Traits of High Performers for Career Growth

After 15 years coaching elite performers, I've identified 8 rare traits they all share. While talent matters, the real differentiators are all mental: 1. Extreme Ownership (High Agency) Elite performers take full responsibility for their outcomes. They don't blame circumstances, other people, or bad luck. They ask: "What could I have done differently?" This isn't about being hard on yourself. It's about believing you have the power to change your results. 2. Clear, Specific Goals Here's something that surprised me: 86% of people don't set goals. Just having clear goals puts you in the top 14%. The best performers have specific, measurable targets that guide their daily decisions. They know exactly what they're working toward. 3. True Deep Self-Awareness Most people think they're self-aware. Very few actually are. Elite performers understand: - How they think under pressure - What triggers their best and worst responses - Their strengths and genuine limitations - What they need to perform well They observe their own minds without judgment. 4. Discipline Over Motivation Motivation comes and goes. Discipline shows up every day. The best performers have systems that work when they don't feel like it. They've learned to execute regardless of how they feel in the moment. 5. Constantly Learning High performers are obsessed with getting better. They seek feedback. They study their craft. They're curious about what they don't know. The moment you think you've figured it all out is the moment you start declining. 6. Psychological Flexibility This is the anchor skill I train all my athletes to develop. It's the ability to: - Clearly identify your values - Align your behavior with those values - Persist when it gets difficult Values-aligned performers make better decisions under pressure, recover faster from setbacks, and maintain energy over the long term. 7. Endurance (Not Grit) I used to think grit was the answer. I've changed my mind. What separates elite performers isn't just persistence. It's the ability to work really hard for a really long time without burning out. They understand: - When to push - When to rest - How to build adaptive capacity (stress + recovery) 8. Self-Complexity The best performers don't over-index on any one identity. They're not just "the CEO" or "the athlete." They're multidimensional humans who can keep perspective when one area struggles. This is what allows them to stay resilient through setbacks and maintain performance over decades, not just seasons. What's interesting about these traits: They're not about talent. They're not about IQ. They're about how you think, how you work, and who you're becoming. Most people focus on the 20% that's missing. Elite performers give their full effort to the 80% they already have. That’s not even the best part, either: Every one of these traits can be developed. They're skills, not gifts.

I've coached 300+ professionals seeking $200k+ roles. 8 rare traits I see in the highest performers: 1. They sharpen their axe first ↳ They take time to understand before jumping to solve. ↳ That extra preparation upfront? It changes everything. 2. They make complex things simple ↳ They turn confusion into clarity. ↳ Everyone moves faster when things make sense. 3. They give feedback that (actually) helps ↳ Their feedback builds people up. ↳ Specific enough to act on. Kind enough to receive. 4. They manage up and down equally well ↳ They know what executives need to see. ↳ And what their team needs to succeed. 5. They document their work ↳ They share knowledge freely. ↳ Their work stays smooth even if they’re away. 6. They finish the hard stuff ↳ They tackle what others avoid. ↳ Quietly. Consistently. Effectively. 7. They admit mistakes quickly ↳ "I was wrong. Here's what I learned." ↳ Vulnerability builds trust faster than perfection. 8. They care about people beyond the work ↳ They remember what matters to you. ↳ Work is important. People are everything. Here's what I love about this list: None of it requires special talent. Just intention and practice. You probably do some of these already. But which could you lean into more? Reshare ♻️to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this. 

I’ve coached 150+ ambitious professionals. These 10 traits stand out in every high performer. Not buzzwords. Not personality types. Just proven behaviors anyone can learn. Here’s what I’ve seen in every high performer: 1. They take responsibility without being asked → Notice problems before they escalate → Take action before you're told 2. They treat problems like puzzles → Break challenges into small parts → Test ideas instead of waiting for perfect answers 3. They protect their energy → Block time for rest, sleep, and movement → Remove energy-drainers from your calendar 4. They seek feedback before it’s offered → Ask your manager “What should I improve next?” → Review feedback weekly and track what you change 5. They stay calm under pressure → Breathe, pause, and write down the next 3 actions → Speak less, listen more, and focus on solutions 6. They do the basics better than anyone else → Prepare for meetings like they matter → Send updates before anyone has to ask 7. They stay curious, even when they’re busy → Schedule 30 minutes a week to learn something new → Keep a running list of questions you want answers to 8. They move quickly but carefully → Set deadlines even if no one asks for them → Do one review before you hit send 9. They take pride in their work → Check the small details before sharing → Ask yourself, “Would I sign my name to this?” 10. They make the team better → Share tools, tips, or templates that helped you → Encourage others when they step up These traits aren’t reserved for the lucky few. They’re choices. Start with one. Practice it daily. The results will follow. Which one do you already have? Which one’s your edge for 2026? Let’s talk in the comments 👇 ♻ Repost to help someone grow faster ✅ Follow me Alec Rickard for practical career growth strategies

We need someone with 10 years of experience. Really? Let me challenge that thinking. The most successful hires I've seen aren't always the most experienced - they're the ones with the highest potential. Here are 8 uncommon traits that signal high potential in candidates (backed by research): 1. Aspiration & Self-Leadership - Takes initiative without constant direction - Aligns personal goals with company objectives 2. Learning Agility - Adapts quickly to new situations - Applies new skills effectively 3. Emotional Intelligence - Shows high self-awareness - Demonstrates genuine empathy 4. Strategic Thinking - Makes informed decisions - Thinks beyond current role 5. Growth Mindset - Seeks learning opportunities - Views feedback as development 6. Cultural Alignment - Builds trust naturally - Contributes to positive workplace dynamics 7. Resilience - Thrives in uncertainty - Maintains performance under pressure 8. Self-Motivation - Consistently delivers results - Goes beyond job requirements While technical skills can be taught, these character traits and potential indicators are much harder to develop. The next time you're hiring, look beyond the years of experience.  Focus on these traits instead. Your future top performers might not have the perfect resume - but they'll have these qualities in spades. Agree?  Disagree?  Share your thoughts below. 👇

One question I get often is how I identify top talent to continue to invest in. Over the years, I’ve narrowed it down to a simple framework - 3I’s. These are the traits I’ve seen again and again in people who grow quickly, thrive in tough environments, and become real force multipliers for their teams. 1. Intelligence For me, this isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about having the ability to break down complex ideas, think clearly, and figure things out when the path isn’t obvious. People who learn fast and ask the right questions usually find the right answers. 2. Initiative High-potential people don’t wait for permission. They spot problems and jump in. They raise their hand. They build. They fix. They try things. There’s a huge difference between someone who notices a gap and someone who actually steps in to close it. 3. Intensity Effort still matters. Intensity is about showing up with energy, pushing through the tough moments, and staying resilient when things get messy. It’s the trait that often separates people who want success from the ones who actually create it. People with these traits almost always outperform expectations and accelerate their own careers faster than they thought possible.

Most high performers think performance transformation requires starting over. They abandon what is already working. They chase new personal operating systems. They rebuild from ground zero because someone sold them on “complete reinvention.” Meanwhile, the highest performers are refining. They are strengthening proven decision-making patterns, execution rhythms, and energy management strategies. They are removing unnecessary complexity from how they work, think, and recover - not adding more layers. This year, I stopped trying to reinvent myself. High performers do not need reinvention. They need refinement. That is where I do my best work. Research from Harvard Business Review (2023) shows that incremental improvement of existing high-performance behaviors produces 40% better outcomes than radical change initiatives. The cognitive load of total reinvention depletes executive function (the brain’s capacity for planning, decision-making, and self-regulation) required for sustained excellence. Translation? Your brain cannot execute strategy while simultaneously learning an entirely new operating system. What refinement actually requires: ➡️ Identifying which daily behaviors already support focus, follow-through, and recovery and deliberately strengthening them. ➡️ Removing bottlenecks that slow execution or drain energy without dismantling systems that already function well. ➡️ Adjusting existing habits to reduce effort and increase consistency rather than replacing them entirely. The professionals who sustain excellence over decades share one trait: they respect what already works and evolve it with precision. You already have what you need. The real question is whether you are improving what is proven or abandoning it too early. Are you refining your strengths or chasing the next complete overhaul? Comment below or if you are ready to elevate what is already working and stop starting from zero, reach out directly. #HighPerformers #ExecutiveWellness #ElevareAdvisoryGroup

Here’s the truth about high performers: they’re wired differently. They hold themselves to impossibly high standards, obsess over details others overlook, and relentlessly chase goals. It’s impressive—and exhausting. Because while their output might look effortless, their internal dialogue is anything but. They’re more likely to: - Dwell on mistakes - Plan (and over-plan) for every possible scenario - Shrug off praise but hyper-focus on feedback - Mask their struggles with humor or a “nothing phases me” attitude And yet, these traits are also their superpowers. High performers use that same energy to: - Catch what others miss - Stay two steps ahead - Organize chaos like it’s their God-given gift - Drive themselves (and their teams) toward success (sometimes on pure proximity alone) But here’s the catch: even the highest performers can burn out if they’re not supported properly. That’s where leadership comes in. They don’t require much in terms of management (they’ve got that covered). They need an environment where they can sustain their performance without running themselves into the ground. Here’s how you create that environment: - Show up consistently. Never skip 1:1s, even if they “don’t need anything.” Praise their wins. Listen to their challenges. Be present—it matters. - Celebrate small wins with small gestures. A quick “thank you” note, a gift card for their favorite shop, or a random “take the afternoon off” can mean the world. (I’m also big on thoughtful gifts - but I have a knack here.) - Remind them to rest. High performers don’t naturally hit the brakes, so you might need to nudge them. Encourage work-life balance, and respect the boundaries they set. - Focus on what lights them up. Keep them engaged in projects they love and carve out time for their passions—inside and outside of work. - Help them prioritize. High performers tend to say yes to everything. Step in when needed to balance priorities, set realistic expectations, and protect them from overcommitting. - Set the standard—but not an impossible one. They’ll already hold themselves to the highest bar. Your role? Ensure it’s a bar they can actually clear. Leading high performers isn’t about pushing them harder—it’s about supporting them smarter. Your investment in them as people is rocket fuel for their results. (And you’ll keep them around for the long haul.)

Years ago, I sat down with a financial advisor who told me something that stuck…. “Never put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your assets , it’s how you protect your future.” I walked away thinking about money… but over time, that advice started to sound a lot like career wisdom. Because here’s the truth I’ve seen again and again as a recruiter: Too many talented professionals are overinvested in one skill, one system, or one role. They’ve built a strong foundation, but it’s all in one basket. And when the market shifts, when technology changes, when industries evolve, their “portfolio” loses value overnight. YOUR SKILLS ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ASSETS. They determine your value, your opportunities, your ability to pivot when life or work throws you a curveball. So just like a smart investor, you need to diversify. Build a portfolio that can weather change and grow stronger over time. Here are the “high-performing assets” I recommend every professional invest in… Communication – The ability to express ideas, influence, and build trust. Critical Thinking – Seeing patterns, solving problems, making good calls under pressure. Digital Literacy – Comfort with tools, data, and automation shaping modern work. Adaptability – The confidence to evolve and stay curious in fast-changing environments. Emotional Intelligence – Understanding yourself and connecting with others meaningfully. Project Management – Turning ideas into action, structure, and results. Collaboration – Working across teams, functions, and perspectives to get things done. Strategic Thinking – Seeing beyond the task at hand and aligning it to a bigger vision. These are not just “nice to have.” They’re the power skills that make you marketable, in any role, any company, any economy. So here’s my recruiter challenge to you: Take stock of your portfolio. Which skills are gaining value? Which are losing relevance? Where could you reinvest and grow? Because when you diversify your skills, you don’t just protect your career, you future-proof it. And when you think about “investing” don’t forget about investing in yourself. ✌️ #CareerGrowth #RecruiterInsights #Upskilling #CareerDevelopment #FutureOfWork #JobSearch

I’ve hired 90+ high performers in the last 3 years. Here are 8 rare traits I see in every high performer: 1. Grit This one’s a non-negotiable. What is it? • Ability to persist through obstacles • Strength to bounce back from failure • Tenacity to keep pushing, no matter the challenge Hard work is common. Grit is rare. 2. Relentless Resourcefulness Some people find a way no matter how “impossible” it seems. They are innovative problem solvers. They have the conviction that there's always a solution. These are the people we want. They’re like water. They find a path around any obstacle. 3. Optimism Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster. Having optimistic people on your side is a massive mental boost. Optimistic people don't see roadblocks; they see stepping stones to success. Their energy is electrifying and infectious. A must-have when the going gets tough. 4. Constant Learning The ROI on constant learners compounds. In a fast-moving world, learning and adapting is essential. These hires: • Seek feedback • Expand their skills • Stay curious and hungry Train them well, and they'll give you an infinite return on your investment. 5. Not Being an Asshole It might sound simple, but it's vital. I don’t care how smart, hardworking, or optimistic you are. If you don’t: • Show empathy • Collaborate well • Treat others with respect I don’t want you on my team. Period. 6. Fun to Be Around I need people that I like spending time with. Work can be intense. Having people who bring: • Positive energy • A sense of humor • A lightness to the office Makes a world of difference. When we make work feel like play, we're unstoppable. 7. Growth Mindset This one is foundational. I need someone who: • Embraces challenges as growth opportunities • Believes abilities and intelligence can be developed People with a growth mindset get obsessed with the process. Not fixated on the outcome. 8. Enjoys Responsibility I need my team to take on responsibility. I don’t want to chase people down. If they: • Take ownership of their work • Care about doing a good job We'll perform better. And I’ll have way more breathing room and feel more at ease. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want to learn how to become a high performer? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eSrfMfWx 

Top achievers know this. Success doesn’t happen by chance. When you study top achievers, one thing stands out: their success isn’t a result of sudden breakthroughs, but of consistent, purposeful habits. Research shows that 40% of our daily actions are driven by habits, meaning the right habits can significantly boost your performance. Here are 11 habits that high performers swear by: 1/ Goal-Oriented ↳ Break down your goals into small, actionable steps. Set a weekly goal, like finishing one chapter of a book, to build momentum. 2/ Time Management ↳ Master time-blocking to prioritise high-impact tasks over the urgent ones. Use a Pomodoro timer - work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. 3/ Accountability ↳ Regular check-ins with a mentor or accountability partner keep you committed. Share your weekly goals with a colleague and review progress together every Friday. 4/ Sleep Importance ↳ Prioritise quality sleep to boost cognitive function and reduce stress. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep, and try winding down with a book 30 minutes before bed. 5/ Networking & Influence ↳ Build meaningful connections consistently, not just when you need something. Attend one industry event each month, and follow up with new contacts over coffee. 6/ Energy Management ↳ Develop routines to maintain physical and mental energy throughout the day. Start your morning with 10 minutes of stretching to release tension and set your intentions. 7/ Focused Productivity ↳ Remove distractions and dedicate specific time blocks for deep work. Turn off notifications and use a “Do Not Disturb” mode during focused work sessions. 8/ Open to Feedback ↳ Seek feedback regularly and use it to improve continuously. Ask a colleague, "What’s one thing I can do better on this project?" and act on their advice. 9/ Strategic Risk Taking ↳ Step out of your comfort zone by taking small, calculated risks. Pitch a new idea to your team or try a different approach to a recurring task. 10/ Exercise ↳ Regular exercise improves brain function, enhances learning, and reduces stress. Incorporate a 20-minute walk into your lunch break to refresh your mind. 11/ Growth Mindset ↳ Turn setbacks into learning opportunities and keep pushing forward. Reframe a problem as a challenge - say, "I’m learning how to do this," instead of "I can’t do this." Want to become a high performer? Start with one habit today and build from there. ⬇️ Tell me below, which habit do you find the hardest to stick with? 💤 For me, it's always sleep - I never seem to get enough of it - even though I know I should! ♻️ Share this to inspire others to step up their game. 🔔 Follow Jen Blandos for more tips on high performance and success.