As the CEO and co-founder of a growing technology company, I've had the privilege of overseeing hundreds of employees as they've moved through our team. From leading a team of five to managing a 150+ strong team, I've seen firsthand what employees need to I stand out from the crowd.

The good news is that getting noticed is more straightforward and achievable than you might think. Whether you're looking for a promotion, looking for mentorship, or just want to be more popular on your team, here's what your boss might be looking for.

Related: 7 character traits that the best employees share

1. You are objectively great at your job

It may seem obvious, but to be good at what you do it's a great piece to stand out. It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or if you're in a leadership role. Either way, performance is key. There are many factors that help someone stand out, but in my mind, this is the most important.

If you want to stand out, make sure your KPIs and any other metrics are meeting (or, ideally, exceeding!) your objectives and that you're getting good results in your role. Consistency is also a factor—meeting your goals time and time again is no substitute for consistent excellence. The more often you earn profits and drive the business forward, the better.

Also, showing initiative by identifying problems and proposing solutions it can set you apart. Employees who go beyond their job descriptions to contribute their ideas show a level of commitment that is noticeable. It's not just about doing your job well – it's also about taking ownership and showing that you care about the company's success as much as your own.

If you're currently underperforming, don't be afraid to ask for feedback to learn how you can improve. This also shows initiative! And when you exceed expectations or achieve something big in your role, be sure to document your success in case you need to share it at the end.

2. You are generally well-liked

Meeting all of your performance criteria is important, but being rude or condescending to other members of your team doesn't help you stand out in the right way. Being polite and approachable to the rest of the team (superiors and peers) shows that you care about more than just yourself.

Our culture at Lemonlight really emphasizes having one positive attitude at workso that's one of the things i notice the most. (This can be a great gift for what your leaders will be looking for too! When in doubt, emulating your company's values ​​will likely help you get noticed).

If you have a chance to connect with other members of your team, offer support to someone in need, or just be a friendly face in the office or on Zoom, take the opportunity. It's a great way to feel more integrated with the team AND a great way for senior leaders to get noticed.

Related: 3 key character traits that help employees quickly rise through the ranks in their companies

3. You are eager to learn

Finally, I really respect and appreciate people who are working to improve themselves, seeking growth in their role or staying on top of the industry. A genuine desire to excel is visible and impressive – and hard to fake!

People who are eager to learn tend to see mistakes as learning opportunities instead of obstacles. They focus on improvement and finding solutions, which is much more productive than dwelling on problems or blaming others. This attitude toward self-improvement tends to lead to better performance, too, so it can work doubly in your favor.

If you want to stand out, take the initiative to seek out learning opportunities: formal education, online courses, or even just reading industry-related articles and books are all great options. Participation in conferences, Networking with industry professionals and attending seminars can also help you learn and stay ahead of the curve. You can also check with your manager about what resources they think would be helpful in helping you grow.

Being proactive about your development shows that you are committed to your role and the company. This shows that you are not just doing the bare minimum to get by, but are actively looking for ways to excel and bring more value to the team.

Related: 6 Characteristics of Irreplaceable Employees

As I've watched our team grow over the years, many things have changed, but these core qualities are always the hallmark of one great employee. We have had many team members – both past and present – who will always stand out to me because they have emulated these very qualities.

If you are looking for recognition, focus on these elements. Being great at your job, being well-liked, and having a thirst for knowledge are what star employees notice. Embrace these elements and you'll be well on your way to making a lasting impression and succeeding career objectives.