What do Top Performers Look Like?

One of the most important things to the success of any manager is to have as many ‘A’ players on their team as possible.

Great managers choose new staff wisely, looking carefully for the attitudes and aptitudes that predispose someone to ‘A’ performance in a particular role. They also know how to help existing team members with potential move from B to A. During my engage workshops I talk about how great mangers do this.

Some people are shocked to learn how few ‘A’ players exist in a typical workplace. The number is around 25%.

I recently compiled a more complete description of what an ‘A’ player looks like. When I step back from it and think what I observe at different businesses and organizations, I now wonder if 25% is too high!

Darryl’s Definition of an “A” Player

‘A’ players are those people who behave consistently with the organization core values AND perform to a high level in their roles.

‘A’ Player Behaviors

Set ambitious goals and adopt high standards for themselves.
Work collaboratively.
Volunteer to represent the group.
Embrace change, rather than resisting it.
Take initiative.
Walk the talk.
Use good judgment.
Display personal resilience.
Give honest feedback.

‘A’ Player Characteristics

Positive outlook
Versatile
Adaptable
Reliable
Holistic
Interdependent
Relevant

This detail and definition is already helping me identify new areas where I can try to help my team improve. I hope it does the same for you.

IBEX Payroll extends our profound respect and immeasurable gratitude to all the ancestors and keepers of the land on whose traditional territories our work takes place. We acknowledge that we are on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional gathering place of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene people and the traditional homeland of the Métis people. This land is sacred, historical, and significant.

Every time we acknowledge this truth, we have an invitation and an opportunity to reflect on the wrongs of the past, what we do in the present, and what we can do to continually honour the people whose lands and water we benefit from today.

This statement only acts as a first step in honouring the land we reside on and its peoples, and must be paired with education, understanding and informed action.