How employees transition from good to great 

One of the books that help shape my approach to business was Jim Collins classic book from “Good to Great”. He explained what company did to make this transition.  Over the course of my 40 years leading organizations, I have had the opportunity to work with countless employees at various levels of skill and experience. In this article, I outline how employees can move from good to great.

Through my experience, I have identified ten key behaviours that good employees consistently exhibit. Those who master more than five of these behaviours are truly great employees who have the potential to achieve great things in their careers. As you develop your own personal development plan, I encourage you to consider these 10 behaviours and work towards mastering as many of them as possible. By doing so, you can become an invaluable asset to any organization and achieve success in your career.

Good employees never bring problems

The statement “good employees never bring problems” is a bit misleading and doesn’t accurately reflect the reality of any workplace. In fact, good employees often do bring problems to their supervisors or colleagues, but they approach the issues in a constructive and proactive manner.

Good employees are those who are highly motivated, skilled, and committed to their work. They take ownership of their responsibilities and are dedicated to achieving their goals. They are also good problem-solvers, who are able to identify and address issues that arise in the workplace.

When a problem arises, a good employee will approach the issue with a positive attitude and a willingness to find a solution. Rather than simply complaining or ignoring the problem, they will take the initiative to investigate the issue, gather information, and propose potential solutions. They may also seek input and advice from others, including their supervisor or colleagues, in order to identify the best course of action.

By taking this proactive approach, good employees demonstrate their commitment to the success of the organization and their willingness to work collaboratively to achieve common goals. They also help to create a positive work environment by addressing issues before they escalate and affect the productivity and morale of the team.

In summary, good employees are not immune to problems, but they approach them in a constructive and proactive manner. They take ownership of their responsibilities and are dedicated to finding solutions that benefit the team and the organization as a whole.

Good employees are thorough

Good employees are typically known for their attention to detail and thoroughness in their work. This means that they take the time to carefully review and assess their tasks, and ensure that they are completed to the best of their ability.

Being thorough in one’s work involves a number of key behaviors and qualities. These might include:

1. Paying attention to details: Good employees pay attention to small details that others might overlook. They take the time to carefully review their work and ensure that everything is accurate and complete.
2. Checking their work: They double-check their work to catch any errors or mistakes that might have been missed on the first pass. This helps to ensure that their work is of high quality and meets the required standards.
3. Planning and organizing: Good employees plan their work carefully, breaking larger tasks down into smaller, manageable steps. They organize their work in a way that makes sense to them, and they use tools like checklists and calendars to help keep themselves on track.
4. Asking questions: When they are unsure about something, good employees are not afraid to ask questions. They seek clarification from colleagues or supervisors to ensure that they understand what is expected of them.
5. Going above and beyond: Thorough employees don’t just do the bare minimum. They go above and beyond what is expected of them, seeking out additional information or resources to improve their work and add value to the organization.

In summary, good employees are thorough in their work because they pay attention to details, check their work, plan and organize their tasks, ask questions when needed, and go above and beyond what is expected of them. This attention to detail and commitment to quality helps to ensure that their work is accurate, complete, and of the highest possible standard.

Good employees care about the little things

Good employees care about the little things because they understand that small details can have a big impact on the overall success of their work and the organization as a whole. They recognize that even small errors or oversights can lead to bigger problems down the line, and that paying attention to the details is essential for ensuring quality and success.

Here are some ways that good employees demonstrate that they care about the little things:

1. Attention to detail: Good employees pay close attention to details, making sure that everything is accurate, complete, and meets the required standards. They take the time to review their work carefully and double-check everything to ensure that nothing has been overlooked.
2. Clear communication: Good employees understand that clear communication is essential for success. They make sure that they understand what is expected of them and communicate clearly with their colleagues and supervisors to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
3. Professionalism: Good employees understand that even small things, like arriving on time, dressing appropriately, and being respectful to others, can make a big difference in how they are perceived by their colleagues and clients.
4. Going the extra mile: Good employees don’t just do the bare minimum. They are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their work is of the highest possible quality. This might mean working longer hours, seeking out additional information or resources, or taking on additional responsibilities.
5. Continual improvement: Good employees are always looking for ways to improve their work and their skills. They seek out feedback from others, attend training sessions or workshops, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.

In summary, good employees care about the little things because they understand that even small details can have a big impact on the success of their work and the organization as a whole. They pay attention to the details, communicate clearly, act professionally, go the extra mile, and are committed to continual improvement.

Good employees see the full landscape of opportunity

Good employees who are able to look beyond the near future and see the full landscape of opportunity are those who possess a strategic mindset. These employees understand that success requires not only meeting current goals but also planning for the future and anticipating potential challenges and opportunities.

Here are some ways that good employees demonstrate the ability to look beyond the near future:

1. Big-picture thinking: Good employees are able to see the bigger picture and understand how their work fits into the broader goals and objectives of the organization. They are able to think strategically and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
2. Anticipating trends: Good employees stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in their industry or field, and they are able to anticipate potential changes and challenges. They are proactive in seeking out information and taking action to stay ahead of the curve.
3. Planning and prioritizing: Good employees understand the importance of planning for the future and prioritizing tasks and projects accordingly. They are able to balance short-term goals with long-term objectives, and they are able to adjust their priorities as needed to stay on track.
4. Collaborating with others: Good employees understand that success requires collaboration and teamwork. They are able to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across the organization to identify opportunities and develop plans for achieving shared goals.
5. Taking calculated risks: Good employees are willing to take calculated risks in order to pursue new opportunities or achieve ambitious goals. They understand that success often requires stepping outside of their comfort zone and trying new things, and they are able to do so in a thoughtful and strategic manner.

In summary, good employees who are able to look beyond the near future and see the full landscape of opportunity are those who possess a strategic mindset. They engage in big-picture thinking, anticipate trends, plan and prioritize, collaborate with others, and take calculated risks in order to achieve long-term success.

Good employees create their personal board of directors

Creating a personal board of directors is a strategy used by good employees to help guide their career development and achieve their professional goals. This board is made up of individuals who the employee respects and trusts, and who can provide advice, support, and mentorship as they navigate their career.

Here are some steps for creating a personal board of directors:

1. Identify your goals: Before you can create your personal board of directors, you need to have a clear understanding of your professional goals and aspirations. This will help you identify the types of individuals you want on your board and the specific areas where you need support.
2. Identify potential members: Think about the people in your professional network who you respect and admire. These might be colleagues, supervisors, mentors, industry leaders, or other individuals who have achieved success in your field. Consider reaching out to them to gauge their interest in serving on your board.
3. Invite members: Once you have identified potential members, reach out to them individually to invite them to serve on your board. Be clear about your goals and expectations, and be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the role.
4. Set up regular meetings: Schedule regular meetings with your board members to discuss your progress, challenges, and opportunities. These meetings can be in-person, over the phone, or via video conference, depending on the preferences of the members.
5. Be open and receptive: Be open to feedback and advice from your board members, and be receptive to their guidance and suggestions. Remember that they are there to support you and help you achieve your goals.
6. Show appreciation: Be sure to show appreciation for your board members and their contributions to your career development. Thank them for their time and expertise, and be sure to keep them updated on your progress.

In summary, creating a personal board of directors is a strategy used by good employees to help guide their career development and achieve their professional goals. By identifying goals, identifying potential members, inviting members, setting up regular meetings, being open and receptive, and showing appreciation, employees can create a powerful network of support and mentorship to help them succeed.

Good employees do at least one thing outside their immediate team/scope

Good employees recognize the value of broadening their skills and knowledge beyond their immediate team or job scope. By engaging in activities outside of their daily work, they can gain new perspectives, develop new skills, and build relationships with colleagues across the organization. Here are some ways that good employees do at least one thing outside their immediate team/scope:

1. Volunteer for cross-functional projects: Good employees seek out opportunities to work on cross-functional projects that involve colleagues from different teams or departments. This allows them to develop a broader understanding of the organization and gain exposure to different areas of the business.
2. Attend networking events: Good employees attend networking events, both within the organization and in the broader industry. This allows them to build relationships with colleagues and professionals outside of their immediate team, which can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
3. Participate in company-wide initiatives: Good employees take part in company-wide initiatives, such as employee resource groups, diversity and inclusion committees, or sustainability efforts. This demonstrates their commitment to the organization and allows them to contribute to initiatives that align with their values and interests.
4. Seek out training and development opportunities: Good employees take advantage of training and development opportunities offered by the organization, even if they are outside of their immediate job scope. This allows them to develop new skills and knowledge that can benefit both their current role and future career opportunities.
5. Mentor or coach others: Good employees seek out opportunities to mentor or coach colleagues outside of their immediate team. This allows them to share their expertise and experience, develop their leadership skills, and build relationships with colleagues across the organization.

In summary, good employees recognize the value of engaging in activities outside of their immediate team or job scope. By volunteering for cross-functional projects, attending networking events, participating in company-wide initiatives, seeking out training and development opportunities, and mentoring or coaching others, employees can broaden their skills and knowledge, build relationships with colleagues across the organization, and position themselves for long-term success.

Good employees invest in themselves

Good employees recognize that investing in themselves is a key factor in their professional success. Here are some ways that good employees invest in themselves:

1. Continuing education: Good employees seek out opportunities to learn and develop new skills, whether through formal education, online courses, or on-the-job training. They recognize that staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices is essential for long-term success.
2. Networking: Good employees invest time and effort in building strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other professionals in their field. They attend industry events, participate in online forums, and seek out opportunities to connect with others in their field.
3. Self-care: Good employees recognize the importance of self-care for their physical and mental health. They prioritize getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular exercise or other stress-reducing activities.
4. Personal development: Good employees invest time in personal development, whether through reading books, attending seminars, or engaging in self-reflection. They recognize that developing strong emotional intelligence and communication skills can help them succeed in their careers.
5. Goal setting: Good employees set clear goals for their professional development and work towards them consistently. They recognize that goal-setting is a key factor in achieving success and are proactive in seeking out opportunities that align with their goals.
6. Seeking feedback: Good employees actively seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors in order to improve their skills and performance. They use this feedback to identify areas for growth and take action to improve.

In summary, good employees invest in themselves in a variety of ways, including continuing education, networking, self-care, personal development, goal setting, and seeking feedback. By investing in themselves, employees can develop new skills, build strong relationships, and position themselves for long-term success in their careers.

Good employees ask for more responsibility vs asking for a promotion

Good employees recognize that asking for more responsibility is an effective way to demonstrate their value to the organization and position themselves for career advancement. Here are some ways that good employees ask for more responsibility, versus asking for a promotion:

1. Identify areas for growth: Good employees identify areas where they can take on more responsibility and contribute more to the organization. They seek out opportunities to learn new skills and take on new challenges, rather than simply asking for a promotion.
2. Proactively offer to take on additional tasks: Good employees proactively offer to take on additional tasks or projects that align with their skills and interests. This demonstrates their initiative and willingness to contribute to the organization’s success.
3. Seek out feedback: Good employees seek out feedback from their supervisor and colleagues to identify areas for growth and opportunities to take on more responsibility. They use this feedback to identify areas where they can improve and take action to develop their skills.
4. Take ownership of their current role: Good employees take ownership of their current role and demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to the organization. This demonstrates their readiness for more responsibility and positions them for career advancement.
5. Communicate their career goals: Good employees communicate their career goals to their supervisor and seek guidance on how to achieve them. This demonstrates their commitment to their professional development and positions them for future opportunities.

In contrast, simply asking for a promotion can come across as entitled or presumptuous, and may not demonstrate the employee’s readiness for additional responsibility. By proactively seeking out opportunities to take on more responsibility, seeking feedback, taking ownership of their current role, and communicating their career goals, good employees can position themselves for long-term success and career advancement within the organization.

Good employees “stay weird.”

When we say “stay weird,” we mean that good employees don’t conform to the status quo. They embrace their individuality and bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the workplace. Here are some ways that good employees “stay weird”:

1. Embrace creativity: Good employees are creative and think outside the box. They are not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
2. Take risks: Good employees take calculated risks and are not afraid of failure. They are willing to try new things and take on challenges that others might shy away from.
3. Be authentic: Good employees are authentic and true to themselves. They do not try to be someone they are not or conform to others’ expectations. They bring their whole selves to the workplace, including their quirks and unique perspectives.
4. Challenge the status quo: Good employees are not content with the status quo. They ask questions and challenge assumptions in order to drive change and improvement.
5. Pursue their passions: Good employees pursue their passions both inside and outside of work. They are not afraid to pursue hobbies or interests that may seem unconventional, as these pursuits can help fuel creativity and innovation.
6. Encourage diversity and inclusion: Good employees recognize the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They actively seek out diverse perspectives and are inclusive of others who may be different from themselves.

In summary, good employees “stay weird” by embracing creativity, taking risks, being authentic, challenging the status quo, pursuing their passions, and encouraging diversity and inclusion. By embracing their individuality and bringing their unique perspectives to the workplace, they can drive innovation and help their organizations thrive.

Good employees solve problems for the company, not just their boss

Good employees recognize that they are part of a larger organization and that their work impacts the company as a whole, not just their immediate supervisor. They focus on solving problems that benefit the company as a whole, rather than just their boss. Here are some ways that good employees solve problems for the company:

1. Look for opportunities to improve processes: Good employees look for ways to improve processes and procedures that benefit the company as a whole, not just their immediate team or department. They identify inefficiencies and make suggestions for improvements.
2. Collaborate with colleagues: Good employees collaborate with colleagues across departments to solve problems and achieve common goals. They recognize that working together can lead to better outcomes for the company.
3. Focus on the big picture: Good employees keep the company’s goals and objectives in mind when solving problems. They consider how their work impacts the company’s bottom line and seek out solutions that benefit the company as a whole.
4. Seek out new opportunities: Good employees are proactive and seek out new opportunities for the company. They look for ways to expand the company’s offerings or enter new markets, for example.
5. Think strategically: Good employees think strategically and consider the long-term impact of their decisions. They recognize that short-term solutions may not always be in the company’s best interest.
6. Take ownership of problems: Good employees take ownership of problems and work to solve them, even if they are not directly responsible for them. They recognize that everyone has a role to play in the company’s success.

In summary, good employees focus on solving problems that benefit the company as a whole, not just their boss or immediate team. They collaborate with colleagues, think strategically, and take ownership of problems in order to drive the company’s success.

Concluding thoughts

In conclusion, being a good employee requires more than just technical skills and a good work ethic. It requires a mindset of constant growth and development, as well as a focus on the bigger picture of the organization’s success. From being thorough and paying attention to the little details, to looking beyond the near future and embracing creativity and individuality, good employees exhibit a wide range of positive behaviors that set them apart from the rest. By focusing on these behaviors and working towards mastering them, you can become an invaluable asset to any organization and achieve success in your own career. So take the time to develop your personal development plan and start working towards becoming the best employee you can be. With dedication and effort, you can become a great employee and make a meaningful impact in your workplace.

In addition to the points mentioned earlier, it’s worth noting that becoming a great employee is not an overnight process. It’s a journey that requires consistent effort, dedication, and a growth mindset. By focusing on the 10 behaviours outlined in this article, good employees can make the transition from good to great and take their career to new heights. They can become leaders within their organizations, inspire their colleagues, and make a significant impact on the success of their companies. So if you’re a good employee looking to take your career to the next level, remember that it’s a journey that requires persistence and a willingness to learn and grow. With the right mindset and approach, you can become a great employee and achieve the success you desire.