What makes an employee remarkable?

Many companies struggle to make a hire, let alone a REMARKABLE hire. If you keep these qualities in mind as you search, however, you could be well on your way to finding that perfect fit. Posted on Inc.com, Jeff Haden shares what he thinks are the ideal qualities a remarkable employee possesses. By hiring remarkable employees, you can continually build a remarkable company.

  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.

  They’re eccentric...

The best employees can seem slightly odd, but in a really good way. Unusual personalities shake things up, make work more fun, and transform a plain-vanilla group into a team with flair and flavor.

  But 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.

  They publicly praise...

Praise from a boss feels good. Praise from a peer feels awesome, especially when you look up to that person.

  And 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.

  They speak when others won’t.

Some employees are hesitant to speak up in meetings. Some are even hesitant to speak up privately. Remarkable employees have an innate feel for the issues and concerns of those around them, and step up to ask questions or raise important issues when others hesitate.

  They like to prove others wrong.

Self-motivation often springs from a desire to show that doubters are wrong. Education, intelligence, talent, and skill are important, but drive is critical.

  They’re always fiddling.

Some people are rarely satisfied and are constantly tinkering with something: Reworking a timeline, adjusting a process, tweaking a workflow. 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.

Even if you aren’t hiring at this time, take these qualities into consideration for yourself. Are you a remarkable employee? This is a good opportunity to look within and make YOU more remarkable.

To read the full article by Jeff Haden, see his post on Inc.com.