Every year after Thanksgiving, I start getting itchy to get all new things. I want to shed everything I have and start over. I usually end up getting new glassware and socks. I’ve done that for the past six years. I mean, drinking from new glassware makes all the difference, right? At least it does for me.

Reflecting on the past year, I look at the people I surround myself with and rethink those as well. In a personal and professional setting. Most of the time, it all works out and it seems I’ve already made subconscious decisions about relationships and partnerships.

This year, I look at the Red team and I can genuinely say I am happy to work with and know each one of them. Sure, we disagree and get on each other’s nerves at times, but who doesn’t when you spend the majority of your waking time together? And all that got me wondering: what makes those humans someone I strive to be around and, some days, want to be? Some common traits started popping up. Those traits are crucial for a well-rounded human in general, and, well, it’s important to work with someone who has those traits and a couple more.

Smart. Well, yeah. Who doesn’t like smart people? It’s refreshing when, “Google it,” isn’t uttered frequently. Smart people teach you things you don’t know. I’m all for learning every day. It’s also wonderful to watch someone else’s brain work and get to conclusions you might not reach. People who challenge your outlook and who bring something extra to the table are genuinely engaged in what they’re doing.

Funny. A sense of humor is important. Deadlines can make you moody, stressed, and grumpy. It’s good to shake that off, laugh at the absurdity of a 24-hour campaign turnaround, and just do it. Together. With a drink in hand.

Kind. Because, without kindness, there is no real understanding of the bigger picture. Being genuinely kind and compassionate is not a common trait. Especially in our industry. It’s pretty damn cutthroat at times, with everyone racing to get to the top while squashing the guy in the next cubicle. Kind people are essential in life.

Passionate. This is self-explanatory because, without passion for what you do or for the client or the cause, your delivery is subpar if your heart is not in it. It doesn’t matter how talented someone is. If someone is not passionate about what they do, their work looks soulless and sad, like a panda.

Detail-focused. Paying attention in a world filled with squirrel-based distractions can be quite the task. However, when you truly pay attention to the person speaking, to the project at hand, and treat it with the care and respect it deserves, it shows you’re trustworthy, a team player and a caring human.

But as I actively seek out people and things that fill these buckets for me, I have to remember to spend a little time making sure I’m doing the same for my people. After all, I don’t want to be tossed out in someone else’s year-end reflection and assessment process. Unless they’re mean. Then I’m OK with it.