8 subtle behaviors that separate brilliant employees from the average worker

In the world of business, there’s often a fine line between good and great.

You’ve got employees who show up, do their part, and keep the wheels turning every day. Then, you’ve got some who seem to exist in a league of their own.

They’re not just keeping the wheels turning; they’re adding an extra push that propels everything forward. They’re not just doing their part; they’re doing it with a level of finesse and ingenuity that makes everyone else sit up and take notice.

Ever wondered what separates these two kinds of employees?

As somebody who’s been in the business world for a long time, I’ve discovered it’s not always about big, dramatic differences. It’s often about subtle behaviors that go unnoticed until you actually start looking for them.

And boy, once you do start looking, you’ll realize just how much these small behaviors matter.

In this article, we’re going to explore 8 such subtle behaviors that brilliantly distinguish the exceptional employees from the average ones.

And while it might sound daunting, don’t worry – it’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter.

This isn’t about turning you into a workaholic or making you feel bad for not being ‘brilliant’. It’s about understanding what makes some people stand out and how you can incorporate those qualities into your own work life.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all aiming for brilliance in our own unique ways. Let’s dive in!

1) They have a knack for problem-solving

In the business world, problems arise as frequently as the sun.

For average employees, these problems are hurdles, roadblocks that interrupt their workflow and create stress. They might even wait for others to step in and solve the issues.

But for brilliant employees, these problems are opportunities.

They see each problem as a puzzle to solve, a chance to flex their intellectual muscles and come up with creative, effective solutions. They don’t wait for someone else to step in; they take ownership and tackle the problem head-on.

It’s not about being a know-it-all or taking over other people’s work. It’s about having the initiative and the intellectual curiosity to want to figure things out.

This subtle behavior goes a long way in setting brilliant employees apart. It shows they’re not just there to get through the day, but to make a real difference.

And that’s what makes them invaluable to any business.

2) They’re avid learners

This is something I’ve noticed time and time again.

The standout employees are the ones who are constantly learning, constantly improving. They’re not content with just doing their job; they want to excel at it.

They’re the ones who, after a long day at work, will go home and read up on the latest industry trends or take an online course to improve their skills. They’re the ones who see feedback not as criticism, but as a chance to learn and grow.

I’ll tell you about a colleague of mine, let’s call him Tom.

Tom was brilliant in every sense of the word. He was always the first one in the office and the last one to leave. Not because he was overworked, but because he was genuinely passionate about what he did.

I remember once, we had a major project that required a skill none of us had.

Instead of outsourcing it or panicking, Tom took it upon himself to learn it. He spent his evenings and weekends mastering this new skill until he was able to complete the project flawlessly.

That’s the kind of drive that separates brilliant employees from the average worker. They don’t just do their job—they seek to become masters of their craft.

And that’s what propels them to greatness.

3) They know the value of time

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.”

This couldn’t be more true, especially in the corporate world.

Brilliant employees understand the importance of time. They respect it, they cherish it, and they know how to manage it effectively.

They’re not the ones who are perpetually late or always scrambling at the last minute to meet deadlines. On the contrary, they’re usually ahead of schedule, calmly finishing tasks with time to spare.

This doesn’t mean they’re always rushing or multitasking. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

They understand that to truly master their craft, they need to give it their undivided attention. They know that rushing through tasks leads to mistakes and subpar work.

Instead, they prioritize their tasks effectively, focusing on what’s most important and giving each task the time and attention it deserves.

In doing so, they not only produce better results but also create a less stressful, more productive work environment.

As Franklin pointed out, once time is lost, it can never be regained.

Brilliant employees understand this truth and use their time wisely. This subtle behavior makes a huge difference in their performance and sets them apart from average workers.

4) They practice active listening

Communication is a two-way street. While speaking eloquently and expressing your ideas is important, listening is equally, if not more, crucial.

In fact, research indicates that we spend almost 45% of our waking hours listening, making it one of the most significant activities in our daily lives.

Brilliant employees understand the value of active listening. They’re not just waiting for their turn to speak or thinking about their next point while others are talking.

Instead, they’re genuinely engaged in the conversation, giving their full attention to the speaker.

They ask insightful questions, provide thoughtful responses, and make the speaker feel heard and understood. This not only enhances their communication skills but also shows respect towards their colleagues and superiors.

In a world where everyone wants to get their point across, a brilliant employee stands out by taking the time to listen and understand.

This subtle skill can significantly boost their work relationships and overall performance in their job.

5) They embrace failure

It’s a universal truth that nobody likes to fail. It stings, it’s uncomfortable, and it can be a blow to the ego.

Yet, what separates brilliant employees from the rest is their approach to failure. They don’t see it as a dead end, but as a stepping stone to success.

Instead of dwelling on their mistakes or letting them define their self-worth, brilliant employees analyze their failures. They dissect what went wrong, learn from it, and use this newfound knowledge to improve their future performance.

They understand that failure is not the opposite of success. In fact, it’s a part of the journey towards it.

This mindset not only builds resilience but also encourages innovation and risk-taking. After all, if you’re not afraid to fail, you’re more likely to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

In essence, those who can embrace failure and learn from it are the ones who pave their way to brilliance in the workplace.

6) They pay attention to details

When it comes to differentiating a brilliant employee from an average one, the devil truly is in the details.

Brilliant employees have a keen eye for details. They understand that it’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about getting it done right.

They don’t overlook minor errors or inconsistencies, but instead, identify and rectify them before they snowball into larger issues.

Whether it’s correcting a typo in a report, noticing a discrepancy in data, or refining the design of a product, they ensure their work is as close to perfect as possible.

This meticulousness extends beyond their tasks. They’re equally attentive to the needs and concerns of their colleagues and clients, picking up on subtle cues that others might miss.

By paying attention to details, they not only deliver high-quality work but also foster stronger relationships, enhancing their overall performance and value in the workplace.

7) They’re team players

Brilliant employees understand that their success is not just about individual achievements, but also about the success of the team.

They’re not out to hog the limelight or climb the corporate ladder at the expense of others. Instead, they’re committed to working collaboratively, contributing their skills and expertise for the collective good of the team.

They respect the ideas and opinions of others, share credit where it’s due, and are always willing to lend a helping hand.

They know how to balance their personal ambitions with the goals of the team, and understand that everyone’s contribution is vital for success.

This cooperative attitude not only fosters a positive work environment but also enhances productivity and innovation.

After all, when everyone works together towards a common goal, great things can happen.

In a world that often glorifies individual achievement, brilliant employees stand out by recognizing and valuing the power of teamwork.

8) They never stop growing

Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of a brilliant employee is their insatiable desire for growth.

They understand that to remain brilliant, they must continue to evolve, learn, and improve. They’re not content with the status quo or resting on their laurels.

They constantly seek out new challenges, willingly step out of their comfort zones, and are always on the lookout for opportunities to learn and grow. They’re not afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, or admit when they don’t know something.

They understand that in a fast-paced and ever-evolving business world, the key to staying ahead is continuous growth and learning.

This relentless pursuit of growth not only fuels their brilliance but also inspires those around them to strive for more. In this way, they not only achieve personal success but also contribute to the overall success and growth of the organization.

Final thoughts

As we come to the end of this exploration into what sets brilliant employees apart, it’s important to remember that these behaviors aren’t just inherent traits. They’re skills that can be learned, practiced, and honed over time.

The road to brilliance isn’t about becoming a different person. It’s about tapping into the potential that’s already within you and letting it shine in all its glory.

It’s about understanding that success isn’t just about hard work and talent, but also about the subtle behaviors that make a significant difference. It’s about constantly learning, growing, and pushing yourself to achieve your best.

As Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” In the ever-evolving world of business, this couldn’t be more true.

So keep pushing, keep growing, and keep striving for brilliance. It’s not an easy path, but it’s definitely a rewarding one.

And remember – your journey towards brilliance is uniquely yours. So own it, enjoy it, and make the most of it.

Here’s to your brilliance!