Knowledge

• Possessing the knowledge and skills necessary to complete your job duties without the need of micromanaging makes you a low-maintenance and effective employee. Employers value workers who can work efficiently and are productive. Some employers require you to come in possessing a certain amount of knowledge, while others provide extensive on-the-job training. Signing up to take voluntary training classes shows your employer that you are serious about honing your skills and that you desire the knowledge necessary to effectively complete your job to your employer’s standards.
  
  

Dedication and Loyalty

• Employees who dedicate themselves to their organization is a trait that is well-respected by many employers. Employees show dedication by minimizing absences from work and going beyond the call of duty to verify that the job is done. Of course times may occur when you need to miss a day of work, but you can still show your dedication by informing your manager ahead of time and displaying a willingness to help others who completed your tasks in your absence. Loyal employees work in the best interest of the company. They are honest and possess integrity.
  
  

Positive Attitude

• Maintaining a positive attitude is another way to grow into an outstanding employee. A positive attitude can make up for other short-comings you may encounter in regards to your performance. Your co-workers and managers desire to work with you when you show that you carry a positive attitude. Even when things are going wrong within the organization, you should limit your public complaints. Show as much optimism as possible. Your attitude is tested the most in stressful situations, so you must make a conscious effort to keep a positive attitude.
  
  

Show Initiative

• Showing initiative is an important characteristic to possess as an emerging achiever. Initiative means that you take it upon yourself to do what is necessary without needing a manager or co-worker to ask or tell you what is needed. Employees that continue to show initiative prove to managers that they are able to handle more responsibilities over time. Most managers do not desire to hover over employees, and showing initiative proves that you do not need the direct supervision of your manger to effectively perform your job duties.
  
  

Be a Team Player

• Knowing how to effectively function within a team is a characteristic of an outstanding employee. Some organizations greatly depend on teams to accomplish tasks, generate ideas and produce results. A team player values the ideas of others and motivates and encourages co-workers, and also knows when to pick his battles. Showing that you trust other team members and desire to accomplish goals as a cohesive unit shows that you know how to work well with others.