The difference between A Players, B Players, and C Players

Brad Jacobs has built eight billion-dollar companies, so when he says he can quickly spot an A, B, or C player, you listen. His approach is astonishingly simple — and totally useful for anyone hiring or managing teams.

Marketing Analysis

In the short clip, Brad explains a quick gut-check test for identifying talent. A players bring ideas, energy, and ownership from day one. B players wait for direction. C players create problems. It’s not about fancy assessments — it’s about patterns of behavior you can notice fast.

Why It Works

• Mental shortcuts save time in hiring.
• Observing communication reveals ownership levels.
• Great teams filter fast and promote clarity.
• Simplicity beats complex HR frameworks.

Examples

• Netflix famously uses the “keeper test” — would you fight to keep this person?
• Steve Jobs said A players hire A players, B players hire C players.
• Amazon’s “bar raiser” system ensures every new hire improves the team quality.