Are You an 'A' Player?

It is amazing how many times people use the term "A" players. Everyone wants to hire them and everyone wants them on their team. But what makes up an "A" player?

When I ask people to define what constitutes an "A" player, as you can probably imagine, the responses are all over the place. So as we researched the subject, we found a great little quiz by David DeWolf on what makes an "A" player.

How do you and your team stack up?

Section 1: Prerequisites

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

If you answered "yes" to all seven of the above questions, and you’re being honest with yourself, then congratulations, you are a "B" player. "B" players have the fundamental skills necessary to be an "A" player.

Section 2: Essentials

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

If you’ve answered "yes" to each of the second set of questions, then you may be an "A" player.

Section 3: Differentiators

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

Needless to say, all of the above should produce top-notch results. That is what "A" players do! Winning breeds winning. Having an "A" player with superior performance leveraging the traits and behaviors outlined above can do wonders for any team.

So, how did you do?

At Butler Street, we help companies and their people grow. Through our training and leadership programs we can help you identify and develop "B" players with potential to become high-impact "A" players. Trust me, "A" players are made, not born. Contact us and let’s start the conversation.