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If you've ever conducted more than 5 Sales interviews, you know it: there's the A-Players, then there's the rest. So what exactly do A-players do differently? How do their words, demeanor, and attitude create that spark?
1. They Give You Their Undivided Attention
Ever spoken to someone who’s already planning dinner while you’re still pitching a new idea? A-players never do that. They’re present, fully tuned in, and genuinely invested in the conversation. Their ability to concentrate isn’t just nice; it’s effective.
2. They’re Happy to Be Here
We all know those people who walk into a room and instantly uplift the energy. That’s an A-player trait. They exude positivity, show eagerness to connect, and essentially give more energy than they take.
3. They Viscerally Believe in What They’re Saying
When an A-player speaks, their conviction is unmistakable. It’s not just about sounding confident; they truly believe in their own message. This authenticity immediately builds credibility.
4. They’re Short, Concise, and to the Point
Ever been lost in a sea of corporate jargon? A-players cut through the clutter. No fluff. No buzzwords. They deliver the most substance using the fewest words possible.
5. They Avoid Filler Words
Filler words (um, like, you know) can make even a solid idea sound shaky. A-players pause with intention, turning those empty moments into opportunities to reinforce key points.
Why it matters: Well-timed pauses feel intentional and polished. This polish can make the difference between a half-hearted nod and genuine buy-in from your audience.
6. They Sound Authentic, Not Scripted
No “canned” lines. No over-rehearsed speeches. When you talk to an A-player, it’s a real conversation.
7. They’re Comfortable Owning Their Failures
A-players don’t sweep mistakes under the rug. They address them head-on, showing humility and accountability. This candor solidifies their story and proves they’re constantly learning.
8. They Rarely Repeat Themselves
Redundancy is the enemy of engagement. A-players keep conversations fresh, offering new insights instead of circling the same points. This keeps the dialogue memorable and worthwhile.
9. They Don’t Self-Label
Ever heard the saying "I'm a beast at cold calling"? Well, “A lion doesn’t need to tell you he’s a lion”? A-players don’t rely on flashy job titles or self-aggrandizing labels. They let their performance (and platforms like TrackRec) speak for itself.
10. They Exhibit Emotion Control
Cool, calm, collected, even under pressure. A-players rarely let external chaos throw them off their game.
11. They’re Surgically Relevant
A-players quickly identify what matters most and address it first. This precision prevents conversations from veering off-track, saving everyone time.