High achievers will check you out before they consider showing up for an interview. Here are seven ways to establish the reputation you’ll need to attract and retain those vital few who get things done.

1.  The enduring attraction to a high achiever is the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to make a measurable difference, and to do things no one else can do or will do.

2.  Follow-up with new hires within three weeks after they start. They’ll be wanting to know that what they’re doing is in line with their own objectives as well as those of the organization. Early feedback plays an important part in bringing them up to speed and helping them fit in smoothly.

3.  Someone at the executive level should be available to solve problems in a timely manner. When senior leaders are accessible, high achievers have the satisfaction and the validation of receiving feedback from those they respect.

4.  If high achievers don’t see teamwork modeled from above, there is no inspiration for them to make the necessary compromises to work together cooperatively. High achievers need feedback from their team to perceive how they are doing.

5.  Provide honest feedback and address poor performance and inappropriate behavior in a timely way. Immediate feedback clears up confusion, reinforces excellence, and helps reassure high achievers that their growth within the company is on track.

6.  Create an atmosphere where open communication is the norm. High achievers want assurances that they will, in fact, be supported for trying to rectify problems, not penalized for it, that honesty counts, and that they do not have to suffer the frustration of hiding the truth.

7. High achievers must trust that their own mistakes can be aired and corrected without fear that it will be held against them and hamper their career path. The learning organization supports experimentation and attracts creative thinkers.  In the end, the only thing that is measured or remembered is success.

The bottom line

Workplace relationships take time to develop, and in this day of rapid change and fast turnaround, time is at a premium. Any organization that takes the time to promote harmony, supports creativity, and encourage honesty will have high achievers knocking on their door.