The Traits of Top Performers That Allow Them to Do More and Be Less Stressed Banish the workaholic stereotype.

By Nina Zipkin

Shutterstock

What sets apart the most effective workers from their colleagues? A new study from corporate and leadership training firm VitalSmarts took a look the traits that top performers share.

In a survey of 1,600 managers and employees, the researchers found that 83 percent of leaders and 77 percent of workers say that top performers have less stress and increased productivity because of their habits.

According to the study, there are a number of factors that contribute to this reduction in stress. The participants said that top performers "ask for help" and are "not afraid to ask questions", whereas the top complaints about average performers were a "lack of communication" or that they are "slow to respond."

Related: 8 Ways to Clear Your Mind of Stress

And these communication practices lead to very different outcomes. Top performers were described as "organized" and as having "good time management" and an "attention to detail." Meanwhile, average performers were docked for having "not enough time", a "lack of attention" and "no follow through."

The researchers then had 2,072 participants answer a series of questions about how their productivity practices (or lack thereof) contributed to their feelings of stress.

People who scored high on the productivity assessment were 10 times less likely to agree with statements such as "I live in a mess -- cluttered office, buried desk, disorganized home" and "I often feel distracted. Can't focus on one task at a time," than those who received lower scores.

Related: 10 Simple Productivity Tips for Organizing Your Work Life

In response to the statement, "I often feel anxious. I'm never sure that I haven't forgotten something," high performers were 21 times less likely to agree than low performers. And when posed with the statement, "I often feel inadequate. I disappoint myself and others because I lose track of important commitments," high performers were 88 times less likely to agree than low performers.

Ultimately, the researchers found that those high performers were also 55 times less likely to start projects that never get finished, 17 times less likely to have an inbox with too many unread emails and 18 times less likely to feel overwhelmed.

So if you find yourself wishing that you could level up at work, think hard about how you are spending your time. The study shows that you don't need to chain yourself to a desk to be seen as more productive. Creating more of a balance for yourself will be reflected in your work and how others perceive you.

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

The Core Traits of Effective Leaders — Here's What Every Manager Should Strive For

A team is only as great as its leader. Discover the core traits of effective leaders that you should be striving for.

Leadership

Why Do Employees Resist New Ideas? How to Spot Hostility Towards Change (and Overcome It)

Say the word change, and people will go running for cover. If you pay attention, you can spot resistance to change and take three simple steps to get ahead of it.

Franchise

This Travel Franchise Turns Your Passion for Vacations Into a Money-Making Opportunity

Whether you're working from home, traveling or connecting with clients at their convenience, this franchise adapts to your lifestyle.