What does it mean to be excellent at work?
This is a question I’ve been reflecting on deeply, and in this blog post, I share my reflections into what it truly means to be an A-Player. Many people, especially those in Christian circles, hear about bringing faith into work, but what does that look like in action?
Excellence can feel like a nebulous concept, but my career mentor and friend Jordan Raynor, a faith-driven entrepreneur and author, shared a memo he wrote back in 2016 while leading a tech company.
In this memo, he outlined what he believes defines an A-player, and it challenged me in so many ways. Today, I want to break down that list and explore why committing to excellence matters more than we might think.
Key Traits of an A-Player
Jordan’s definition of an A-player is surprisingly straightforward yet incredibly uncommon. These aren’t just “nice-to-have” qualities – they’re behaviors that set apart high performers and build trust in any workplace. Let’s go through them:
1. Does Exactly What They Say They Will Do
A-players follow through with their commitments, no matter how big or small. They don’t overpromise and underdeliver, ensuring they maintain credibility and trust in all professional and personal interactions. Being dependable builds a strong foundation for long-term success and collaboration.
2. Doesn’t Drop the Ball on a Task or Project
They take full ownership of their responsibilities, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. If challenges arise, they proactively find solutions rather than making excuses. Their accountability makes them stand out as reliable leaders who can be counted on to execute with excellence.
3. Responds to Every Email, Slack Message, Phone Call, and Text Within 24 Business Hours
Timely communication is a hallmark of professionalism. A-players don’t leave people waiting indefinitely for responses. Even if they don’t have a full answer yet, they acknowledge messages promptly, setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of respect and efficiency.
4. Always Shows Up on Time, and More Often Than Not, Shows Up Early
Punctuality reflects discipline and respect for others’ time. A-players don’t rush into meetings at the last minute; they arrive prepared and ready to contribute. This habit demonstrates reliability and a proactive approach to work and relationships.
5. Hits and Often Exceeds Expectations on Their OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
A-players are goal-oriented and consistently push beyond the baseline of what is required. They aren’t satisfied with just meeting expectations—they seek to exceed them. Their strong work ethic and drive for excellence make them valuable assets in any organization.
6. Renegotiates Their Commitments if They Know They Won’t Be Able to Deliver
Rather than waiting until the last minute to admit they can’t meet a deadline, A-players communicate early and transparently. They take ownership of their workload and ensure that expectations are adjusted proactively, maintaining trust and reliability in their commitments.
7. Doesn’t Allow a Meeting to End Until Next Actions Have Been Clearly Defined
A-players don’t engage in meetings for the sake of it. They ensure every discussion has a clear purpose, and by the end, everyone understands what’s expected next. This approach prevents confusion, saves time, and keeps projects moving forward efficiently.
8. Is a Joy to Work With
Beyond just competence, A-players bring positive energy and an encouraging attitude to their teams. They uplift those around them, making collaboration enjoyable and productive. They understand that kindness and professionalism go hand in hand, and they strive to create a culture where people feel valued and motivated.
Why Strive for Excellence
I used to think excellence was just about productivity, but I’ve come to see it as a reflection of faith. We don’t commit to excellence to prove our worth—we do it to serve others better.
“This isn’t just about being reliable; it’s about valuing others above yourself.”
When we consistently show up with integrity, people trust us. It creates opportunities, builds stronger relationships, and ultimately reflects Christ’s character in our daily work.
But sometimes, this can feel overwhelming, especially if your workplace doesn’t demand it. Audrey, in our conversation, brought up an interesting point about how some employees don’t give 100% all the time because they fear being held to that higher standard.
People think, ‘If I give 100% now, they’ll always expect it, so I should operate at 60% most of the time.’”
I’ve never thought this way, but I know many people do. The problem is, this mindset holds you back from being trusted with bigger opportunities. When you’re reliable, people notice, and you set yourself apart in ways that lead to real growth.
Practical Steps to Start Today
- Set Clear Intentions – Decide today to be more accountable and committed to excellence.
- Start Small – Implement A-player habits with the next email, meeting, or commitment.
- Improve Communication – Proofread messages and ensure clarity in all professional interactions.
- Be Accountable – Find a mentor or peer who will help you stay committed to these habits.
- Remember Your Why – Excellence isn’t just about career growth—it’s about honoring God and those around you.
Excellence as a Reflection of Faith
One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that being an A-player isn’t about perfection – it’s about faithfulness. Our worth doesn’t come from how well we perform, but striving for excellence is one of the best ways we can honor God and serve those around us.
“Your worth is not tied to your performance. But the way you show up in your work can be an act of faithfulness.”
If we truly want to be people of integrity, we need to follow through, be reliable, and care about the details. It’s not about getting recognition; it’s about building habits that make us trustworthy and valuable.
