, but also having a vision. When picking up new staff members, you don’t just want to settle for the best and brightest. There are tons of less tangible skills to look for, and there’s a certain finesse to recognizing them. 

Read along to find out what qualities of a good employee make them “remarkable.”

What are the Qualities of a Good Employee?

Every company will have its preferences when it comes to hiring new staff. Modern businesses have their own company culture and will look for people who can easily fit in. However, there are certain qualities of a good employee that every business can find value in. Aside from the common traits HR professionals love to point out, such as organizational skills, these are seven qualities to look for when evaluating candidates:

1. Excellent Communication Skills

What sets great employees apart from the rest is their ability to communicate effectively. This involves being able to speak clearly, concisely, and confidently. Good communicators can also listen attentively and understand what is being said. If you come across such a candidate during the interview process, there’s a very good chance they’ll excel in their role.

Strong communication skills are also closely linked to emotional intelligence. Those who can read and react to the emotions of others are typically better equipped to handle difficult conversations and relationships. These “soft skills” are some of the most important ones you should look for when hiring, and are just one of the many qualities of a good employee.

2. Strong Critical Thinking Skills

When making business-related decisions, it’s important to have employees who can think critically. This means being able to assess a situation and come up with helpful solutions. Critical thinkers are usually quick on their feet and adapt well to changes. They’re also able to handle difficult challenges without getting overwhelmed.

Such employees usually show grace under pressure. A team member who can keep a cool head during a crisis is worth their weight in gold. If you want your business to be able to weather any storm, critical thinkers are a must-have.

3. Willingness to Work Toward a Common Goal

In any organization, it’s important to have a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Employees who are willing to work together toward a common goal are typically more productive than those who don’t. This is because they understand that the success of the team depends on everyone doing their part. One of the qualities of a good employee is the capacity to identify common goals and work with their team members to make a plan toward achieving that goal.

Hire employees who are team players and are willing to sacrifice their personal gains and interests for the good of the group. These are the kinds of people who will go above and beyond to help your business succeed.

4. Always Displaying a Positive Attitude

Showing a positive disposition is just as important as having the required technical skills for the job. A positive attitude can be contagious, and it’s something you want your employees to spread throughout the workplace.

Negativity, on the other hand, is a cancer that can quickly spread and destroy morale. It’s important to hire people who will be a good influence on the rest of the team. Those who always see the glass half-full tend to be more productive and motivated than those who don’t.

5. Ambassadors of Your Brand

Your employees are the face of your company. They’re the ones who will be interacting with customers and clients on a regular basis, so it’s important to hire people who will represent your brand in a positive light.

Look for individuals who are passionate about your products and services. These are the kinds of people who will be enthusiastic about promoting your business. They’ll also be more likely to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. A great employee will always put your company’s best foot forward.

6. Lifelong Learners

The world is constantly changing, and businesses have to change with it. Employees who are lifelong learners are always looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. They’re open to new ideas and willing to experiment, which can lead to positive changes in your company.

Encourage your employees to never stop learning. Provide them with opportunities to attend workshops, seminars, and conferences. The more they know, the better equipped they’ll be to help your business grow. Valuable employees are always learning and evolving, so make sure you nurture this quality in your team.

7. Proactive and Results-Oriented

The most successful businesses are always looking for ways to improve. They’re proactive, not reactive. This means they take initiative and don’t wait for things to happen. The same principle should apply to your employees.

You want people on your team who are always looking for ways to do things better. They should be results-oriented, meaning they’re more interested in achieving goals than clocking hours. Proactive and results-oriented employees are usually self-starters who don’t need much supervision.

Good Employees are Hard To Find, But They’re Out There

The seven qualities listed above are just a few of the many attributes you should look for when hiring new employees. Keep in mind that good employees are hard to find, but they’re out there. It might take some time and effort to find them, but it’ll be worth it in the end.

Once you have a team of good employees, do everything you can to keep them. Show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Provide them with opportunities for growth and development. And always remember that happy employees lead to a successful business.

In addition to providing quality and affordable phone answering services, AnswerHero is known for hiring only the best employees. We want our team to be a true extension of your business, which is why we only hire people who possess the qualities listed above. When you work with AnswerHero, you can rest assured knowing that you’re working with a team of professionals who are dedicated to the success of your business.