Finding Your Unicorn: Identifying the Most Critical High-Performing Traits

In the fast-paced and competitive world of business, the quest for finding the perfect team member – the elusive "unicorn" – is a challenge many face. This individual is not just highly skilled but also a perfect fit for your company's unique culture and objectives. The key to achieving this lies in understanding which high-performing traits are most critical for your next hire.

While a unicorn embodies a plethora of exceptional qualities, it's essential to identify the specific traits that will drive success in your unique environment. Here are some thought-provoking considerations to help you determine the high-performing traits your next hire should possess:

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1. Proactive Approach

Ask yourself: How critical is it for this role to have someone who takes initiative without waiting for direction? If your company values innovation and forward-thinking, a proactive approach might be essential.

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2. Prioritizes Consistency

Consider: In what ways does reliability and consistent performance impact your team's success? If dependability and maintaining high standards are crucial, then prioritizing consistency is key.

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3. Thinks Strategically

Reflect: Does this role require long-term vision and strategic planning? If aligning short-term actions with long-term goals is vital, strategic thinking should be a top trait.

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4. Creative and Innovative

Evaluate: How important is creativity in solving problems and driving innovation in your business? If fresh ideas and unique solutions are necessary, this trait should be high on your list.

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5. Collaborative Mindset

Question: How much of the role relies on teamwork and collective success? If working well with others and contributing to group efforts are paramount, collaboration is a must-have trait.

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6. Always Responsive

Think: Is the ability to quickly respond to changes and adapt to new situations crucial for this position? If agility and responsiveness are important, this should be a priority.

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7. Curious Learner

Ponder: How much do you value continuous learning and improvement within your team? If staying current and growing professionally is essential, seek out a curious learner.

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8. Solves Problems

Deliberate: How critical is problem-solving to the success of this role? If overcoming challenges and finding effective solutions are daily requirements, this trait is indispensable.

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9. Gets Sh*t Done!

Consider: How important is execution and delivering results in this role? If achieving goals and meeting deadlines is fundamental, finding someone who gets sh*t done is crucial.

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10. Self Awareness

Reflect: How much do you value an individual’s ability to understand their strengths and weaknesses? If self-improvement and adaptability are important, self-awareness is a necessary trait.

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11. Shows Empathy

Evaluate: How vital is empathy in building strong team relationships and fostering a supportive environment? If understanding and supporting colleagues is crucial, empathy should be a key trait.

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12. Strong Communicator

Question: How essential are clear and effective communication skills for this role? If articulating ideas and engaging in meaningful dialogue is critical, prioritize strong communication.

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13. Great at Simplifying

Think: How important is the ability to simplify complex problems and processes in this position? If breaking down complicated issues is essential, seek out this trait.

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14. Speaks Up

Deliberate: How much do you value the confidence to voice opinions and contribute to discussions? If challenging the status quo and offering constructive feedback is important, speaking up is vital.

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15. Enjoys Being Wrong

Ponder: How crucial is a growth mindset that embraces mistakes and learns from them in your team? If continuous improvement and learning from failures are valued, this trait is essential.

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Tailoring Your Search for the Perfect Fit

The journey to finding your unicorn is not about seeking someone who ticks every box but rather identifying the traits that are most aligned with your company’s needs and goals. Reflect on these traits and consider how each one impacts the role you're hiring for.

By understanding which high-performing qualities are most critical, you can tailor your search and find the right unicorn – someone who will thrive within your team and drive your business forward.

In the end, the perfect Unicorn partnership is about more than just a skill set; it's about finding someone who will not only excel in their role but also grow and succeed alongside your company.


Find your Unicorn with our Success Team, book a strategy session.

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