Redefining the “A Player” (Part 1)
Who do we really want and need on our staff teams?
Church and nonprofit leaders – exhale – we made it into 2021! 2020 was a bit of a blur as we went remote, downsized, adjusted goals, and led with intense creativity. In so many ways the forced creativity of this past year was good. And most of us don’t want to go back to “the good old days.”
Let’s face it - our organizations have changed and there is a lot of good in the change. The days ahead will be even better if we capture what this new season is teaching us about our best staff.
I recently reached out to my network of church and nonprofit friends and
proposed this hypothesis:
In the past, “A Players” (those we called our best), were often defined as our aggressive, out to win, meet all their goals type people. I think that definition is evolving. In 2021, more than ever, it’s not just about what people do – it’s the behavior they exhibit as they execute against goals. Culture respecters and carriers. What does an "A Player" look like for your ministry?
Here are some of the responses:
Jason | Nonprofit Donor Engagement Representative
I think the “A Player” is someone trusted in “life” more than someone who is super skilled in a particular area.
Greg | Executive Pastor, Weekend Experience
Part of the problem is that we’ve defined “A Players” as those with entrepreneurial tendencies. I think those are only one of the three types of leaders that churches need. The entrepreneurs dream the big dreams but can also hold the church back with micromanaging tendencies. The church also needs developers who can gradually manage and build upon things that are working. In addition, we need change agents. Those who can identify, reimagine and rebuild systems which are no longer working.
Karen | Church Brand Experience Director
Real “A Players” are humble and hungry. Driving to learn and lead better each
and every day.
Adam | Worship Leader & IT Professional
“A Players” solicit great ideas and help teams form roadmaps and processes that involve all stakeholders.
Juan | Nonprofit Marketing VP
“A Players” do the little things that elevate others around them. They bring clarity, perform at a high level, lean in to help others, model the level of effort and commitment needed, coach/mentor new players, and more. “A Players” make everyone around them better.
Ron | Senior Pastor
I’ve been revisiting Lencioni’s “The Ideal Team Player.” The simple and balanced virtues of humble, hungry and smart are relevant to the 7 year old soccer team, the Super Bowl, the family unit, and all the way to the corporate boardroom.
Lori | Spiritual Director
“A Players” practice Sabbath Rest.
Ted | Nonprofit Leader of Spiritual Empowerment
Four characteristics: Competency, Commitment, Character, Empathy. An “A Player” not only has these characteristics but is able to keep them all in balance and is constantly seeking to grow in all four areas.
Michael | Counselor, Coach, Pastor
Character matters. Words matter. Personal maturity and awareness matter. How to navigate the quagmire of human behavior responsibly matters. The fruit of the spirit matters.
Orlando | Speaker, Author, Consultant
We have often considered “A Players” by their personality type. They were the extroverts. I think today our definition will involve the data around emotional intelligence, empathy, team orientation with a growth mindset.
John | Faith Based Volunteer Leader
Execution is important but the “how” is more important.
David | Church Outreach Director
“A Players” are willing to lead by example. I’ve seen how their humility drives them toward people and relationships rather than titles and wealth. As a result, from focusing on people, their impact goes much further.
Stefanie | Nonprofit Leader
“A Players” evaluate the question are we thriving or merely surviving as a team.
Heather | Nonprofit Leader
“A Players” are multipliers who strive to get the job done and are not afraid to lean into challenges. They also realize the job is not about lifting themselves up but rather achieving a common purpose.
Amanda | Project Management
“A Players” don’t prejudge people based on initial impression. They dig deeper and explore the possibilities.
Daniel | Reverend & Systems Analyst
An "A Player” is one who shows up, is ready for the challenge, uses his/her gifts to raise others. They look for the possibilities in those they are with, learns from errors, has heart, has a sense that they really are not worth what they are getting, is grateful, is a human being to others.
Kristin | VP Marketing & Development
“A Players” demonstrate integrity, respect, and grace for others as they execute their jobs. This creates a culture of trust which is a critical element for overall success.
Need a topic for your next staff meeting? Try discussing “A Players."
Stay tuned for part 2 of "Redefining the A Player." It will include a deep dive into the common themes and further findings.
