5 Attributes of Top Performers
By RDBA Executive Director, Annette Maggi, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
If you’re tracking retail industry news, you’ve likely noticed that there’s been a lot of shifting in leadership ranks lately, with promotions and new leaders announced. If this has you thinking how you maximize your opportunities at retail, assess your skill set against these five attributes of top performers.
#1: Be Naturally Curious. In opposition to the “quit quitting” trend, top performers with this skill are thinking about the company as a whole, seeing beyond their own job descriptions. They are continuously asking questions, seeking to better understand how the various parts of the company work and connecting the dots on how initiatives ladder up to corporate goals. Being naturally curious means having a strong understanding of how your role and responsibilities can further the company’s broader vision. Strive to continuously learn and find creative solutions for problems to drive your career forward.
#2: Turn Feedback into Action. It’s easy to wallow in negative feedback received from shoppers, colleagues, or your boss, but top performers are able to accept constructive feedback as a way to show growth and development. Understand the gaps in your skills and experience and set a plan to turn weaknesses into strengths.
#3: Nurture your Drive. Intrinsic motivation comes from within and propels you to continue to grow, learn, and develop. This drive can start to wain if you’ve been in role for several years or if you’ve experienced some work setbacks, but nurturing your intrinsic motivation is essential for career growth. Identify what elements of work nurture your drive. Consider starting with a black sheet of paper to rewrite your role and responsibilities to align with work that really fulfills you, skills you want to expand, and growth opportunities that will re-energize you. Keeping that drive alive is essential to positioning yourself for career movement.
#4: Leverage the Dual Threat of Independence and Collaboration. Retail RDs often work in a solo capacity and have mastered the skill of getting things done with little or no guidance. The real skill is to combine this capability with capacity to be an excellent collaborator. Share ideas, reach out to internal colleagues suggesting projects you might lead together, and speak up in group settings. Showcasing both skills is sure to get you noticed by leaders.
#5: Rise all Tides. Take a minute to self-reflect on if you are uplifting and inspiring peers around you, whether they are junior or senior to you in role. Use your emotional intelligence to empathize with other team members and focus on how to help everyone you work with grow and succeed.
