12 Character Traits You Need at Work

12 Character Traits You Need at Work

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1. Dependable

One of the easiest characteristics to cultivate despite our virtual workspace is dependability. If you continue to meet deadlines, arrive at meetings on time, work in a cooperative and respectful manner, and submit work that is above average, you can easily cultivate a reliable persona in the office. While much of this may seem small, 

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1. Dependable

the truth is that your boss and coworkers will nevertheless notice when these traits are absent. As such, it’s low-hanging fruit, particularly now, to build a dependable mindset.

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2. Motivated

On the other side of the spectrum, motivation is one of the more difficult traits to exhibit on-screen. How do you *show* your self-motivation? But your motivation and commitment to your work can come across in your enthusiasm at team meetings and initiative to lead, not to mention in one-on-one discussions with coworkers 

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2. Motivated

where your infectious energy can be passed on. A motivated employee is cognizant of the bigger picture, focusing not just on their own success but rather the goals for the entire company. So many of us have lost motivation during the pandemic, so while showcasing this trait may be a bit tougher, it will certainly help you stand out from your peers in a way that dependability may not.

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3. Independent

Every workplace loves a team player, but independence shows courage and direction. Independent employees get work done without needing constant reminders from coworkers or check-ins with their manager. If you spend one-on-one time with your colleagues going over upcoming deadlines, chances are you’re not regarded 

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3. Independent

as particularly independent. Moreover, independent employees structure their time efficiently—and convey that, too! Instead of just focusing on a task during a certain time frame, block that period off on your work calendar and organize your day so that your colleagues can also check and see that you’re taking initiative to get tasks done, independently.

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4. Creative

Not all office environments foster creativity, and not all jobs necessarily require it in their descriptions. Nevertheless, this is an important character trait to cultivate in the workplace. Even if you’re not in a creative line of work, it can be helpful to exhibit creativity with clients or during meetings, offering unique ideas or conveying information in a new way. 

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4. Creative

While it can be difficult to find time to be creative, with work-from-home, it’s easier than ever to step away from the screen, go for a walk, and allow creativity to find you with various activities.  Not everyone can simply sit down and brainstorm a creative solution to a problem, but using the remote environment to your advantage can help build this 

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4. Creative

skill better than you’d imagine being in the workplace.

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5. Empathetic

During the pandemic, especially, empathy goes a long way. This personality trait distinguishes the leaders from the followers. Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, understand their circumstances, and amplify others is crucial in today's workplace. People can feel when you’re being genuine, so it’s tough to 

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5. Empathetic

“fake it till you make it” with this character trait, but it's essential in every arena.

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6. Flexible

Flexibility is one of the most important character traits. The ability to pivot from one project to the next due to unexpected deadlines, or being flexible and available to talk to clients on the fly, or just being open to work remotely for 12-15 months, are all useful qualities to have as a coworker. In a virtual environment, this is perhaps one of the easiest 

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6. Flexible

personality traits to emphasize and improve upon. Although we’re all tired of Zoom calls and screen time, maintaining an adaptable nature that meets new situations with a positive attitude won’t go unnoticed or unrewarded.

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7. Humble

No one likes a bragger. Yes, there is a time and a place to "brag" about your work, but keep it within reason. Managers are looking for team players—people who give credit where it's due and don’t hype on their own personal contributions or successes. Instead of creating a toxic environment at the workplace, coworkers want to be around 

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7. Humble

those who are humble—people who are kind, diligent, and get the job done without making a fuss. While there is a time and place to brag and emphasize your own accomplishments—like at a job interview!—once you’ve joined a team or entered the company, humility speaks much louder.

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8. Responsible

It almost goes without saying, but responsibility is one of the best traits for an employee to display. Even in school, teachers love the responsible kid. That's usually the child who is reliable and trustworthy, but they also often establish themselves as a leader. In the workforce, responsibility is a must, especially if you are looking to 

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8. Responsible

get promoted and rise the ranks. What’s more, people who are responsible honor their commitments, treat others fairly and with respect, and are seen as role models. While not every leader needs to be liked or looked up to, being responsible can certainly help cement a positive image of you in the workplace.

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9. Inclusive

With diversity, equity, and inclusion rising in importance at every company, an inclusive employee is more important than ever before.  You can display your inclusivity by enforcing hiring practices that are unbiased, creating processes that remove barriers for minorities and women, and being a champion for those less able, fortunate, or 

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9. Inclusive

privileged than you. You can also display inclusiveness by going out of your way to ensure that each team member feels included and like part of the team.

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10. Efficient

Any employee who can increase the efficacy of their team, or the systems and processes they’ve been using, is an automatic favorite. Often, employees accept the systems at their company as law. In reality, however, employees who are willing to experiment, challenge, and change their company processes to make them more efficient

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10. Efficient

are guaranteed to go far. Even if your creativity doesn’t extend that far, you can still emphasize your efficiency by completing tasks rapidly, with time to review and edit if needed. This shows your self-direction in the face of would-be setbacks. You can familiarize yourself with programs and tasks that would come in handy during last-minute projects so that 

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10. Efficient

you are always seen as efficient and quick, even when working under duress.

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11. Curious

While curiosity may kill the cat, it’s an extremely valuable trait in an employee. Curious workers are able to independently motivate themselves to succeed and seek out new opportunities, pushing the team to expand and grow in the process. Given that most jobs will need open-minded, flexible employees at some point, a 

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11. Curious

curious worker who seeks new challenges as exciting opportunities is invaluable. Curiosity also typically goes along with other attractive traits like persistence, patience, and open-mindedness.

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12. Diligent

A diligent employee is one who takes pride in a job well done—and is ready to jump over hurdles.  They are meticulous and careful, perhaps veering on the edge of Type-A. But, perfectionists are revered in the workplace so a diligent employee who doesn’t feel comfortable turning in mediocre work is an asset 

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12. Diligent

to any team. You can showcase your diligent nature by offering to proofread or edit projects, decks, or written reports.  Moreover, you can focus on the details while others look at the bigger picture. If you know this is you, use your skills to direct your team to success.

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