They think of the skills they need to stay marketable and then go after them. They don't wait for the boss to suggest a training class like average performers do. Stars learn to be good second fiddles. If you help others, they look out for you. The average performer thinks this means charisma.
Stars persuade people to do things.
They understand people's interests. Top performers are choosier and they will only join teams that will make a difference. That way, they save their energy for the important issues. Mediocre performers call it office politics, while stars view the office scene as competing legitimate interests. Stars get to know the players and develop credibility before they get into tough situations.