As a leader, we all have people we rely on more than others. People who we’ll gladly pass the ball to because we know they will push it across the finish line no matter what. People we would love to clone. Who are these people, and makes them special? Liz Wiseman, author of Multipliers, calls these people Impact Players: Indispensable colleagues who can be counted on in critical situations and who consistently receive high-profile assignments and new opportunities.

What makes an Impact Player?

Impact Players bring their A-game to everything they do. They are the kind of people who can be parachuted into any role, and they would find success. Impact Players make a significant individual contribution, and also have a positive effect on the entire team. They do work of exceptional value and impact, and you want more of them.

Impact Players do the job that’s needed, they step up and lead when needed, they gets things done, they ask, learn and adapt; and they make light work for others.

On my last post, I wrote about the 15 Credibility Killers; the behaviors of non-impact players. Now, let’s look at the opposite of credibility killers: credibility builders.

15 Credibility builders

Liz Wiseman interviewed 170 leaders about how they recognize Impact Players. Their answers are in the list below, here are 15 ways you can earn trust:

1. Doing things without being asked.
2. Anticipating problems and having a plan to solve them.
3. Helping your teammates.
4. Doing a little extra.
5. Being curious and asking questions.
6. Asking for feedback
7. Admitting your mistakes and fixing them fast.
8. Bringing good energy, having fun, making others laugh.
9. Figuring out what to do for yourself.
10. Finishing a job without having to be reminded to do so.
11. Cooperating with your boss.
12. Being willing to change and take smart risks.
13. Getting to the point and telling it to your boss straight.
14. Doing your homework and coming prepared.
15. Making your boss and the team look good.

For me impact players have an A+ attitude; that’s where it starts and it’s how you identify them. Having an invaluable skillset is an added bonus, but A+ attitude will get you noticed and open doors. Attitude is what makes them dole out the most important work to, not only the most capable, but most willing people.

So, the above is your guide if you want to be someone of value and increase your standing in the workplace!