Tara Whitmore
Truly high-quality people often stand out—not because they’re loud or flashy, but because of their quiet, magnetic qualities.
These individuals consistently foster respect, trust, and admiration without even trying.
According to psychologists, like myself, there are subtle traits that set them apart—traits that build deeper connections and create a lasting impact.
I’ve outlined eight understated qualities that all high-quality people seem to have and why they make such a difference:
1) They are empathetic
Empathy is a subtle trait that all high-quality people seem to possess, and it’s not always easy to spot at first.
To be empathetic means to understand and share the feelings of another.
It’s about putting oneself in someone else’s shoes and looking at the world from their perspective.
High-quality people don’t just sympathize with others, they empathize.
Anyone might notice that these individuals are particularly good at sensing what others are feeling.
These people may not always have the right words to say, but their actions often speak volumes—listening attentively, validating your feelings, and showing genuine concern for your well-being.
Empathy is a quality that makes these individuals not just good friends or partners, but also effective leaders.
It enables them to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts effectively, and inspire those around them.
2) They embrace failure
It may seem odd, but high-quality people are often those who aren’t afraid of failure.
In fact, they don’t just accept it, they embrace it.
Contrary to what other people might think, these individuals see failure not as a setback but as a learning opportunity.
When they fail, they don’t dwell on it or let it define them; instead, they take a step back, reflect on what went wrong, and use that information to grow.
By pushing their boundaries and stepping out of their comfort zones, these people are not afraid to take risks or try new things, even when there’s a possibility of failure.
Their approach to failure is rooted in their belief in their ability to bounce back, and they understand that failure is not the end but a stepping stone towards success.
By embracing failure, these individuals demonstrate resilience, tenacity, and a growth mindset—qualities that are key to personal and professional success.
3) They own their mistakes
Here’s the raw truth: High-quality people mess up just like everyone else, but the difference lies in how they handle their mistakes.
These high-quality people don’t try to cover up their blunders, blame others, or make excuses.
Rather, they take full responsibility for their actions, no matter how uncomfortable it may be—understanding that everyone makes mistakes and acknowledging them is the first step towards learning and growth.
Anyone will be able to see this reflected in their behavior: When they mess up, they’ll be the first to admit it and apologizing sincerely if they’ve hurt someone—including taking action to make things right.
Owning up to their mistakes shows their humility, integrity, and authenticity.
4) They are genuinely kind
In a world where anyone can be anything, high-quality people choose to be kind.
This simple, yet significant trait is often overlooked, but it is a cornerstone of their character.
Their kindness isn’t just reserved for their loved ones, but it extends to strangers, animals, and even to themselves—coming from a place of empathy and understanding, rather than obligation or expectation.
These people are the ones who often go out of their way to help others; they might be the first to offer a helping hand, lend an ear when someone needs to talk, or simply offer a word of encouragement when it’s needed most.
Sometimes, it’s the small things—like holding the door for someone, offering a compliment, or even just giving a warm smile—that show their genuine kindness.
5) They value authenticity
High-quality people are real; they’re not trying to be someone they’re not, and they don’t put on a facade to fit in or impress others.
Being comfortable in their own skin and embracing their individuality, they understand that everyone has their own path and they respect that, in themselves and others.
One will find that these individuals are genuine in their words and actions—refusing to sugarcoat the truth or pretend to be something they’re not.
To summarize it, they’re honest about their feelings, their opinions, and their experiences.
Thus, their authenticity makes them relatable—they know they’re not perfect, and they’re okay with that.
In a world that often pressures us to conform, their authenticity is refreshing.
It encourages those around them to embrace their own individuality and to be true to themselves.
6) They have a sense of humor
High-quality people often have a great sense of humor.
A high-quality person’s humor isn’t at the expense of others, rather, it’s inclusive, uplifting, and used as a tool to ease tensions, break down barriers, and bring joy to those around them.
They’re the ones who can make you smile even on your darkest days—quick to find the silver lining in every cloud and they’re not afraid to laugh at their own mishaps.
Their light-heartedness is infectious and it’s a quality that not only makes them fun to be around, but also helps them navigate through life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.
In a world that can sometimes be overwhelming, their ability to bring laughter and joy is truly a breath of fresh air.
7) They have boundaries
High-quality people understand the importance of boundaries—that saying ‘no’ is necessary for their own wellbeing.
These individuals respect their own time, energy, and space, and expect the same from others
Additionally, they have a clear understanding of what they can tolerate in relationships and what crosses the line.
No one can call them out as ‘people-pleasers’ as they won’t sacrifice their own needs to make others happy.
Having firm boundaries might come across as tough love, but in reality, it’s a sign of self-respect—valuing themselves enough to maintain these boundaries and encourage those around them to do the same.
8) They lead by example
Above all else, high-quality people lead by example.
Actions speak louder than words, so they strive to live in a way that aligns with their values and beliefs.
They don’t just talk about kindness, empathy, or authenticity—they show it—and they don’t just preach about the importance of self-awareness or boundaries—they practice them.
It might even catch one’s eye at how these individuals are respected for what they say and what they do as a reflection of their character.
In leading by example, they inspire those around them to strive for the same high standards—showing us that it’s about being true to who we are and living our values.
They are the embodiment of the saying, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
In reflection
As you reflect on these qualities, it’s important to remember that nobody is perfect.
We all have our strengths and areas for improvement.
Psychologist Dr. Brene Brown once said, “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”
This holds true for everyone, high-quality people included.
High-quality people aren’t defined by perfection but by their consistent efforts to grow and nurture positive traits.
These qualities aren’t exclusive; they exist within all of us, waiting to be recognized and cultivated.
This article isn’t a checklist for perfection but a guide to appreciating traits that enrich relationships and foster self-improvement.
Being the best version of yourself is a journey—ultimately, it’s about embracing your potential and striving daily to grow not just for others, but for yourself as well.
