I have an HR friend who has mentored me for a few years. He uses a very similar analogy.

He says all companies are made up of three types of people: Eagles, Owls and Turkeys. He says the Eagles will always succeed and push themselves, the Turkeys will do very little no matter what you do and will likely get eaten.

The Owls are the reason that you create systems, training, motivation and support. They will fly high or sit dormant based on what environment you create.