Some Only Talk The Talk

Have you ever met someone who "talks big," yet when "crunch time" approaches, is often nowhere to be found? This is often referred to as someone who "talks the talk, but doesn't walk the walk."

These types of individuals generally voice their opinion about nearly everything, often doing little more than either repeating or rephrasing the ideas of others. They are generally people who want the "pat on the back," or the "Atta Boy," and want to please others by saying what they believe to be the popular or expedient thing. Many of these people have few ideas of their own. Of course, it is always easier to find fault in others, or other plans, than to actually think out a workable, well thought-out proposal. In my more than three decades of consulting to organizations and businesses, I have come across countless number of these types of people, and, yet, it still surprises me that anyone "buys into" anything the "talk the talkers" say.

Many of the "talkers" come across as pleasant, caring, friendly individuals. They present themselves, often, as having good ideas, yet rarely do they ever have anything original, or developed. I have almost never witness a "talker" come up with, develop or implement a true action plan.

The adage that action speaks louder than words is one of the great truisms. Reality is that anyone can say anything, but I personally judge someone by their actions and deeds, instead of their words. How often these "talkers" end up being thin-skinned, and unwilling to accept any type of criticism, although they often feel entitled to freely criticize other people and other ideas.

Many "talkers" tend to take "liberties" or "poetic license" or "revisionist history" when it comes to facts. They listen to only those things that support their position, and often react to minor points instead of effectively listening to constructive criticisms.

Not everyone should be a leader. However, once someone assumes a leadership position
they owe it to their organization to put in the time and effort that the position requires and merits. I have too often witnessed people who like to have the "glory" of leadership, but do not want to pit in the effort. Organizations should seek individuals for leadership that walk-the-walk, and don't just talk.