Six signs you are working with a talker, not a doer

Some people have mastered the art of talking, yet fail miserably at the art of doing. Bottom line: they talk a good game. It’s frustrating to work with these individuals, as they project a very positive public image, but do nothing to back it up.{{more}} Colleagues dread being paired with them on projects, because they know the outcome. These are a few telltale signs you might be stuck working with a talker and not a doer.

Always criticizing. They spend their time criticizing the people and issues at hand, yet fail to offer a solution or even suggestions to solve the problem. Companies seek out problem-solvers, not criticizers, and although they may have valid points, their constant negative energy actually does more harm than good.

Spending more time discussing problem. Sometimes people gain more personal satisfaction rehashing a problem simply to hear themselves talk. They are only interested in repeating the facts and emotions of the issue and never really move past that point to a possible resolution.

Having no plan to execute. Talkers consistently talk about what should and could be done, but they themselves have no plan in place and have no interest in executing the ideas they may present. They come from the standpoint of “somebody should do this”, but that somebody is never them.

Always seeking an audience. Talkers always have an audience, voluntary or involuntary. They actively seek out anyone who will listen to them.

Broken promises. They offer many excuses as to why they are not able to accomplish the tasks requested of them, and each excuse actually sounds legitimate, but the result is always the same — nothing or little is accomplished. Unfortunately, many also promise too much and leave many disappointed people.