LinkedIn CEO Says These 4 Employee Behaviors Are the Key to Career Success
In today’s fast-changing job market, technical skills and experience are no longer enough to stand out. According to LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, the employees who thrive and become truly indispensable are the ones who demonstrate a specific set of behaviors—not just credentials.
During a recent conversation on the future of work, Roslansky shared what he believes separates good employees from great ones. His conclusion? The most valuable team members consistently exhibit four critical traits: adaptability, curiosity, collaboration, and accountability.
Let’s take a deeper look at why these behaviors matter—and how you can use them to elevate your career.
1. Adaptability: Thriving Through Change
LinkedIn CEO Roslansky emphasizes that in an age of disruption—from AI tools to remote work and automation—adaptability is a must-have.
“In an uncertain world, adaptability defines whether you just survive or thrive,” he says.
Employees who can pivot when priorities shift, take on unfamiliar tasks, and remain composed during change are far more likely to succeed. Instead of fearing change, they embrace it as a chance to grow.
Tip for professionals: Start saying “yes” more often to projects outside your comfort zone. Practice learning fast, and let go of rigid expectations.
2. Curiosity: Fuel for Growth and Innovation
The second behavior Roslansky highlights is curiosity. In his words, curious employees are the ones who continuously ask “Why?” and “What’s next?”
Curiosity leads to:
- Asking smarter questions
- Exploring new tools and techniques
- Keeping skills sharp in a fast-paced world
Whether it’s signing up for a new course, reading industry news daily, or simply taking an interest in how other departments function, curious minds push companies forward.
Why it matters: A curious employee doesn’t just solve problems—they spot them before they arise.
3. Collaboration: Making Teams Stronge
Workplace success isn’t a solo mission. Roslansky believes that real value comes from people who collaborate deeply and authentically—not just those who contribute individually.
Great collaborators:
- Respect diverse perspectives
- Share credit instead of hoarding it
- Build psychological safety in teams
In fact, LinkedIn’s internal data shows that high-performing teams aren’t made up of just “stars.” They succeed because people communicate well and support one another.
Want to grow your career fast? Be the person others want to work with.
4. Accountability: Earning Trust Through Consistency
The final trait? Accountability.
Roslansky puts it bluntly: “You can’t build trust in an organization without accountability.”
Employees who own their outcomes, deliver on promises, and accept responsibility when things go wrong are rare—but highly respected. These individuals become go-to team members and are often first in line for promotions.
How to show accountability:
- Follow through on deadlines, every time
- Be honest about mistakes (and how you’ll fix them)
- Don’t make excuses—make progress
Why These 4 Behaviors Matter Now More Than Eve
While technical knowledge may land you the job, it’s your behavior that determines how far you’ll go.
As automation, AI, and remote work reshape the future of work, Roslansky argues that human skills are the real differentiators. The employees who master adaptability, curiosity, collaboration, and accountability will not only survive the shift—they’ll lead it.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky’s advice is clear: In a world of constant change, soft skills aren’t soft anymore—they’re essential. If you want to future-proof your career and stand out in any organization, start practicing these four behaviors today.
Whether you’re just starting out or already on the leadership track, investing in these traits can make you one of the most valuable players in any workplace.