Attracting & retaining A players

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Attracting and retaining A players

AUTHOR
Sharn Rayner

DATE
27 June, 2023

CATEGORY
Blog & Resources

In uncertain times, like recession and market re-balancing, it’s important for mid-sized New Zealand business owners and leadership teams to focus on having a team of A players.

But what exactly is an A player? Simply put, an A player is a high performer who lives the company values.

They are the employees who consistently deliver results, take initiative and are a pleasure to work with. They are not the ones that you go home complaining to your partner about at the end of the day.

On the other hand, C players are those who underperform, don’t live the company values and take up a lot of your time. Yes, these are the ones that drain you, cause you stress, and you do complain to your partner about them at the end of the day.

During times of uncertainty, it’s a great opportunity to look at who you want to retain in your business and who may not fit into your future plans. It’s important to remember that one A player can achieve more than three mediocre employees.

So, how do you ensure your business is attracting and retaining A players when competitors are also seeking top talent?

1. Pay top of the market salaries for A players

A players are in high demand and they know their worth. If you want to attract and retain top talent, you need to be willing to pay top dollar.

2. Offer good career paths for A and B players

B players are those who are learning and training and need development to become A players. By offering clear career paths, you’ll be able to attract and retain top talent.

3. Communicate constantly with your high performers

It’s important that your A and B players especially know how they fit into the bigger picture and understand how they contribute to the success of the business. We want them to see longevity for them in your business.

4. Create a positive company culture

A players want to work for a company that values their contributions and creates a positive work environment. If they see that the poor behaviours of C players is tolerated – A player’s performance either drops or they leave.

5. Be selective when hiring – don’t settle for the best of a bad bunch

Settling for “just a body” when recruiting can be detrimental to your business in the long run. It’s important to take the time to find the right “A players” who fit your company culture and can make a meaningful contribution to your team, rather than settling for non-performing “C players” who may ultimately need to be exited from the business.

Investing in a team of A players is an investment in your business’s future. The cost of not having a team of A players can include missed opportunities, client dissatisfaction, and a lack of innovation. By following these tips, you’ll be able to attract and retain top talent, which will ultimately lead to success for your business in uncertain times.

What Next?

A business strategist will enable you to create a plan where the whole team understands how they contribute to the bigger picture. A good business coach will help you create a robust culture focused on accountability, A players thrive in such environments.

To understand how Two Tides can help you create a great workplace culture with high performing, engaged employees who will enable your business to excel despite the current recession, reach out to our business strategists and business coaches today.

With the right business strategist and business coach, you’ll be able to navigate the uncertainty of recession and market re-balancing, and ultimately emerge stronger and more successful.

If you’re ready to get started on a plan to ensure you’re attracting and retaining A players, Schedule a call with us today.