It’s frustrating to spend a lot of time and effort recruiting someone only to see them fail.

But according to an extensive study of 5,000 hiring managers and more than 20,000 employees, it’s exactly what happens to 46% of new hires within 18 months of coming onboard.

How can this be avoided?

The researchers suggested focusing on these soft traits that are most predictive of an individual’s success.

Coachability (26%): The ability to accept and implement feedback from bosses, colleagues, customers, and others.

Emotional Intelligence (23%): The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, and accurately assess others’ emotions.

Motivation (17%): Sufficient drive to achieve one’s full potential and excel in the job.

Temperament (15%): Attitude and personality suited to the particular work environment.

Technical Competence (11%): Functional or technical skills required to do the job.

According to the study, lacking these traits (or a combination of these traits) accounted for 92% of the failed hires.

Think of this list as a lens through which to view your hiring process.

With the right traits in focus, you’ll make better hires and see fewer agents wash out of the industry under your watch.