In an episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel recently shared his perspective on what makes an ideal employee. His insights, though based on his experience in the tech world, offer timeless advice that applies across industries.
Here are three key traits every standout employee should cultivate, whether you’re looking to grow in your current role or land your next opportunity.
1. Lead with Kindness
While kindness isn’t always the first trait that comes to mind in the workplace, it’s increasingly recognized as a strength. Spiegel noted that kindness creates an environment where people feel safe expressing ideas and taking creative risks, both essential in today’s collaborative workspaces.
Beyond creating a positive atmosphere, kindness can influence team morale, communication, and even retention. Kind employees are more likely to build trust, foster inclusion, and encourage open dialogue. Experts say it also contributes to better mental well-being and more decisive leadership.
Tip: Practice empathy, support colleagues, and recognize others’ efforts. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
2. Be Intellectually Curious
Spiegel also emphasized the importance of intelligence, not just in the academic sense. Today’s workplaces value diverse forms of intelligence, including emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and the ability to learn quickly.
Intellectually curious employees ask questions, seek feedback, and stay updated on industry trends. They adapt easily to change and approach challenges from different angles, often contributing to more effective solutions.
Tip: Sharpen your problem-solving and communication skills, and never stop learning. Whether through formal training or self-driven exploration.
In a world where innovation drives progress, creativity is more than just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a critical asset. Creative thinkers help businesses differentiate themselves, adapt to change, and discover new opportunities.
Like many leaders, Spiegel believes that creative employees are essential for pushing boundaries and keeping a company ahead of the curve. Creativity fuels long-term growth, Whether through fresh ideas, new approaches to tasks, or strategic thinking.
Tip: Challenge conventional thinking, brainstorm regularly, and create space for experimentation. Creativity often thrives outside the comfort zone.
Why These Traits Truly Matter
The best employees don’t just tick boxes on a job description. They contribute to a company’s culture, strategy, and future. Kindness, curiosity, and creativity may seem simple, but they’re potent drivers of individual success and team-wide impact.
