The Perfect Employee

What makes for a truly standout team member? We asked six leaders to share the most valuable trait they look for in a hire, and how to know if a candidate has it.

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1/ An ability to manage up

"I look for the ability to manage up and anticipate needs. I try to take the first in-person interview at a coffee shop, and intentionally arrive five minutes late. Theoretically, they arrive on time, and it's interesting to see what they do with the time. Have they gotten a table? Are they pacing around outside? Have they gotten their own coffee or waited to see what I may want? We're looking for self-motivated candidates, and you can learn a lot."

—SARAH DOGGETT EVENSON, founder, Marie Oliver

2/ Work ethic and cultural fit