senior managers and bosses - what makes a superstar employee?

[theclick]

I'm keen to Be really great at my new role especially after taking the plunge and leaving my old role where people knew what I was capable of as I'd been there for a while. I'd like to ask all real life senior managers and bosses - what in your eyes makes a superstar employee? Those people who you think of when you need someone you can trust?

[GeorgeHerbert]

Exactly that - someone I can trust! Someone who uses initiative, picks up what needs doing, is a team player, supports colleagues, doesn't flap. Reliable, does what they say they will.

[theclick]

Thanks for your response! How does someone do that without being - for want of a better phrase - a mug? Ie always offering to stay late because that's the thing to do? I ask as I always used to do this until it got to the point my boss would only ask me and no one else!

[TomTomKitten]

You do it without staying late all the time! Unless it is a complete emergency i rarely stay late any more. It is not appreciated and becomes expected.

A good employee to me would be all of the above. Also, someone who is positive, optimisitic, proactive, gets on with things without moaning the task is beneath them, etc. etc.

[dementedma]

Dependable, proactive,can use initiative and come up with good ideas. Or even bad ones,but prepared to have go.

[Lanark2]

Good and emotionally rich comms showing appreciation of different roles, and will to help.

No weird game playing bullshit.

Just remember though that being effective is often overlooked versus constant chat about successes and achievements, sadly, so someone who says 'I've finished that small thing and it went great' a lot can get more recognition than the person whose figures are outstanding, projects ambitious but who sees that as normal and doesn't boast.

Be of good humour whenever possible.

Be nice as a gift, not as a transaction..even if it sort of is..

[Lanark2]

Don't do this in a nasty political environment without care though!!

[BeautifulMaudOHara]

IMO it's someone who

Delivers what they're asked to deliver, on time, always
Makes sure they understand the requirements properly first though
Thinks ahead and comes up with ideas (if needed) for what is ahead
brings me solutions, not problems
Is cheerful and positive
Gives their perspective on things, in a professional way
Is professional, always
Volunteers for things sometimes
Doesn't bitch or gossip
Asks questions
Looks for improvements
Considers customers and their needs

It's not about staying late IMO, in fact I'd rather people didn't stay late, I want them to have a life. I'd also say be personable - it makes a lot of different when someone says 'how's your day going?' And when you're a senior manager not many people ask, so be that person!

Good luck.

[StealthPolarBear]

Be reliable. If you say you'll do something do it. If what you've been asked to do isn't clear, ask, well before the deadline. I've come to realise if this happens half the time no one understand what is needed and me raising it forces that issue to be resolved (and the other way round when people I manage ask me to clarify something I've asked them to do).
If you're the sort of person who forgets, write stuff down.
Have a can-do attitude (sorry!). By that I mean try to see the positives not the negatives.

[IWasHereBeforeTheHack]

Be reasonable, respect others, whoever they are, as a bare minimum! I have colleague who is so full of his importance that he winds everyone up. Even reasonable, civilised me.

Don't bitch. Don't gossip. That's how they know they can trust you.
Equally, pass on valid 'shop floor' information to them that they may otherwise miss.

Always show that you understand what your manager's priorities are. If they are looking harassed, ask what you can pick up to lighten their load (use the opportunity for personal development!).

[SmellOfPythonInTheMorning]

Read "How to be a star at work" - really good info there!

[areyoubeingserviced]

Definitely be proactive and take the initiative.
People who need to be micromanaged constantly, make my life difficult
Be honest and try not to gossip