What “A” Players Bring to the Table

Some people argue that talent is overrated. But estimates, based on evidence from a variety of industries, suggest that star employees outperform others by a country mile:

The best developer…

…at Apple is at least nine times as productive as the average software engineer at other technology companies.

The best blackjack dealer…

…at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas keeps his table playing at least five times as long as the average dealer on the Strip.

The best sales associate…

…at Nordstrom sells at least eight times as much as the average sales associate at other department stores.

The best transplant surgeon…

…at a top-notch medical clinic has a success rate at least six times that of the average transplant surgeon.