"Valuable Employees Are Those Who Reduce Stress, Not Create It", Says Mark Cuban

Billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban emphasises that the most valuable employees aren’t necessarily those with unwavering confidence or business expertise. Instead, the key trait that sets top performers apart is their ability to solve problems and minimize workplace stress. "For me, the number one thing is you reduce stress rather than create it," Cuban explained at an event launching his AI partnership with Google.

Cuban believes employees who can analyze a situation, quietly find solutions, and avoid causing unnecessary stress are invaluable. He highlights the importance of this soft skill, noting that work-related stress costs U.S. businesses over $300 billion annually in lost productivity.

While stress at work is unavoidable, experts like Kandi Wiens, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Master's in Medical Education programme, suggest embracing stress as an opportunity for growth. People with a positive mindset toward stress tend to be more motivated, productive, and less likely to look for new job opportunities.

To build trust with your boss and reduce their stress, Wiens advises completing tasks ahead of deadlines and being an empathetic listener. These simple actions, she says, can make both your life and your boss's life easier.