Do You Have “A” Players Working For You?

Posted by: Karen Booher on April 19th, 2021

Every company wants to have “A” players on their team. What percentage of your company’s employees are in this category? More importantly, what percentage of your managers are in this category?

Here is a great list of qualities and traits compiled by David DeWolf found in “A” Players (or in those who are on their way to becoming one).

#1 – Prerequisites

• Are they competent?  Do they have the necessary skills, ability, and knowledge to be successful in their role?
• Are they a quick learner?  Do they learn new concepts and quickly apply them?
• Are they productive?  Do they deliver in an efficient manner, minimizing waste and optimizing results?
• Are they a person of integrity?  Do they always speak the truth? Do they have strong character?
• Are they low maintenance?  Do they present solutions for the problems they identify, minimize their non-productive complaining, and give their employer the benefit of the doubt?
• Are they self-motivated?  Do they have an internal drive that fuels them to accomplish great things? Are they willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals?
• Are they professional?  Do they understand and use the appropriate behaviors, manners, dress, quality expectations, etc., for different business situations?

If you can answer “yes” to the above 7 questions, then you have a “B” player. “B” players have the fundamental skills necessary to be an “A” player, but still need to take it to the next level:

#2 – Essentials

• Are they results-oriented?  Do they worry more about delivering results than trying to impress? Do they spend their energy focusing on how to overcome a challenge rather than how to lower the bar or look better if they fail?
• Are they a creative problem solver?  Do they “connect the dots”? Do they piece together information from disparate sources and topics to solve real problems and create real value?
• Are they humble (enough to realize they have not arrived)?  Do they actively seek out advice, listen to criticism, and filter all the noise into a plan to improve themselves?
• Do they thrive off of a challenge?  Do they look at obstacles as the next opportunity to succeed rather than the next opportunity to fall down? Do they rise to the occasion?
• Are they passionate?  Do they genuinely care and have a strong desire to excel?

If you can answer yes to each of the above 5 questions, then you MAY have an “A” player. But true “A” players, will take it to yet another level:

#3 – Differentiators

• Are they a leader?  Do people naturally follow them? Do they motivate and inspire rather than manage and task? Are they able to rally the troops, build a team, and add more value than you can on your own?
• Do they make the best of the hand they are dealt?  Can they bootstrap solutions out of nothing and will their way to success?
• Are they a team player?  Do they realize that two heads are better than one and help bring individuals together into a cohesive unit?
• Are they a visionary?  Are they able to imagine what it will be like down the road and are they able to paint the picture for others?
• Are they polished and dynamic?  Do they command respect? Are they able to grab the attention of leaders and are they comfortable in front of others?

Those with all the above traits are sure to be top performers and to bring tremendous value to any organization!

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Source:

Butler Street, “Are You An “A” Player?”, by Mike Jacoutot, Founder & Managing Partner, April 19, 2021 #402.