Introspection or action – are the two in conflict, or are they inseparable parts of any successful personality?
It seems that most of us fall into one of these two areas: we are either introspective by nature or doers by nature. The person capable of both qualities in equal amounts, in my experience, is rare.
The ideal situation would be to work with teams that have introspective thinkers and doers equally divided among their community. We should also add the caveat that they need to be aware of the distinction between their different personalities and mutually respect each other’s perspective. Without this distinction, we end up with conflict and arguments, with each side seeing the other as not capable. This of course is a disaster because nothing of significance gets accomplished.
The most important thing for each of us is to recognize which one of these two groups we fall into. Like everything else's balance is critical. However, in this case balance does not necessarily mean equal amounts of time. The doers may spend 60 to 70% of their time doing and 30 to 40% thinking about what they need to do. The same proportion in reverse, I suspect, is true for those of us who tend to be more introspective.
Eventually, it comes down to maturity and experience. This requires a certain amount of wisdom that only comes with experience. In addition, as we grow older the need to accomplish something becomes more important since we are aware that time is going by.
As a result, we are more amiable to solutions that we previously may not have agreed to. This makes it easier for us to have mutual respect for all members in the team regardless of their personalities and how they bring their talents to the task at hand. When this happens, you have community with empathy, and a team that might actually get something done.
This is why an experienced leader can make the difference. An example of this would be that of the musical director of an orchestra. How important a role they play depends on how much they understand the capabilities of the musicians they are working with and how their differences can be blended into an orchestration worthy of the audience’s attention. This is a significant talent in itself and may be the most important part of what a leader brings to any team or organization.
So how about you - where are you in this scenario? Whether you’re ready to tackle this can be answered in a simple question. Do you have respect for your opposite counterparts? Conversely, do you see them as simply nonproductive, or not productive enough?
In the history of achievement, while it may start with an individual idea, inevitably, noteworthy projects are brought into existence because a team that performs efficiently was allowed to exist.
Are you ready for this? Can you assume this type of leadership? If not, then you best work independently because that’s where you’ll end up, independent but alone. So get used to it.
As for me give me the team every time.
Brother Giovanni
0pd 715
