Top performers don’t need extra motivation – just recognition and the occasional reward helps them keep achieving at a high level.
The real challenge for any manager is helping a so-so to “pretty good” staffer evolve into a top performer.
Reason: It takes more than just doing a good job every day to stand out as a top performer.
Consider sharing these three extra ways top performers rise above the average worker:
1. Think ‘big picture’ to get results
Most employees think in terms of doing what they’re told to make the boss happy.
Top performers see themselves in the larger context – contributing their skills to help company leaders reach their goals.
As a result, they’re more likely to see the big picture.
That means they’ll recognize opportunities to add value – going above and beyond what they’re expected to do.
2. Take initiative whenever there’s an opportunity
Most employees think about ways to improve their own jobs to try to earn recognition.
But top performers think beyond their job descriptions.
They look for problems they can help solve within the larger organization – even if that means stepping out of their traditional roles when they can.
For example: Assisting the IT/IS department with an energy initiative, or working with Production to save time and money.
3. Build relationships and partners
Most employees network within their organization as a way to stay in the loop.
But top performers do it for a different reason. They build relationships at work as a way to improve their expertise.
That way, if they need advice, they’ve built up a network of people they can turn to for help.
