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Business Strategy

Are You Settling for Good Enough? Why Hiring A-Players is the Key to Unlocking Success

A-players, top talent, hiring strategies, company culture, business growth, high-performance teams, innovation, leadership, talent acquisition, hiring the best, Steve Jobs hiring philosophy, employee performance, startup success, building a winning team.

YEET MAGAZINE

• 6 min read
Are You Settling for Good Enough? Why Hiring A-Players is the Key to Unlocking Success

Business Strategy, Leadership, Talent Management

Published on YEET Magazine, February 25, 2025

Hiring is arguably one of the most important decisions a company makes. And yet, so many businesses still fall into the trap of hiring for comfort, filling positions with people who are "good enough" instead of bringing in the top talent that could truly push their organization forward. I’ve seen this happen firsthand and it’s something that we, as entrepreneurs, can’t afford to overlook.

The Impact of Hiring A-Players

Let’s break it down: hiring A-players isn’t just about filling a vacancy. It’s about choosing individuals who will drive innovation, push boundaries, and set a culture of excellence that others will strive to meet. It’s about creating a company built on the strength of its people.

In fact, research supports this. A 2017 study by McKinsey found that “companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.” While this study specifically highlights diversity, it underscores a broader truth: top performers, with diverse skills and perspectives, consistently outperform the rest.

A-Players Attract A-Players

One of the most powerful things about A-players is that they attract other high performers. This is a well-documented phenomenon. Top talent gravitates toward other top talent, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of excellence. It’s the foundation of what we see in companies like Apple, Google, and Tesla—each of these giants has managed to build a culture where only the best get in.

Steve Jobs, a figure synonymous with innovation, famously said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do. We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” This was his approach when it came to hiring at Apple. He knew that surrounding himself with A-players would elevate the entire company. Why? Because A-players don’t just follow orders; they challenge the status quo, think differently, and come up with solutions that no one else can.

High Standards Drive Innovation

Think about it. When you bring in A-players, your company will see an immediate shift. With high standards in place, your team will stop settling for “good enough” and will start reaching for greatness. A-players challenge each other to do better, to push harder, and to continuously innovate.

Take Amazon, for example. Jeff Bezos is known for his uncompromising hiring standards. He once said, “I’d rather interview 50 people and not hire anyone than hire the wrong person.” Bezos believes that bringing in top talent directly impacts Amazon’s ability to innovate and disrupt industries. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about bringing in individuals who can think big and contribute to shaping the company’s future.

Smart Work Beats Hard Work

One of the greatest advantages of A-players is their ability to not just work hard, but work smart. A-players know how to execute efficiently and effectively, avoiding costly mistakes and getting results. This is what sets them apart from others who might put in the hours but lack the strategic thinking that accelerates growth.

Take a look at Elon Musk and Tesla. Musk isn’t just building electric cars—he’s building a company that will change the future of transportation. His team at Tesla is made up of individuals who are not only highly skilled but are also capable of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. In a 2014 interview, Musk said, “I could either choose to hire someone who’s average and have them do a decent job, or I could choose to hire someone who’s really extraordinary and have them do an exceptional job.”

Culture Isn’t About Fitting In—It’s About Pushing Boundaries

Company culture is often viewed as the sum of a group’s shared values, behaviors, and practices. But true company culture is built on the foundation of the people you bring in. A high-performance culture doesn’t just happen—it’s created by top-tier talent who set the standard for excellence.

When you hire A-players, you’re building a team that pushes each other to perform at their best, constantly challenging the status quo, and driving the company forward.

The Bottom Line: A-Players Drive Long-Term Success

Hiring A-players isn’t just a tactic—it’s a long-term strategy for sustained success. By surrounding yourself with top talent, you create an environment where innovation, creativity, and performance thrive. Whether you’re a small startup or an established company, building a team of A-players will allow you to take your business to the next level.

In a competitive business landscape, every decision counts. So, ask yourself: are you settling for good enough, or are you assembling a team that will drive your company to greatness? The future of your business depends on it.

Paola Bapelle is the founder and Chief Strategist of a global platform focused on empowering young writers, with over 10 years of experience in business strategy and communications. She believes in building teams that challenge the status quo, innovate relentlessly, and drive results.

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