A Concept to Challenge Your Status Quo
"If each of us hires people who are smaller than we are, we shall become a company of dwarfs. But, if each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, we shall become a company of giants.” — Warren Buffett
Imagine a basketball team where every player is just barely competent versus a team stacked with five stars. The pay gap between those benchwarmers and stars might only be 20-30%, but the star-studded lineup scores five times as many points and wins championships. This isn’t just about money; it’s about multiplying impact, innovation, and momentum.
The elite CEOs know this deeply: investing in great talent is the single most leveraged move they make. The difference between an "A player" and a "B player"? It’s more than just skills or attitude. A players take ownership like entrepreneurs. They need only a goal and can forge their own path to success. B players often wait for direction and follow rather than lead. The premium on top talent is a logical cost, not a luxury.
Think of investing in people like planting a vineyard. A few vines tended by expert hands produce grapes that yield wine worth years down the line, far surpassing the small patch sprayed lightly with fertilizer. CEOs who cultivate A players reap outsized returns over time, team cohesion rises, innovation accelerates, and results compound.
Don’t fall into the trap of chasing mediocre productivity gains with mediocre talent. Pay the premium. Demand excellence. Build the team that others envy.
As a CEO, take 10 minutes this week to audit your team through the lens of A and B players. Identify who’s driving exponential impact, and double down on them. Share this insight with your leadership team to start a conversation on upgrading talent investment.
Better talent isn’t just a line item expense; it’s a force-multiplier of your entire organization’s trajectory. Your next breakthrough starts with the people you invest in today.
