“Are you primarily a strategist or an action-taker? Are you more of a thinker or a doer?”
I was asked this question several years ago when considering a new job opportunity. It was one of those questions that I knew I needed to explore more to read between the lines. As I did, I realized that the person asking me this was surrounded by thinkers who didn’t take many actions. This was causing stagnation and frustration.
I immediately knew the answer for myself. I’m definitely an action-taker, but over the years I’ve realized that without an intelligent strategy, I can become busy with taking action that doesn’t lead to the results I desire.
The reality is that both are needed in leadership. Another reality is that most (if not all) leaders have a bias towards one or the other and must intentionally address their weaker tendency by placing others around them who can help fill their gaps.
So, I’ll ask you the same question I was asked – Are you primarily a strategist or an action-taker? Are you more of a thinker or a doer?
Answering this question is extremely important for your future success as a leader. When you have greater self-awareness, you can intentionally surround yourself with the right balance of strategists and action-takers to advance your mission to achieve your vision. Don’t beat yourself up for what you’re not. You were uniquely created by God to be who you are. Your team needs you to be you!
Don’t try to be both and dilute your strength. Rarely is anyone successful without a strong team around them. Even those who receive the notoriety have a strong supporting cast who complement them and fill their gaps.
If you’re a strategist, evaluate if you have enough action-takers around you.
If you’re an action-taker, evaluate if you have enough strategists around you.
Then, work together to put strategic plans into effective action. This is how you’ll improve, advance, and multiply your impact.
Also, accept each person for what they bring to the team. Don’t belittle others for not being what you are. Instead, celebrate and welcome their contributions. Collaborate together for the sake of your mission or cause. Visionaries can become frustrated with action-takers because they don’t see the bigger picture. But it’s equally easy for action-takers to become frustrated with visionaries for not taking enough action or to cast too many visions that the team can’t implement all at once.
This leadership dynamic requires intentionally exercising patience and extending grace toward one another. When you learn to navigate this well as a team, you’ll have better harmony and you’ll accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.
Take time today to analyze yourself and your team. Once you have a better understanding of what you have to work with on your team, you can proceed with more focus and success.
Until next time, make today GREAT!
P.S. Are you a business owner or executive who is looking to attract quality team members and keep them engaged in your organization’s vision and mission? Check out the Magnetic Leadership Community where you’ll receive weekly leadership lessons, participate in monthly Q&A calls, hear from dynamic leaders in monthly interviews, and engage in a private forum with other growing leaders like yourself. You can even choose a monthly 1:1 coaching call. CLICK HERE to learn more and join the community!
