Five habits that separate A-players from average performers

Executive overview

A-players are wired differently: stagnancy is physically uncomfortable for them, and they won't stop until they're operating at full capacity. Understanding these habits helps you identify, develop, and retain top performers — and close gaps in your own performance.

A-players are not motivated by comfort; they are motivated by momentum.

The five habits

1. Avoid the discomfort of stagnancy — A-players are in constant motion. When stuck, they diagnose the blockage and find a way back into momentum fast.
2. Believe in the mission — They know the objective, the path, and how to tell if they're off track. Alignment between personal values and team mission is non-negotiable.
3. Emotional intelligence — Self-governed internally; they manage emotions without being ruled by them. Externally, they read team dynamics and quickly assess whether leadership is trustworthy and strategic direction is sound.
4. Demand full utilization — Boredom and restlessness signal underuse. A-players need their full skill set engaged; partial deployment kills their drive.
5. Extreme ownership — No blame, no excuses. They own mistakes, course-correct, and return to momentum stronger. They are not victims of circumstance.