6 Characteristics of High-Performers

High-performing leaders inspire. Can you name/list a few? Think big like…Barack Obama, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Hillary Clinton, Romeo Dallaire, Oprah Winfrey, Chris Hatfield, Penny Wong…

Think of at least three high-performing leaders that you have come across in your professional career. List the top-of-mind characteristics that they demonstrated, that impressed and inspired you.

From the characteristics that you listed were any of the following characteristics of high performers also demonstrated?

1. Switched on – wired and ready to ‘GO’: High-performers seek the next challenge with energy and are on top of current and new developments in their field, even anticipating what may come next. They generate and demonstrate positivity, and exude great enthusiasm and excitement.
2. Open and interested: High performers encourage and embrace new ideas from others. They passionately learn how work could be done more effectively and efficiently. And they are recognized for their stakeholder — both staff and customer — focus. They care about others, take the time to understand issues, and demonstrate kindness in their approach.
3. Honest and capable: High-performing leaders gain the trust of their colleagues through honesty and transparency; are competent and knowledgeable, these experts excel in their fields.
4. Confident: High performers exude confidence. However, they are not egocentric (there is a huge difference!); they are deserving of their success and express humbleness and a continual desire to improve and learn.
5. Perseverance: High performers demonstrate patience and perseverance in achieving a goal, no matter what obstacles are faced. They continue to push forward, focus and show a trajectory of success. Perseverance and tact, enable high performers to take on the relationship of role model and mentor.
6. Gratitude: High performers recognize and express gratitude. They show appreciation and thanks for effort, accomplishments, success and goal achievement.

Now think of leaders that you crossed paths with in the last 12 months that did not demonstrate or possess the characteristics of a high performer – how did they fare? Who would you prefer to be?

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