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Ask HN: Traits and habits of A players

4 points by brador ↗ HN
I've recently noticed A players in general don't have Steam accounts.

What are some other variables I could look for to identify A players? What have you noticed?

6 comments

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wz3chen
Some indicators I've witnessed as a student: They started programming at an early age because they thought it was fun/interesting rather than thinking about a getting a job or making money. Have impressive side projects. Have competed and done well in algorithm competitions. Have full time software development experiences before starting university. High grades at an elite highschool. IQ above the rest. Educated and/or supportive parents or teachers.
brador
That's a great list! I'll add that they almost always have a story of how they hacked something when young. Maybe hardware, maybe software, but always to get something they were otherwise denied.
mildavw
I'd add "found programming so interesting they did not finish high school/college." The maximum level of education achieved by my team ranges from middle school diploma to PhD.
gregcohn
Do you mean generically or engineers?
brador
engineers/programmers
determinant
You might have to be domain specific.

I feel like people are A-players when the environment around them lets them shine. To date, I have not found a single person who hasn't impressed me in some specific domain. Of course, sometimes it takes me longer to figure out what domain a person is an "A-Player" in.