Actions Speak Louder Than Words

As a leader for many years in corporate America it never ceases to amaze me the attitude of so many employees.  Too often they ask for guidance. They ask for responsibility. They complain about who gets promoted and who doesn’t. They ask to learn and to gain knowledge. They claim to want to move up the ladder. However their actions rarely support what their mouth is saying.

Too often when these same people are presented the opportunity to apply for a position they make exduses as to why they can’t apply.  “The hours are not right, I don’t like that supervisor, the time is not right, what if I don’t succeed, etc.”

This year I have spoken to several leaders that have afforded their employees the opportunity to learn or participate in projects that will enhance their careers. What we have found as a group that less than 5% of the employees that say they want more actually go for more. Instead they do not manage their careers instead they choose to sit back and wait. They do nothing.

One of my friends gave his team the opportunity to participate in a mentoring program. While several members volunteered only one put any effort into succeeding in the program. The others would make every excuse possible as to why they could not complete assignments.

Another friend gave their team the opportunity to become a ‘manager for a day where they would get an opportunity to be the manager for a day.  They would attend meetings, conference calls, and have the chance to learn quite a bit. Here is the eye opening part; 98% of the team said they wanted to be in management only 2% volunteered for the opportunity to be a manager for a day.

Over the years I have given opportunities to do some of the same but unfortunately very few employees take advantage of what is presented to them. It gets frustrating to see so much talent go to waste but it is encouraging when you see someone without all of the talent but tons of desire succeed.

Bottom line is your actions speak louder than words. You may say you want to be great but if you don’t take steps you will never be great. It is great to hear goals but if people never put actions with the stated goals they will never be met. So I challenge you to stop speaking and start doing.