Spectators and actors
Every business has spectators and actors.
Where the actors focus on action and solutions, present ideas and provide feedback, work with teams and encourage responsibility, the spectators can cause office problems because they don't just watch, they watch and create office politics. They frustrate, pit, insinuate and hoard.
Some breeds of spectators that I have noticed:
The Rear View Expert - These people knew the answer to the problem, sensed danger in the project and had concerns AFTER things fall apart. As for good ideas, they used that at a previous job but never thought to bring it up as a solution. They are never surprised or impressed.
The FYI'er - Articles without comment, useless bits of information and forwarded emails without clear direction all used to get something off their back and onto anyone else's. When trouble comes: "Did you see my email on that?" Don't worry, somewhere in one of the thousands of bits there was something remotely resembling this situation.
The Super Ego - Often mistaken for someone who lacks confidence, they simply don't understand why individuals never asked - no, begged - them for their ideas (which they never once offered up).
The Other Hander - Always a reason for inaction, this person is the faux-intellectual who would rather navel-gaze the day away than actually try an idea.
The Big Picturer - There are "big picture" people worth their salt but these people never get around to what it takes to develop any picture.
The Next Thingers - Nothing is ever done twice. A seemingly good idea appears once and is never implemented because there is a new (idea, chart, process or problem) to address.
Spectators fail because they inspire no one other than themselves. They are individual operators who can't quite figure out why they never gain the respect of co-workers. They can cause great damage before failing.
The actors I've known love great ideas and details. They are candid and straightforward in their communication. They have confidence in the team members and want success for the organization.
Reward the actors. Help the spectators out the door.
Where the actors focus on action and solutions, present ideas and provide feedback, work with teams and encourage responsibility, the spectators can cause office problems because they don't just watch, they watch and create office politics. They frustrate, pit, insinuate and hoard.
Some breeds of spectators that I have noticed:
The Rear View Expert - These people knew the answer to the problem, sensed danger in the project and had concerns AFTER things fall apart. As for good ideas, they used that at a previous job but never thought to bring it up as a solution. They are never surprised or impressed.
The FYI'er - Articles without comment, useless bits of information and forwarded emails without clear direction all used to get something off their back and onto anyone else's. When trouble comes: "Did you see my email on that?" Don't worry, somewhere in one of the thousands of bits there was something remotely resembling this situation.
The Super Ego - Often mistaken for someone who lacks confidence, they simply don't understand why individuals never asked - no, begged - them for their ideas (which they never once offered up).
The Other Hander - Always a reason for inaction, this person is the faux-intellectual who would rather navel-gaze the day away than actually try an idea.
The Big Picturer - There are "big picture" people worth their salt but these people never get around to what it takes to develop any picture.
The Next Thingers - Nothing is ever done twice. A seemingly good idea appears once and is never implemented because there is a new (idea, chart, process or problem) to address.
Spectators fail because they inspire no one other than themselves. They are individual operators who can't quite figure out why they never gain the respect of co-workers. They can cause great damage before failing.
The actors I've known love great ideas and details. They are candid and straightforward in their communication. They have confidence in the team members and want success for the organization.
Reward the actors. Help the spectators out the door.
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