By: Cynthia M. Martínez

Feeling stuck in your current job? You've mastered the skills that your position demands of you. You need to be in a position that allows you to lead with purpose. Are you looking for that job that will allow you to shine and reach new and bigger goals? How about identifying what characteristics CEOs (or regular bosses, managers or vice presidents but just for this "post" we're going to use those letters to summarize the "upline" in the "Chain of command") look for in star employees so you can put it into practice in your company to get noticed for a future promotion.

_{The characteristics are:}

_Happiness

No one wants to work with an unhappy person. Negativity, unnecessary drama and melancholy attitudes can bring the whole company down, so while your own personal happiness may not seem important when applying for a new position, it certainly is. Happiness also reflects your ability to face challenges without becoming discouraged. If you show the hiring CEO that you are a positive, mentally healthy person, your chances of becoming the company's next star employee will greatly improve. Body signs of happiness are: Relaxed body language, smiling or laughing and relaxed muscles.

_Creativity

If the job duty does not require creative thinking, CEOs still want to hire creative people. Innovation influences to maximize an employee's potential in their ability to solve problems and focus on the solution.

_Effort

As the old saying goes, "Time is money". CEOs want the job done and they want it done now. But it's not just about speed; it's about being efficient and going the extra mile, showing that you value your work.

_Transparency

Nothing can disillusion a CEO faster than dishonesty. As an employee, you are entrusted with inside information and the best interests of the company. So basically, if I'm spending money on you, I want to know that you will actually deliver the work I'm paying for without jeopardizing the reputation of the company and the overall health of the company.

_Flexibility

If you were hired as a full-time employee, your employer just wants the following, "I want you to do what it takes to help my company and that's it...end of story!". Of course, that doesn't mean you should be expected to work up to exorbitant hours or risk your own well-being, but you should be flexible in your position if you want to go the extra mile so you can apply for a better position.

_Passion

CEOs want to know that their employees really enjoy their work and are constantly striving to improve professionally. Even if the position you are applying for is not in their department, you must demonstrate an overall passion for the industry, the company and your chosen career. The CEO needs employees who care. The company depends on it - employees who are passionate about their jobs are more fun to work with anyway!

_{Digital Readiness}

You don't have to love technology to know that virtual accessibility is the way to stay relevant in this day and age. Every leader wants someone on their team who will keep them on a competitive edge thanks to pages or apps they discover to increase their chances in the marketplace. Giving suggestions in a cordial and/or discreet manner always helps to get you considered for another position.

Barely famous FACT:

Remember the CEO is a person just like you and me. He has personal problems, he lives, breathes, has bills and his title is just a way of recognizing himself in a group of people. Being in his position is not easy. When you are a leader, you don't focus on the title. If you want the job forget about the title, focus on working and remember to prove by your actions that you deserve it.

About the author

Cynthia is a speaker, strategist and entrepreneur with 12 years of experience in the direct selling industry. She has trained leaders, salespeople and entrepreneurs to reach their full potential through strategic leadership and innovation for massive results. She is leading a positive revolution in social media by providing tools to help others achieve an extraordinary life with a blog called: My Barely Famous Life.