Now that soccer season is over, I’ll be blogging regularly about headhunting and talent in the tech sector. But, while it’s still fresh, I want to share a fundamental that coaching has taught me about recognizing winners.

I coach at a competitive level where players must tryout for coveted spots on the roster. In my first year, I relied on ball control drills to help me identify the best players. While it was reasonably effective, I learned the difference between good players and good competitors as the season began. Essentially, a good competitor wins more often than a good player.

The next year, I set out to find the best competitors. I replaced the drills with small-sided games and fostered head-to-head competition. Doing so highlighted each boy’s desire, intensity and game smarts. And it certainly helped separate the competitors from the players.

Most good players are happy to play: only a few truly want to win. Both attitudes are right. But, if you want a winning team, look for the kid who gives you second and third efforts, willingly puts his body in harm’s way and demands more of his teammates.

It’s the difference between Allen Iverson and a Globetrotter, or the kid who can dangle the puck and the one you ‘go to’ in overtime. Whether you’re talking sports or business, look for fire-in-the belly.

The same rules apply to emerging companies.

Startups compete in a Darwinian marketplace. They can’t afford to have people just ‘show up’ for work.

Established companies can get away with hiring ‘shiny’ talent. After all, they get to spread the risk across several, and even dozens of hires.

Small companies can’t afford mistakes.

Early stage companies often rely on one or two players to compete against an army. For startups, showing up is simply not enough. It’s not about a good business model…it’s about beating the other guy’s model. Winners know how to compete. It’s in their DNA. Startups must look for the need for achievement.

Hire hunger, not just talent.

On a side note, I want to point out that coaching, at any level, is a great way of giving to the community; not to mention honing your managerial and leadership skills. If you get the chance to coach, take it. It will be a rewarding learning experience that only makes you better.