Good Work Traits: 15 Qualities That Make Someone a Great Employee

Good work traits are the personal qualities, behaviors, and habits that help someone perform reliably, work well with others, solve problems, and contribute positively to a workplace. The most useful traits include dependability, integrity, communication, accountability, adaptability, attention to detail, teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, professionalism, perseverance, curiosity, emotional self-control, organization, and a willingness to learn.

Being a good worker is not simply about working long hours or being naturally talented. Strong performance usually comes from combining job-specific knowledge with consistent behaviors. Research and career-readiness frameworks commonly emphasize qualities such as conscientiousness, cooperation, professionalism, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and continuous development.

These traits matter whether you are a student entering your first job, an experienced employee, a manager, a freelancer, or someone preparing for an interview.

Good Work Traits: Quick Answer

Good work traits are qualities that help a person perform their responsibilities effectively while maintaining professional relationships and ethical standards. Important examples include reliability, responsibility, honesty, communication, teamwork, adaptability, initiative, organization, attention to detail, problem-solving, perseverance, professionalism, curiosity, self-control, and accountability.

A good worker does not necessarily possess every trait at the same level. Different occupations require different combinations. For example, attention to detail can be especially important for an accountant or editor, while adaptability and communication may be particularly important in customer service or project-based work. O*NET identifies work styles such as dependability, integrity, attention to detail, cooperation, achievement orientation, adaptability, innovation, and intellectual curiosity across occupational profiles.

Good Work Traits at a Glance

Work Trait	What It Looks Like	Why It Matters
Dependability	Meets commitments and deadlines	Builds trust
Integrity	Acts honestly and ethically	Protects credibility
Accountability	Takes ownership of results	Encourages responsibility
Communication	Shares information clearly	Prevents confusion
Teamwork	Cooperates with colleagues	Supports shared goals
Adaptability	Adjusts to changes	Helps handle uncertainty
Initiative	Acts without constant prompting	Moves work forward
Attention to detail	Checks work carefully	Reduces avoidable errors
Organization	Plans and prioritizes tasks	Improves efficiency
Problem-solving	Finds practical solutions	Helps overcome obstacles
Perseverance	Continues through difficulty	Supports long-term progress
Professionalism	Uses appropriate workplace behavior	Creates confidence
Curiosity	Seeks knowledge and improvement	Encourages growth
Self-control	Handles pressure appropriately	Supports sound decisions
Accountability	Owns mistakes and follows through	Strengthens trust

What Are Good Work Traits?

Good work traits are observable qualities and work habits that influence how a person approaches responsibilities, relationships, challenges, and goals.

They can involve personality, behavior, attitude, communication style, and learned professional habits. A trait such as patience may be partly dispositional, while skills such as planning, active listening, and time management can be deliberately developed.

This distinction is important because being a strong employee is not about having a perfect personality. Many valuable workplace behaviors can improve through experience, feedback, training, reflection, and practice.

The American Psychological Association notes that conscientiousness has been associated with job performance across many types of work, while also emphasizing that job requirements differ and that interpersonal behaviors and contextual performance matter too.

Traits vs. Skills

Traits and skills overlap, but they are not identical.

Traits	Skills
Tendencies in how a person behaves	Learned abilities used to perform tasks
May influence work habits	Usually developed through practice
Examples include dependability and patience	Examples include spreadsheet analysis and public speaking
Can be relatively stable	Can often be deliberately trained
Show up across different situations	May be specific to a job or task

For example, curiosity is a work trait, while data analysis is a skill. A curious employee may be more likely to learn data analysis, but curiosity itself does not guarantee technical competence.

15 Important Good Work Traits

1. Dependability

Dependability means that people can reasonably count on you to fulfill your responsibilities.

A dependable employee:

• Arrives prepared and on time.
• Meets agreed deadlines.
• Completes assigned responsibilities.
• Communicates early when a problem may affect delivery.
• Follows through on promises.
• Can be trusted with recurring responsibilities.

Dependability is one of the clearest ways to build professional trust. O*NET defines dependability as being reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

Example: If you realize that a report will take longer than expected, a dependable worker does not disappear until the deadline passes. They inform the relevant person, explain the issue, and propose a realistic new timeline.

2. Integrity

Integrity means acting honestly and ethically, even when nobody appears to be watching.

At work, integrity can involve:

• Giving accurate information.
• Admitting mistakes.
• Respecting confidential information.
• Avoiding dishonest shortcuts.
• Giving proper credit to colleagues.
• Following relevant rules and policies.

Integrity is particularly important because technical ability cannot compensate for a lack of trustworthiness.

O*NET includes integrity among recognized work styles and describes it as a tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

Example: An employee notices an error in a financial document that would make their department’s results look better. Instead of ignoring it, they report the mistake so it can be corrected.

3. Accountability

Accountability means accepting responsibility for your decisions, actions, deadlines, and results.

Accountable employees do not automatically blame:

• Coworkers
• Managers
• Customers
• Technology
• Circumstances
• Lack of instructions

Instead, they ask, “What part of this can I take responsibility for, and what can I do next?”

Accountability does not mean accepting blame for things outside your control. It means honestly recognizing your role and taking appropriate action.

Example: A team member misses a deadline because they underestimated the work. Rather than making excuses, they explain what happened, revise their planning method, and communicate earlier on future projects.

4. Clear Communication

Communication is one of the most useful good work traits because nearly every workplace depends on exchanging information.

Effective workplace communication includes:

• Speaking clearly.
• Writing understandable messages.
• Listening carefully.
• Asking useful questions.
• Confirming important instructions.
• Giving relevant updates.
• Adjusting communication to the audience.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers identifies communication as a career-readiness competency involving the clear and effective exchange of information, ideas, facts, and perspectives.

Good communication is not the same as talking frequently. Sometimes the strongest communicator is the person who listens carefully, identifies the real issue, and gives a concise response.

5. Teamwork

Teamwork means cooperating with other people to achieve a shared objective.

A strong team member:

• Shares relevant information.
• Listens to different perspectives.
• Completes their part of the work.
• Helps colleagues when appropriate.
• Handles disagreements respectfully.
• Gives credit to others.
• Accepts shared responsibility.

NACE describes teamwork as building collaborative relationships while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Important distinction: Teamwork does not mean agreeing with everyone. Healthy collaboration allows people to challenge ideas respectfully while remaining focused on the common goal.

6. Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to respond constructively when circumstances, priorities, technology, procedures, or expectations change.

Modern workplaces can involve:

• New software.
• New managers.
• Changing customer needs.
• Different project requirements.
• Remote or hybrid collaboration.
• Organizational changes.
• Unexpected problems.

An adaptable worker does not need to enjoy every change. Instead, they learn how to function effectively despite it.

O*NET identifies adaptability as openness to and comfort with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

7. Initiative

Initiative means taking useful action without waiting for someone to provide every instruction.

Examples include:

• Identifying a problem before it becomes serious.
• Learning a tool that could improve your work.
• Offering a practical solution.
• Asking how you can contribute.
• Volunteering for appropriate responsibilities.
• Preparing for a predictable need.

Initiative should not be confused with acting recklessly. Good initiative combines independence with judgment.

Example: An employee notices that new team members repeatedly ask the same questions. They create a simple reference document and ask their manager whether it would be useful.

8. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail means noticing important information, checking work carefully, and reducing avoidable errors.

It matters particularly in areas such as:

• Accounting
• Editing
• Research
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Administration
• Software development
• Legal work
• Quality control

O*NET describes attention to detail as being detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

However, attention to detail should be balanced with efficiency. Checking a low-risk task endlessly can waste time. The goal is appropriate accuracy for the task, not perfection at any cost.

9. Organization

Organization allows employees to manage information, priorities, deadlines, and resources effectively.

An organized worker might:

1. Identify important tasks.
2. Determine deadlines.
3. Break large assignments into smaller steps.
4. Keep useful records.
5. Review progress.
6. Adjust priorities when circumstances change.

Organization is especially valuable when several responsibilities compete for attention.

A simple task list is often more useful than trying to remember everything mentally.

10. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving involves understanding an issue, identifying relevant information, evaluating possible solutions, and taking appropriate action.

Strong problem-solvers ask:

• What exactly is wrong?
• What caused the problem?
• What information is missing?
• Which factors can I control?
• What solutions are realistic?
• What are the consequences of each option?
• How will I know whether the solution worked?

The U.S. Department of Labor identifies problem-solving and critical thinking as important workplace competencies and describes them in terms of using knowledge, facts, and data to address workplace problems.

11. Perseverance

Perseverance means continuing meaningful effort when a task becomes difficult, tedious, or frustrating.

It can appear as:

• Revising a failed proposal.
• Learning from repeated mistakes.
• Continuing a long-term project.
• Practicing a difficult skill.
• Looking for another approach after the first solution fails.

Perseverance does not mean refusing to change direction. Sometimes the best professional decision is to stop an ineffective approach and try another one.

O*NET recognizes perseverance as determination and resolve to complete work despite obstacles.

12. Professionalism

Professionalism is the consistent use of appropriate work habits, communication, judgment, responsibility, and conduct.

Professional behavior can include:

• Being prepared.
• Respecting other people’s time.
• Meeting commitments.
• Communicating respectfully.
• Protecting confidential information.
• Following workplace policies.
• Separating personal disagreements from professional responsibilities.

NACE describes professionalism as effective work habits, accountability, integrity, preparedness, dependability, task completion, and attention to detail.

Professionalism is not about being overly formal. A friendly employee can be highly professional, while a serious-looking employee can still behave unprofessionally.

13. Curiosity and Willingness to Learn

Curiosity encourages people to ask questions, investigate unfamiliar subjects, and improve their understanding.

A curious employee might ask:

“Why do we do this step?”

“Is there a more efficient way?”

“What should I learn to handle this responsibility better?”

O*NET identifies intellectual curiosity as a work style involving seeking and acquiring work-related knowledge and developing deeper understanding.

The most valuable form of workplace curiosity is constructive. It should lead to learning, better decisions, or improved work rather than unnecessary questioning for its own sake.

14. Emotional Self-Control

Emotional self-control means managing reactions appropriately, particularly during stressful or frustrating situations.

It does not mean suppressing every emotion. Instead, it involves creating enough space between an emotional reaction and a professional response to choose an appropriate action.

For example, after receiving critical feedback, an employee might initially feel disappointed. A professional response is to listen, clarify the feedback, and decide what can be improved rather than immediately responding defensively.

O*NET includes self-control among work styles in occupations where remaining composed and managing emotions effectively are relevant.

15. Achievement Orientation

Achievement orientation involves setting meaningful standards and making sustained efforts toward goals.

A person with this trait may:

• Set measurable objectives.
• Track progress.
• Look for ways to improve quality.
• Take pride in completing difficult tasks.
• Seek challenging but realistic goals.

Achievement orientation should not be confused with unhealthy overwork. High standards are useful when combined with good judgment, cooperation, and sustainable work habits.

O*NET defines achievement orientation in terms of establishing challenging work-related goals, maintaining high standards, and exerting effort toward those goals.

Which Good Work Traits Matter Most?

There is no single trait that is universally the most important for every occupation.

The appropriate combination depends on the work.

For example:

Type of Work	Especially Relevant Traits
Customer service	Communication, patience, empathy, self-control
Accounting	Integrity, attention to detail, dependability
Management	Communication, accountability, leadership, adaptability
Creative work	Curiosity, innovation, persistence, flexibility
Research	Curiosity, critical thinking, attention to detail
Healthcare	Reliability, communication, self-control, integrity
Sales	Communication, perseverance, adaptability, initiative
Administration	Organization, dependability, attention to detail
Engineering	Problem-solving, curiosity, precision, teamwork
Education	Communication, patience, organization, adaptability

This is why copying a generic list of “ideal employee traits” can be misleading. The best fit depends on the responsibilities, environment, risks, and goals of the job.

Good Work Traits vs. Bad Work Habits

The difference is often easier to understand through behavior.

Strong Work Trait	Opposite Unhelpful Habit
Dependability	Frequently missing commitments
Integrity	Hiding important mistakes
Accountability	Blaming others automatically
Communication	Leaving important information unclear
Teamwork	Refusing to cooperate
Adaptability	Rejecting every change
Initiative	Waiting for constant instructions
Organization	Losing track of priorities
Attention to detail	Repeatedly overlooking important errors
Problem-solving	Complaining without exploring solutions
Perseverance	Giving up immediately
Professionalism	Ignoring workplace expectations
Curiosity	Refusing to learn
Self-control	Reacting impulsively
Achievement orientation	Avoiding meaningful goals

These are behavioral contrasts rather than judgments about someone’s entire personality. A person can struggle with one work habit and still have many valuable qualities.

Character Traits vs. Work Traits

Character traits and work traits overlap, but their context differs.

Character Traits	Work Traits
Describe broader patterns of behavior	Describe behavior in professional settings
May appear in family or social life	Usually become visible through work responsibilities
Examples: kindness, courage, honesty	Examples: dependability, accountability, professionalism
Can influence workplace behavior	Directly affect workplace interactions and performance

For example, honesty is a broad character trait. In a workplace, it may appear as accurate reporting, ethical decision-making, and admitting an error.

Hard Skills vs. Good Work Traits

Hard skills answer “Can this person perform the technical task?”

Work traits often answer “How does this person approach the task and work with others?”

A software developer may have excellent programming skills but struggle with deadlines and communication. Another developer may have strong collaboration and organization but need more technical training.

The strongest professional development usually addresses both sides.

The U.S. Department of Labor identifies professionalism, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking alongside technical fundamentals as important workplace competencies.

How Good Work Traits Appear in Everyday Work

Meeting a Deadline

A dependable employee plans ahead, monitors progress, and communicates early if an obstacle appears.

Receiving Feedback

A growth-oriented employee listens carefully, asks clarifying questions, and turns useful feedback into an action step.

Handling a Mistake

An accountable employee acknowledges the problem, helps correct it, and considers how to prevent the same error.

Working With a Difficult Colleague

A professional employee focuses on the work issue rather than attacking the person’s character.

Learning New Software

An adaptable employee may feel uncomfortable initially but makes an effort to understand the new system and asks for help when necessary.

Managing Several Projects

An organized employee identifies deadlines, separates urgent tasks from important ones, and communicates competing priorities.

Solving an Unexpected Problem

A strong problem-solver gathers facts before jumping to conclusions and evaluates practical options.

15 Real-Life Examples of Good Work Traits

1. The dependable employee: Always delivers weekly reports by the agreed deadline.
2. The accountable employee: Notices an error in their work and informs the appropriate person instead of hiding it.
3. The communicator: Realizes that instructions are unclear and asks a focused question before beginning.
4. The team player: Helps a colleague understand a process without taking credit for their work.
5. The adaptable worker: Learns a new workplace system after an old process is replaced.
6. The organized employee: Uses a task list to manage several deadlines.
7. The detail-oriented worker: Checks names, dates, figures, and formatting before submitting an important document.
8. The problem-solver: Identifies the cause of a recurring issue instead of repeatedly fixing only its symptoms.
9. The professional: Remains respectful during a disagreement about how a project should be handled.
10. The curious learner: Studies a new subject because it could improve their performance.
11. The proactive employee: Identifies a recurring bottleneck and suggests a practical improvement.
12. The persevering worker: Revises a proposal after receiving constructive criticism.
13. The self-controlled employee: Pauses before replying to an upsetting message.
14. The achievement-oriented employee: Sets a measurable goal for improving a work process.
15. The ethical employee: Refuses to misrepresent information even when doing so would make a result look better.

How to Develop Better Work Traits

Good work habits can be developed deliberately. Start with behavior that can actually be observed.

Step 1: Identify One Weak Area

Do not try to change everything simultaneously.

Ask:

• Do I miss deadlines?
• Do I communicate too late?
• Do I become defensive when corrected?
• Do I struggle to prioritize?
• Do I avoid asking for help?
• Do I make preventable errors?

Choose one recurring problem.

Step 2: Convert the Trait Into a Behavior

Instead of saying:

“I need to become more responsible.”

Create a measurable behavior:

“I will review my deadlines every morning and notify the relevant person at least one business day before a likely delay.”

Specific behavior is easier to practice than an abstract personality goal.

Step 3: Ask for Useful Feedback

Ask a trusted supervisor, colleague, teacher, or mentor:

“What is one work habit I could improve that would make me more effective?”

A specific question usually produces more useful feedback than simply asking whether you are doing a good job.

Step 4: Track Repeated Patterns

Look for evidence over time.

For example:

Goal	Behavior to Track
Improve reliability	Deadlines met
Improve communication	Important updates sent on time
Improve organization	Tasks prioritized daily
Improve accuracy	Work reviewed before submission
Improve teamwork	Contributions and follow-through
Improve learning	New skills practiced

Step 5: Review Progress

At the end of each week, ask:

1. What went well?
2. What went wrong?
3. What caused the problem?
4. What did I learn?
5. What will I change next week?

This turns workplace experience into deliberate development.

Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Be a Good Worker

Mistaking Long Hours for Good Performance

Working longer is not automatically the same as working effectively. Good performance also involves priorities, quality, communication, and sustainable effort.

Trying to Do Everything Alone

Independence is valuable, but refusing reasonable assistance can create unnecessary delays and errors.

Confusing Confidence With Certainty

Confident employees can still say:

“I don’t know yet, but I’ll find out.”

Recognizing uncertainty can be more useful than pretending to know everything.

Treating Every Task as Equally Important

Good organization requires prioritization. A small urgent task and a major strategic project may require very different levels of attention.

Avoiding Difficult Conversations

Ignoring a problem rarely makes it disappear. Professional communication allows concerns to be raised before they become larger issues.

Taking Feedback Personally

Feedback about a task is not necessarily a judgment about someone’s entire character. Separating the work from the person can make improvement easier.

Chasing Perfection

Attention to detail is valuable, but excessive perfectionism can delay useful work. The appropriate standard depends on the task’s importance, risk, and purpose.

A Simple Decision Guide for Improving Work Traits

What is causing the biggest problem in your work?

↓

Missed deadlines or forgotten responsibilities?
→ Focus on dependability, organization, and accountability.

Frequent misunderstandings?
→ Focus on communication and active listening.

Repeated mistakes?
→ Focus on attention to detail and process review.

Difficulty working with others?
→ Focus on teamwork, empathy, and self-control.

Struggling with workplace changes?
→ Focus on adaptability and curiosity.

Giving up when work becomes difficult?
→ Focus on perseverance and problem-solving.

Waiting for instructions too often?
→ Develop initiative and confidence.

Unsure what to improve?
→ Ask for specific feedback and identify the behavior that appears most often.

Common Misconceptions About Good Work Traits

Myth: A Good Employee Never Makes Mistakes

Fact: Mistakes can occur even in high-quality work. Accountability is often demonstrated by recognizing, correcting, and learning from mistakes.

Myth: Being Quiet Means Someone Lacks Communication Skills

Fact: Communication quality is not determined by how much someone talks. Listening, clarity, timing, and accurate information are also important.

Myth: A Good Worker Must Always Say Yes

Fact: Responsible employees understand capacity and priorities. Sometimes the professional response is to explain competing deadlines and ask which task should take priority.

Myth: Confidence Is More Important Than Knowledge

Fact: Confidence can help someone communicate and take action, but it does not replace competence, evidence, judgment, or willingness to learn.

Myth: Teamwork Means Avoiding Disagreement

Fact: Teams can disagree constructively. The goal is to challenge ideas respectfully while maintaining progress toward a shared objective.

Myth: Adaptability Means Accepting Every Change Without Question

Fact: Adaptability means responding effectively to change. It does not eliminate the need for critical thinking, risk assessment, or appropriate questions.

Myth: Being Busy Means Being Productive

Fact: Activity and useful output are not identical. Productive work focuses attention on tasks that matter and produces meaningful results.

Related Traits That Support Good Work

Good work traits form a connected system rather than an isolated list.

Responsibility and Accountability

Responsibility involves having an obligation to complete something. Accountability involves accepting ownership of the result.

Reliability and Consistency

Reliability builds trust because colleagues know what they can expect from you.

Curiosity and Continuous Learning

Curiosity encourages learning, while continuous development turns learning into improved capability. NACE includes career and self-development among its career-readiness competencies.

Communication and Teamwork

Clear communication makes teamwork easier because people understand responsibilities, expectations, and changing information.

Organization and Attention to Detail

Organization helps determine what needs attention, while attention to detail helps ensure the work is completed accurately.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Adaptability helps a person respond to changing circumstances; problem-solving helps them determine what to do about the new situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important good work traits?

Commonly valuable traits include dependability, integrity, accountability, communication, teamwork, adaptability, initiative, organization, attention to detail, problem-solving, perseverance, professionalism, curiosity, self-control, and achievement orientation. The relative importance depends on the occupation and work environment.

What are examples of good traits for an employee?

Examples include being reliable, honest, organized, respectful, responsible, adaptable, cooperative, proactive, detail-oriented, willing to learn, and capable of handling problems professionally.

What are good work traits for a resume?

Useful traits can include dependability, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, organization, attention to detail, leadership, and initiative. Whenever possible, support a trait with an accomplishment rather than simply listing adjectives.

For example, instead of:

“Excellent organization skills.”

A stronger description might be:

“Organized multiple concurrent projects while consistently meeting assigned deadlines.”

What are good work traits for an interview?

Employers may ask about communication, teamwork, reliability, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, accountability, and learning ability. Prepare specific examples showing how you demonstrated these qualities.

Can good work traits be learned?

Yes. Many workplace behaviors can be improved through practice, feedback, training, planning, reflection, and repeated experience. A person does not need to be naturally organized, confident, or adaptable to develop stronger behaviors in these areas.

Are good work traits the same as personality traits?

Not exactly. Personality traits describe broader patterns of behavior and tendencies. Good work traits describe qualities that are particularly useful in professional settings. There is overlap between the two.

Why is integrity important at work?

Integrity helps establish trust. Employees, customers, managers, and colleagues need confidence that information will be handled honestly and responsibilities will be approached ethically.

Is being hardworking enough to be a good employee?

Hard work is valuable, but it is only one part of effective performance. Communication, judgment, accuracy, teamwork, adaptability, and accountability can also affect how successfully work is completed.

What is the difference between initiative and responsibility?

Initiative involves taking useful action without needing constant instructions. Responsibility involves fulfilling obligations and accepting ownership of assigned work. A strong employee can demonstrate both.

Which work traits are especially useful for leadership?

Leadership can benefit from communication, accountability, integrity, adaptability, problem-solving, emotional self-control, initiative, teamwork, and the ability to recognize and develop other people’s strengths. NACE identifies leadership as a career-readiness competency involving the use of personal and team strengths toward shared goals.

What are good work traits for remote employees?

Remote work often makes dependability, communication, organization, self-management, adaptability, accountability, and proactive updates especially important. Without constant face-to-face contact, clear written communication and reliable follow-through become particularly useful.

How can I prove that I have good work traits?

Show them through behavior and evidence. Examples include meeting deadlines, completing projects, resolving problems, receiving positive feedback, helping teammates, improving a process, learning a new skill, or taking responsibility for a difficult assignment.

Key Takeaways

• Good work traits are qualities and behaviors that support effective professional performance.
• Dependability creates trust through consistent follow-through.
• Integrity supports ethical and trustworthy behavior.
• Accountability means taking ownership of responsibilities and results.
• Communication helps people exchange information clearly and accurately.
• Teamwork allows people to combine strengths toward shared goals.
• Adaptability helps employees respond to change.
• Initiative encourages useful action without constant supervision.
• Attention to detail helps prevent avoidable errors.
• Organization improves control over tasks and priorities.
• Problem-solving helps employees respond constructively to obstacles.
• Perseverance supports progress through difficulty.
• Professionalism combines appropriate conduct with effective work habits.
• Curiosity encourages learning and improvement.
• Self-control helps people respond thoughtfully under pressure.
• No single trait is ideal for every occupation; the best combination depends on the work.
• Many useful work behaviors can be developed through practice and feedback.

Conclusion

Good work traits are more than attractive words on a resume. They become meaningful when they appear in everyday behavior: meeting commitments, communicating clearly, taking responsibility, cooperating with others, learning from mistakes, adapting to change, and solving problems thoughtfully.

The strongest approach is not to try to develop every quality at once. Start with the behavior that would make the biggest difference in your current work. Turn that quality into a specific habit, track your progress, ask for feedback, and adjust over time.

References

1. American Psychological Association — Which Traits Predict Job Performance? The APA discusses conscientiousness, cooperation, effort, following procedures, organizational goals, and contextual performance in relation to job performance.
2. American Psychological Association — Who Is the Best Person for the Job? This resource summarizes research on individual differences, cognitive ability, conscientiousness, and workplace performance.
3. O*NET OnLine — Work Styles. O*NET provides occupational information covering work styles such as dependability, integrity, attention to detail, cooperation, adaptability, perseverance, innovation, and achievement orientation.
4. National Association of Colleges and Employers — Career Readiness Competencies. NACE identifies competencies including communication, critical thinking, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, technology, and career development.
5. U.S. Department of Labor — Soft Skills: The Competitive Edge. The Department of Labor discusses professionalism/work ethic, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and workplace behavior.