Everyone's talking about hiring A-players. Top talent. The best in the business. But have you ever asked yourself a rather pointed question:
Are you an A-player yourself?
Consider a basketball coach, yelling from the sidelines, demanding excellence but never having played the game. Would you follow that person?
To get A-players, you've got to understand what it means to be one.
Steve Jobs had a clear vision. He was relentless in its pursuit. He didn't just want A-players; he was one. He lived the part, breathed it. He didn't simply demand excellence; he demonstrated it.
People follow examples, not orders.
Think about your own behavior. How you act, what you prioritize, how you engage with your team.
Are you pushing for constant growth?
Are you embracing challenges?
Are you fostering a culture where excellence isn't just a buzzword, but a way of life?
If not, you might find yourself chasing shadows.
The irony of hiring A-players is that they won't work for a B-leader.
Here's what you can do:
Understand what an A-Player means in your context. Is it just about skills? Or is it about attitude, passion, alignment with values?
Act like one. Show up. Work hard. Embrace the grind. Demonstrate the values you want to see.
Create an environment that nourishes A-players. Support them. Challenge them. Let them thrive.
It's simple to write a job description demanding excellence. It's harder to live it.
In the words of Warren Buffett,
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently."
A-Players are watching. They're looking for leaders who don't just talk the talk but walk the walk.
You want to hire A-Players?
First, be one yourself.
