9 Traits of High-Achieving Individuals
9 Traits of High-Achieving Individuals
The high performing character traits that separate the good from the great.
👋 Hey, Kyle here! Welcome to The Influential Project Manager, a weekly newsletter covering the essentials of successful project leadership.
Today’s Overview:
A high-achiever is an individual who never gives up, who continuously improves, who performs in high pressure situations, and who will win when others say it’s impossible.
A person’s resume doesn’t always reveal what lies underneath the surface. The best way to identify high achievers is to look deeper at character.
Based on my experience, I have observed the below (9) core characteristics are what consistently mark an individual as a “high-achiever.”
📊 The 9 Essential Traits of High-Achieving Individuals
Most of us know them when we see them. The ones we can always count on to deliver. And then some. The ones who continuously provide predictable outcomes that create long-term lasting success in all sectors of life.
I call them “high-achieving individuals”
Have you ever wondered why some individuals are exceptional and succeed while others cope with their failures and average results?
In this piece, my goal is to help define what makes someone a “high achieving individual” and then share how we can identify those attributes so we can strengthen them in ourselves and others for long term, lasting success.
So what is a high-achiever?
It is an individual who never gives up, who continuously improves, who performs in high pressure situations, and who will win when others say it’s impossible. It is the leaders who make plans and decisions, and the leaders that drive teams forward.
High performance comes in many shapes and sizes. At different levels in an organization, high performers requires different strengths and skill sets. A talented sales person is going to look different from a talented accountant, who is going to look different from a talented superintendent.
A person’s resume doesn’t always reveal what lies underneath the surface.
The best way to identify high achievers is to look deeper at character.
📊 The 9 Core Traits
High-achievers, regardless of domain expertise, share a common set of character attributes.
Based on my experience with people and research I have observed (9) core characteristics that mark an individual as a “high-achiever.”
1. Drive
High-achievers possess an unrelenting need for achievement and constant self-improvement. They are highly motivated, set ambitious goals for themselves, and continually push their limits to accomplish more.
Their drive is a fundamental force that propels them to excel in their respective domains.
2. Resiliency
Resiliency is the ability to persevere in the face of challenge and bounce back from setbacks. High-achievers do not let failures deter them; instead, they learn from their mistakes and use these experiences to fuel their determination and growth.
This trait allows them to remain steadfast in the pursuit of their goals, even when faced with adversity.
3. Adaptability
High-achievers have the ability to adjust according to the situation, learn new things, innovate, and move quickly. They are open-minded, flexible, and can seamlessly adapt to change.
This trait enables them to navigate complex environments, identify opportunities, and pivot when necessary to achieve success.
4. Humility
Humility in high-achievers is characterized by self-confidence in one’s ability while understanding that there’s always room for improvement and that others’ experiences and knowledge are valuable.
They recognize their strengths and weaknesses and are willing to learn from others, regardless of rank or position.
5. Integrity
High-achievers maintain a strong moral compass, adhering to not only what is legal but also what is right. They act ethically and responsibly, earning the trust and respect of their peers and colleagues.
This trait fosters a positive work environment and leads to long-term success.
6. Effective intelligence
Effective intelligence is the ability to apply one’s knowledge to real-world scenarios. High-achievers can think critically, problem-solve, and use their intellectual abilities to tackle complex issues.
This trait enables them to make well-informed decisions and generate innovative solutions to challenges they face.
7. Team-ability
High-achievers possess the ability to function as part of a team, placing the success of the whole above the needs of the self. They collaborate effectively, communicate openly, and contribute positively to group dynamics.
This trait is essential for building a harmonious and productive work environment.
8. Curiosity
High-achievers exhibit a desire to explore the unknown and question the status quo in pursuit of better, more effective solutions. They are naturally inquisitive, always seeking to learn more and expand their knowledge base.
This trait drives innovation and helps them stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
9. Emotional strength
Emotional strength is exemplified by a positive attitude, high empathy, and control over one’s emotions, especially in chaotic and stressful situations. High-achievers can manage their emotions effectively, maintain composure under pressure, and display empathy toward others.
This trait enables them to build strong relationships, motivate others, and maintain a balanced perspective in the face of adversity.
Final Thoughts
A person who exhibits these (9) attributes is bound to find predictable outcomes in just about anything they take on.
I invite you to save these character traits somewhere important and talk about them with your teams regularly. Part of becoming an Influential PM is creating a team culture that celebrates and encourages the behaviors that drive the best results.
Anytime I see someone display one of these attributes through their actions, I do my best to identify it and positively reinforce to generate more of these behaviors.
Imagine the impacts you can have on your projects if you could develop a culture around ultra performance attributes. Imagine the outcomes you could achieve if you surround yourself with ultra performers.
It starts with you. Leadership sets the example, makes the decisions, and unifies a team around a common goal.
The key to success = your people.
Nothing is more important to your project or company’s success as your people. Not your product. Not your service. Not your schedule. Not your budget. Your people.
Become hyper aware of the 9 character attributes that make an ultra performer. Ingrain these in your head and lead by example so you can replicate it across your team culture.
Encouragingly, the above character traits require no additional physical effort. They represent working smarter, not harder. These mental strategies work like compound interest, with dividends rolling in long after the habit has formed. So get out there and continuously improve. Find your drive, be resilient, be adaptable, be humble, act with integrity, apply your knowledge, put the team first, think curiously, and control your emotions. Do all that you’ll be a high-achiever too!
Let me know in the comments or send me an email on what you liked, didn’t like, or want to see more of in the future.
Until next week,
Kyle Nitchen
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