At least by this definition - the one implied when A players &#x27;manage the risk ofburnout&#x27; indicating that a critical part of being an A player is working enough hours that burnout is a risk.<p>If we take that away, the terms are as good as any, and I think it does a disservice to believe that all employees (sw engineers in this case, but in general I suspect) have equal capabilities.<p>In the context of my engineering experience, I consistently see ~4 strata. Not all levels may be present at a given company.<p>* Outstanding - has vision not only about how to do something, but why they need to be done in the first place. Open to helping others learn and improve. Has a way of being able to demonstrate that his or her plan for things is the best approach - and can accept when it&#x27;s not. Is quick to learn both the internals of a system, and internalize the bird&#x27;s-eye view of it as well. As such can design complex interactions between components.<p>* Excellent - just under &#x27;outstanding&#x27;. This person gets things done with little direction, but gets lost in the weeds sometimes.  Has a deep knowledge of the system and troubleshoots well. Can design key components of the system. Can often grow to &#x27;outstanding&#x27; over time.<p>* Good - Needs direction to make the scope of problems clear. Can usually find a solution to a problem on his or her own -  it may not be optimal, but you can be certain he or she will understand it thoroughly.  Good troubleshooter. Can design small changes.<p>*  Adequate - give them a spec and&#x2F;or strict instructions, and they&#x27;ll get the job done.  Don&#x27;t come to them for any deep understanding of the system - unless you have years to wait for that knowledge to seep in via osmosis or repetition.<p>Note that none of those mentions as criteria, &quot;willing to go the extra mile&quot;, &quot;works around the clock&quot;, and &quot;buckles down and see crunch time through&quot;.<p>I think when you add those additional criteria is when you get into  dehumanizing territory.