Key Team Player Traits Employers Value

I’ve worked with countless leaders, candidates, and high-performing teams across the CPG space, and one thing stands out above all else: the best people aren’t just skilled, they’re easy to work with. You can have the most impressive résumé, the sharpest skills, and a portfolio of achievements, but if people dread collaborating with you, success will only go so far. Being easy to work with means: > You communicate clearly. No one should have to decode your emails or guess at your intentions. > You bring solutions, not just problems. Teams thrive on collaboration, not complaints. > You adapt to different work styles. Flexibility builds trust and rapport. > You’re approachable. Being open to feedback and ideas fosters a culture of growth. What’s often overlooked is that this “soft skill” has a massive impact on career growth. Why? Because opportunities follow trust. Managers advocate for team players. Colleagues recommend those who make their lives easier. Clients stick with people who listen and deliver. Leaders, When evaluating candidates, don’t just focus on their qualifications—ask yourself, “Would I enjoy working with this person every day?” For professionals, Whether you’re climbing the ladder or pivoting to a new role, remember: technical skills open doors, but collaboration keeps them open. What’s your take? How do you measure “easy to work with” when hiring or building teams? #Leadership #Headhunting #Hiring #CareerSkills #Teamwork

I've Hired Over 2,000+ People—Here Are My Biggest Lessons When you’ve worked with as many hires as I have, patterns emerge. Not just about resumes or interviews, but about what truly matters in building a great team. Here’s a breakdown of my top hiring insights: 1️⃣ Character > Credentials Resumes open doors, but character keeps them open. The best hires aren’t always the most qualified—they’re the most adaptable, honest, and driven to learn. 2️⃣ Team Fit Beats Individual Talent The lone genius is overrated. A brilliant individual who disrupts team harmony will cost you more than they’ll ever contribute. 3️⃣ Curiosity Over Perfection Perfection is static; curiosity evolves. Look for candidates who ask thoughtful questions and show a hunger to grow. These are your lifelong learners. 4️⃣ Problem-Solvers, Not Problem-Finders The best employees bring solutions, not just issues. A great hire doesn’t stop at pointing out what’s wrong—they take ownership and offer fixes. 5️⃣ Soft Skills Drive Hard Results Emotional intelligence is the game-changer. Communication, empathy, and adaptability often outshine technical skills when it comes to leadership and collaboration. 6️⃣ Passion is Contagious Excitement fuels innovation. Hire people who care deeply about the work. Passionate employees inspire teams and deliver more than what’s asked of them. 7️⃣ Self-Awareness is Rare—and Priceless The best hires know their strengths—and their limits. People who acknowledge their weaknesses are often the ones who improve the fastest. 8️⃣ Red Flags Aren’t Just About Candidates If you’re always “settling,” your hiring process needs fixing. Don’t rush. A bad hire can set back your team more than waiting for the right one. 9️⃣ Diversity Matters Different perspectives solve different problems. Don’t just hire people like you. Build a team with varied experiences—they’ll spot opportunities you’d never see. 1️⃣0️⃣ Always Hire for the Next Step Think long-term, not short-term gaps. Hire with scalability in mind—people who can grow with your team and company. Hiring isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about building a culture, solving problems, and creating impact. Every new hire shapes your team’s future, so choose wisely. ----- ♻️ Repost if you believe hiring is about building great teams! ➕ Follow Ryan Yockey for more

Resumes don’t show heart. But heart often outperforms skill Years ago, I hired someone with zero industry experience. What they did have was grit, curiosity, and a drive to learn. Three months later? They were outperforming people with five years on the job. We confuse “qualified” with “ready.” Skills can be taught. Character? Not so much. Here’s what I now look for: 1/ Coachability ↳ Do they take feedback well — and apply it? 2/ Curiosity ↳ Are they asking questions before they have answers? 3/ Work ethic ↳ Do they follow through even when it's not easy? 4/ Emotional intelligence ↳ Can they read the room, not just the task? 5/ Growth mindset ↳ Do they believe they can get better? 6/ Team orientation ↳ Are they in it for “we,” not just “me”? 7/ Resilience ↳ Do they bounce back or break down? 8/ Authenticity ↳ Are they honest about what they don’t know? The best hires grow into the role. The worst hires peak on day one. ❓ Which of these traits do you prioritize when hiring? ♻️ Share this if you know skills can be taught. 👋 Follow me (Dr. Chris Mullen) if you believe leadership starts with people.