Activator
"When can we start?" This is a recurring question in your
life. You are impatient for action. You may concede that
analysis has its uses or that debate and discussion can
occasionally yield some valuable insights, but deep down you
know that only action is real. Only action can make things
happen. Only action leads to performance. Once a decision is
made, you cannot not act. Others may worry that "there are still
some things we don't know," but this doesn't seem to slow you.
If the decision has been made to go across town, you know that
the fastest way to get there is to go stoplight to stoplight.
You are not going to sit around waiting until all the lights
have turned green. Besides, in your view, action and thinking
are not opposites. In fact, guided by your Activator theme, you
believe that action is the best device for learning. You make a
decision, you take action, you look at the result, and you
learn. This learning informs your next action and your next. How
can you grow if you have nothing to react to? Well, you believe
you can't. You must put yourself out there. You must take the
next step. It is the only way to keep your thinking fresh and
informed. The bottom line is this: You know you will be judged
not by what you say, not by what you think, but by what you get
done. This does not frighten you. It pleases you.
Action Items for This Theme |
|
Seek work in which you can make your own decisions and
act upon them. In particular, look for start-up or
turn-around situations. |
|
Take responsibility for your intensity by always asking
for action when you are a part of a group. |
|
To avoid conflict later, ensure that your manager judges
you on measurable outcomes rather than your process. Your
process is not always pretty. |
|
Prepare a simple explanation as to why any decision,
even the wrong one, will help you learn, and therefore will
make the next decision more informed. Use it when people
challenge you and tell you to slow down. |
|
Try to work only on committees that are action-oriented.
Much committee work might prove very boring for you. |
Be ready to: |
|
Give the reasons why your requests for action must be
granted; otherwise, others might dismiss you as impatient
and label you a "ready, fire, aim" person. |
|
Recognize that your "pushiness" might sometimes
intimidate others. |
|
Partner with someone with a strong Strategic or
Analytical theme. This person can help you see how high the
cliff is before you fall off it. |
|
Avoid activity for activity's sake. If you want people
to join in your activity, you will need to provide them with
a purpose for their actions. |
|