17 Traits That Define High-Potential Employees, According to Alec Rickard

In a recent LinkedIn post, Alec Rickard outlines 17 key characteristics that distinguish high-potential employees, detailing how these traits can propel individuals from being merely good performers to achieving greatness. Rickard emphasizes that the foundational element for these individuals is their propensity to take bold action, contrasting this with those who merely talk about high performance without demonstrating it.

According to Rickard, the journey from potential to performance is paved with intentional action. He states:

“Their foundational trait is this: They take bold action. They don’t talk about being a high performer…. They act it out.”

The Core Attributes of High-Potential Staff

Rickard’s analysis delves into specific behaviors and mindsets that signify a high-potential employee. He identifies humility as a key trait, noting that it helps individuals remain grounded, relatable, and adaptable in their professional journey.

Navigating Workplace Dynamics

Beyond individual traits, Rickard highlights how high-potential employees manage their interactions and environment. He points out their ability to calmly confront toxic behaviors, drawing clear lines and setting value-based boundaries. This proactive approach extends to taking ownership without being asked, demonstrating autonomy and a commitment to driving tasks forward independently.

“They take ownership without being asked. Act with autonomy and don’t have to be told what to do.”

Furthermore, Rickard suggests that these employees prioritize cooperation over competition, viewing success not as a zero-sum game but as an opportunity to lift others. They also practice over-communication regarding their progress with leadership, ensuring transparency and demonstrating impact. An interesting point Rickard makes is their willingness to say no to unnecessary meetings, thereby protecting their time to focus on impactful, meaningful work.

Driving Performance Through Strategic Focus

Rickard’s list also touches upon how high-potential individuals approach their work strategically. He notes their tendency to address micromanagement head-on, managing upwards to reinforce roles and responsibilities. Staying away from gossip and corporate politics is another hallmark, creating drama-free zones conducive to clarity and productivity.

“They stay away from gossip and corporate politics. Drama-free zones allow for clarity and productivity.”

In Rickard’s view, treating everyone equally, regardless of title, is crucial for building trust and earning loyalty. They also actively seek to create win-wins with colleagues, understanding that individual success is often intertwined with broader business achievements. Shadowing high-performing team members is another strategy Rickard identifies for accelerating learning and growth.

Mindset and Continuous Improvement

A significant aspect of high-potential employees, as highlighted by Rickard, is their mindset towards work and learning. They consistently start all tasks with a defined objective and Key Performance Indicator (KPI), ensuring clear direction and measurable outcomes. Rickard observes that they are wildly open to new ideas, recognizing that flexibility fuels innovation and uncovers hidden opportunities.

Moreover, these individuals focus on work that truly moves the needle, consciously eliminating low-value tasks to concentrate on high-value contributions. The importance of personal well-being is also underscored, with Rickard noting that high-potential employees unapologetically protect their personal time, viewing it as a valuable asset. Finally, they drive their own learning, fueled by curiosity for self-driven growth and continuous improvement, and crucially, they know when to rest, finding a personal rhythm that allows them to thrive.

Rickard concludes by reiterating that turning potential into performance requires taking bold, intentional action, inviting readers to reflect on which of these signs resonated with them and what they might add to the list.