Notwithstanding the common meaning given to the term “Player,” one of the ways I have come to classify the people of this world is either as a “Player” or a “Worker Bee.” The differentiation of the two is as complex as it is simple. The designation is not permanent and it is possible for a person to be both at the same time, although not usually in the same area. Being a Player is not easy, on the other hand to most Players it comes naturally.
A Player is someone that wants to do the best job they can. A player is someone who gives 110 percent to the job or task in front of them and is harder on themselves than any supervisory power.
The Player wants the rewards that come with success and doing a good job, but the burden of not succeeding is much heavier on the Player then the offsetting joy of success. The Player doesn’t always enjoy the success the way they should. Sometimes, they simply fear the loss. A player loves the game. A Player loves to play.
A Worker Bee goes to work and earns the wage. The Worker Bee does what is necessary and generally no more. The Worker Bee rarely looks out on the horizon to anticipate the future beyond their assigned task. A Worker Bee rarely looks to improve a situation. The Worker Bee will often do anything that is asked of them, but nothing else.
As a lawyer, I have strived to be what I have defined as a player. Although I may fall short of the 110 percent on occasion, I really try to do the best I can. The anticipation of failure does push me much harder then the joy of success. The one thing I am sure of is that I do love the game.
Of course, I cannot say that I am a Player in every other aspect of my life. My concentration on my practice has admittedly prevented me from being a full-fledged Player in my family life. I would like to think that I am more than a Worker Bee at home. Unfortunately, based on the definition above, it is hard to claim Player status at home. I rationalize that my work is for the family, but even I know that doesn’t improve my rank to that of Player.
Few can be a Player in every aspect of their lives. The world needs Worker Bees just like it needs Players. Some don’t want to be Players. I have had several leave my firm because the work was more then they wanted to do. They were capable, they simply chose to travel a different path. Ultimately, the test is not which path you take. Rather, it is whether you are happy on the path upon which you travel.
As I went back to review this column, I initially felt uneasy calling myself a Player in the practice of law. Upon review, I noticed that I didn’t say a Player was always successful, just that they tried to do their best and loved the game. I feel ok with claiming that designation.
You never know how good you can be or how much you can accomplish unless you try. That is true for everyone, even those of us way up in the CHEAP SEATS!
Bill James is a co-founder of the James Law Firm with offices in Little Rock, Conway and Fayetteville, Arkansas. His primary area of practice is criminal defense. He can be contacted at Bill@JamesFirm.com