I think this is an important distinction too. It's not skill level or how fast you can code something. It's attitude. How you work with others. How you communicate (at all? Because many people don't raise their hand for help or clarification like at all). How motivated you are to learn and grow. How well you follow a process. Etc.

That's what makes an A player. I manage a bunch of programmers and I'll always hire and keep those who want to be there and want to learn over those with "skill." In fact, I find many junior engineers who outperform senior engineers. All the time. Because they're present. They're there. They care. They're careful. They learn. They're dependable and accountable.

I know it may sound silly, but it's really true and I think a lot of people are surprised.