Everyone wants to hire the “A” player. So what makes someone an “A” player, and how can you demonstrate that you share the characteristics of an “A” player during an interview?
Recently, I was standing in my yard in northern Wisconsin when overhead went one of the largest and noisiest flocks of Canadian Geese on their northern trek. It was fascinating to watch the “V” formation (or sideways “A”). I watched as one member broke rank and slowed to take the place of the leader within another group.
The geese had an innate ability to be so attuned to their flocks that they knew instinctively when they needed to change positions for the good of the group. This really exemplified what it means to be a good team player.
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow and both positions are critically important. That is one of the key characteristics of an “A” player. Top performers constantly keep their skills in shape, pay attention to their surroundings, contribute in any way they can to keep the group moving forward making progress.
When have you been that kind of utility player? When have you moved with ease from one position to another and added value that kept your project moving forward? Something to think about, as the answers to those questions could be important in your next interview.
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August 18, 2011 at 9:49 pm
David Alan Tyner
What I once considered a negative part of one evaluation, I now see as a part of what you call being an “A” Player.
I was described as one who often voluntarily acted as ‘the last flipper before the drain’ for other people’s projects ( using a pinball analogy ). This was intended to discourage me from wasting my valuable energies on tasks outside of my current duties, but I really didn’t understand how enhancing the overall company’s beneficial outcome was negative.
Later, I considered the usual hierarchical dependency on taking credit for various expected successes, which are planned and managed — thereby I realized that by working outside of that hierarchy, the bosses couldn’t effectively receive the credit they deserved for having me work for them.
Thus an “A” Player goes beyond what’s expected of them, while maintaining a dynamic understanding with perspectives and priorities — somehow figuring out how to keep the bosses in the loop.
Especially while swapping positions, from follower to leader, as you clearly understand, when saying :
“The geese had an innate ability to be so attuned to their flocks that they knew instinctively when they needed to change positions for the good of the group. This really exemplified what it means to be a good team player.”