Here is a good insight I got from a friend of mine.  See which of these three things you bring to the table.  Then think about the people you work with and what they bring to the table.

Everyone who wants to succeed in a work environment must have at least two of these three things: Personality, Quality of Work, and Professionalism.  If you have all three, you’re golden.

Personality in this context means are you enjoyable to be around.  Do people feel better about coming to work because they know you are there?

Quality of Work means that what you produce is exceptional.  You can do things that no one else on your team can do and what you can produce gives your team a competitive advantage.

Professionalism means that you are reliable.  No one ever has to worry about you hitting the deadlines, showing up on time, doing your homework, or dressing for the part.

These are general concepts and every situation is different, but here is how these could mix up:

If you can’t show up on time to save your life, don’t own a pair of pants that go past your knees, and come across as a bit absent-minded (lack of professionalism) but are a delight to be around (personality) and when you do finally produce, it consistently takes people’s breath away (quality of work) – it is something no one else on your team could do – in many cases you’ll be a valued member of the team.

If your quality of work is never going to get any articles written about you or industry awards, but everyone loves what they do more because they get to do it with you (personality) and they never give a second thought to whether or not you’re going to come through because day in and day out you show up on time, dressed for the part and ready to go (professionalism) – if this is you, you’ll be a valued member of the team.

If you’re a jerk (poor personality), but you produce and win in situations where few others could (quality of work) and you do it consistently, reliably, on time, and look good doing it (professionalism), people may hate your guts, but they’ll most likely want you on their team.

Very few of us perfectly embody these caricatures (though some people do), but I think the insight is still helpful.  What are you bringing to the table in these three areas?  Are you strong in at least two of them?  How can you build on your strengths?  How can you improve your liabilities?