Improvement

Would you believe that there is an organization in America today that lists 90 traits, characteristics and soft skills they want their employees to have? Well, there is. My first thought when I saw the list was, “These folks are nuts!” But, after actually reviewing the list, I changed my tune. All of them are doable and warrant our attention. Success is always all about constantly becoming a better version of ourselves. The question is: What do we have to go by? How do we grade ourselves?

If I gave you a list of things that would help make you more successful, would you do them all? Well, here is an excellent list to start with. Now all you have to do is be really honest with yourself and decide if you live by each of the listed traits.

After reviewing the list several times, you may decide you want to add to it. There’s nothing wrong with that!

Personally, I would add “Be nice” to the list. In fact, I would start with that one. But maybe they think “compassionate,” “respectful” and “empathic” cover that. I like it stated in simpler terms: be nice!

Good luck with grading yourself. The list sure does make you think. I am working on several of them right now!

Ability to compromise for the greater good  •  Accepts criticism constructively 
  Accountable  •  Adaptable  •  Analytical  •  Applies current best practices  •  Approachable    Assertive  •  Attentive to detail  •  Belief in the dignity of others  •  Calming  •  Candid  •Community-oriented  •  Compassionate  •  Confident  •  Consistent  •  Constant learner  • Courageous  •  Customer-focused  •  Decisive  •  Dependable  •  Detail oriented    Disciplined  •  Discreet  •  Effective communication skills  •  Embraces change  • Emotionally healthy  •  Emotionally intelligent  •  Emotionally resilient  •  Empathetic   Energetic and enthusiastic  •  Ethical  •  Flexible  •  Focused  •  Frustration-tolerant  •Honest  •  Humble  •  Informed  •  Shows initiative  •  Innovative  •  Inquisitive  •  Displays integrity  •  Intelligent  •  Excellent interpersonal skills  •  Judicious  •  Knowledgeable    Leadership  •  Learns from mistakes  •  Level-headed  •  Logical  •  Loyal  •  Good memory    Moral fortitude  •  Motivational  •  Good at multitasking  •  Non-impulsive  •  Open-minded     Organized  •  Patient  •  Perceptive  •  Perseverant  •  Has perspective  •  Is physically fit • Is prepared   •  Preserves confidentiality •  Proactive  •  Problem solver  •  Professional  •  Protective  •  Reasoning ability  •  Resilient  •  Resourceful  •  Respect for diversity  •  Respect for the individual  •  Respectful  •  Responsible  •  Self-motivated  •  Self-restraint  •  Good sense of humor  •  Sense of service to others  •  Skeptical  •  Exhibits sound judgment  •  Strong work ethic  •  Tact  •  Teamwork  •  Tolerance  •  Trustworthiness  • Verbal communication skills  •  Written communication skills

Robert Stevenson is one of the most widely recognized professional speakers in the world. Author of the books How To Soar Like An Eagle In A World Full Of Turkeys and 52 Essential Habits For Success, he’s shared the podium with esteemed figures from across the country, including former President George H. W. Bush, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Anthony Robbins, Tom Peters and Steven Covey. Today, he travels the world, sharing powerful ideas for achieving excellence, both personally and professionally.