Defining A-Players 

So, what exactly are A-players in the MSP world? Stuart breaks it down for us. A-players are those individuals who are not just content with the status quo. They have the drive to step into their full potential in their careers, often going above and beyond their job description. These are the people who aspire to lead, innovate, and make a significant impact on your MSP.  

 

If you're an ambitious MSP looking to scale confidently, A-players are the ones you want on your team. 

 

The Consequences of Not Having A-Players 

If you find yourself wondering why your team isn't taking ownership or driving your MSP forward as you'd like them to, it might be time to assess your team's composition.  

 

When you lack A-players, you often end up micromanaging, leading, and directing your team continuously. This can be draining, hindering your MSP's growth potential. It's that moment when you think, "Why can't others in my team take initiative like I do?" Recognizing this tipping point is crucial. 

 

Why Don't People Hire A-Players?  

The hesitation to hire A-players often stems from fear. There's the fear of investing a significant sum in a talented individual. The fear of making the wrong hiring decision and ending up back where you started. Some MSP owners also grapple with imposter syndrome when considering hiring someone older, more experienced, or more qualified than themselves.  

 

The fear and procrastination can be real roadblocks to growth. 

 

Here are Stuart’s 5 key steps on how you can start finding A-players in your MSP: 

 

• Planning for the Future: Start by envisioning what your team should look like in three to five years. Plan out the functional roles you need to relinquish and the people you need to hire to allow you to focus on the more critical aspects of your MSP. 

• Hiring the Best: Be brave and don't shy away from hiring people who are better, more experienced, and qualified than you. Look for the right fit and alignment with your company culture, regardless of their age or experience. This step may require an investment, but it's often worth it. 

• Quantify the Recruitment Process: Implement a structured recruitment process. Develop a set of interview questions and scoring criteria. Focus on finding evidence to back candidates' claims rather than taking things at face value. This approach ensures objectivity in your hiring decisions and helps you identify the right person for the job. 

• Onboarding and Engagement: Once you've found your A-player, keep them engaged even before they officially join your team. Regularly touch base, send postcards, and invite them to events to ensure they feel connected. On the first day and beyond, create a 100-day plan for them to make sure they integrate smoothly into your MSP. 

• Investing for the Right Person: Be prepared to pay more for the right individual. Depending on your MSP's size and ambition, you may need to offer competitive salaries to attract top talent. Remember, it's an investment that often pays off when you have the right A-players driving your MSP forward. 

 

As an MSP business owner, recognizing the need for A-players in your team is the first step towards unlocking your business's true potential. These exceptional individuals can help you scale, innovate, and lead with confidence. Don't let fear or procrastination hold you back from making the necessary changes to your team composition.  

 

With the right planning, recruitment process, and commitment to onboarding, you can set your MSP on the path to success. So, embrace the challenge of finding and nurturing A-players, and watch your MSP thrive like never before. 

 

As an additional resource that will help you find those A-players, listen to Episode 143 (and 4th episode of the Ask Stuart series!) which is where we asked Stuart, how to get more out of my team? 

 We encourage all of you to keep sending in your questions as we love to answer them on this series so, click HERE , fill out the form, and we'll tackle your questions in our upcoming episodes. 

 

Connect with me on LinkedIn and see what I'm up to by clicking HERE  To join our amazing Facebook Group of over 300 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then click HERE 

And if you’re ready to take the next step in supercharging your MSP, take the Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz. This will provide you with insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs.   

 

Until next time, look after yourself and I’ll catch up with you soon!