I’m a hug fan of doers in the general sense, I just don’t want too many of them working for me.

The “doer” that I’m referencing in this case is the employee or sales person who “does” their job. They do what’s expected of them. They do what needs to get done. They do their job and in many cases do it well. Doers are great, because they get things done.

Here’s the rub. Doer’s don’t participate in the job. Doers react to what’s required to get the job done and that’s it. Doer’s don’t embed themselves in the outcomes and results. Doers normally don’t tie their identity to their job. They just get what’s asked of them done and that’s where the problem comes in. Doers don’t connect the dots. They don’t see if their effort is helping or not helping the bigger cause. Doers don’t recognize if what they’re doing is worth it or not. Doers will get exactly what you want done, even if it doesn’t advance the cause and that’s a problem.

Participating in the job means knowing why the job needs to get done and why the outcomes are important or not. Participating in the job means sacrificing the short-term for long-term gain. Participating in a job means not just doing it, but submerging yourself in it.

Participators get involved in the intricacies of the task and the job. They submerge themselves in the entire effort, not just the tasks. Participators look ahead and ask, does this task get us closer to the goal? Is there a better way to achieve what we want to accomplish. Participators are creative, innovative and engaged. Participators are forward thinking. They don’t just react, they plan. Participators have vision. They are constantly looking for improvements, advantages and opportunities. Participators connect the dots. Participators engage more and attach their person to the job.

You can do your job or you can participate in your job, it’s up to you.

I personally prefer participators, to doers.  You?