Business owners should look out for the top qualities amongst their workforce, in order to recognise and reward their very best employees.

The office experts at LondonOffices.com have researched the typical traits and characteristics of career climbers, so that business leaders know how to spot a star in their team.

Being a star employee means more than simply getting the job done. Star performers are willing to go the extra mile to see that tasks are finished to the very best of their ability.

Star employees can tolerate conflict and are willing to say what others can't or won't, but they're also able to keep their ego under control and neutralise toxic colleagues.

Chris Meredith, CEO of LondonOffices.com , said: "We all like to think that we're at the top of our game as far as work performance is concerned, but in reality, only a very small percentage of a workforce will fall into this bracket.

"Unfortunately, the nature of business means that employees will always come and go, but business leaders should be recognising and rewarding their very best workers so that they stay and continue to bring their best to the company.

"Recognising these people isn't as easy as it sounds. An employee might be very punctual, efficient and full of great ideas, but if they fail to follow those ideas through or if they're generally difficult to work with, they don't possess the qualities that will push them to the very top.

"The traits and characteristics we've recognised will be present in many, if not all, top performers, so it's a good guide to go by when it comes to promoting and rewarding staff."

• They're not confined to their job description - an exceptional employee will never say "That's not in my job description"
• They can tolerate conflict - the best employees don't seek out conflict, but they don't run away from it either. They're able to withstand personal attacks and maintain their composure
• They say what others can't or won't- stars in the workplace aren't afraid to ask difficult questions, or to challenge an executive decision that they feel may be risky
• They keep their ego under control - your best employees will always have egos, but they will never give their egos more weight than is deserved
• They're proactive and self-direct - the best employees in any workplace are more likely to perform their own research and spend more time on projects than average performers
• They neutralise toxic people - star employees are able to control their interactions with toxic people by keeping their feelings in check
• They advocate for the business - passionate employees enjoy their jobs and spread their passion to others
• They get along with their colleagues - star performers can both collaborate and engage and are often the people everyone else tends to go to for advice
• They're constantly trying to improve - truly stellar employees are never quite content. They're constantly learning new things, trying new approaches, and striving to work smarter
• They're marketable - managers know they can send their star employees out to meet with clients without worrying about what they'll say or how they'll act

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk