The thing that separates employees who stagnate and ones who excel is the ability to show the boss that they are looking out for the interests of the company or the boss before their own. This one quality can make or break a job assignment or a career.
Loyalty is one of the most important qualities that someone can demonstrate.
If a worker is loyal, to the company and to the boss, he or she can accomplish a great deal for that organization. While intelligence is surely important and training critical, looking out for the organization and thinking like the boss is the path to success. While parts of an operation can be delegated, and often should be, it is the responsibility of the person who accepts the assignment to see it through and to be on constant guard as to the process of the work. They see it through. And that's the behavior that gets rewarded.