What Makes An "A" Player?

I have a confession to make - I have been in situations where I was a "B", a "C", and, yes, even a "D" player. I suspect most people will admit that they have not always been considered "A" players.

My point? I don't believe there is such a thing as an "A" player for all situations. We've all seen it - the top person in one position gets promoted or transferred or hired to another position. And they struggle, and they either fail and move on, or worse yet, stay and survive and become that dreaded "C" Player.

What makes the difference - in one job a top person, and in another a failure or, at best, a survivor? The person hasn't changed - all the skills, knowledge, experience, behaviors, attitudes and skills that added together to create real success are still there, and maybe that's the problem. What works in one situation doesn't work in another - even though they may look like they should.

I submit when that mix of what the job requires and what the person brings to it are a close fit, an "A" player is made. When that doesn't happen, getting to be an "A" player requires adaptation, self knowledge, interpersonal skills and emotional maturity. Rarely do the elements of education, experience, technical skills and industry knowledge make the difference.

Some people have the potential andf ability to be "A" players in more situations than do other people. I submit that is true because of ability to recognize the need to change and adapt, knowledge of the key personal skills they possess and how those fit with job requirements. It's the ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships that can be sustained. It's the ability to see one's own behavior, attitudes and personal skills accurately, and deal with them realistically. It is the ability to maintain a high level of emotional control.

What is an "A" player? The right person in the right job - as measured by results. For some people, it seems they are always "A" players - don't fool yourself. It takes hard work for even the most gifted. But the fact is "A" player potential exists in each of us.

Written by Andrew Cox, President

Cox Consulting Group LLC

4049 E Vista Drive, Phoenix AZ 85032 Ph: 602-795-4100; Fax: 602-795-4800; E Mail: andycox@coxconsultgroup.com Website: www.coxconsultgroup.com

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