Berger Leadership Blog

It's easy to talk. But you have a problem when your words don't have a purpose or don't lead to action. There are reasons teams might defer to talk instead of action: Ideas are just ideas, whereas action puts your intelligence and capabilities in the spotlight. No one wants to seem incompetent, so sticking to talking can seem safe.

But doing so eliminates a sense of responsibility. Leadership guru Dan Rockwell recently wrote a blog to help teams overcome too much talking to achieve more. Here are some benefits of action worth considering:

• Openness to listen and learn. People who are constantly talking – sharing their opinions but not getting input from others – seem self-centered. We each have limitations on our knowledge; it's important to acknowledge the value that others bring to your team.
• Momentum. You can't reach your end goal if you don't take that first step to get there.
• Clear thinking. Too much talking can cloud judgment. By putting plans into action, you'll be able to see what works and what doesn't, and have a better understanding of what changes to make to be successful.

In order to get teams to overcome inaction, Rockwell recommends:

• Setting deadlines. Open-ended goals will likely never get done because there is no sense of urgency to complete them. And given that projects require teamwork from multiple people, it's important to set expectations so the next step isn't held up by someone's procrastination. Action plans provide solid steps to get to the finish line and keep everyone in sync.
• Asking for action. This does not mean micromanaging and planning each person's tasks. A leader's job is to motivate employees, so when you ask for action it's more about setting expectations. If there are reasons you can't move forward or concerns about the next steps, delegate solution-finding to increase engagement and that sense of responsibility for the success of the project.

I share often tips to strengthen leaders' communication. This skill is critical when enacting change, getting buy-in to your vision, and achieving success. It is also multifaceted, requiring more than just "talking."

Don't misinterpret these recommendations – talking is important for strategy development and to keep employees informed. But the adage is true: Actions speak louder than words. Use your communication skills to encourage employees to take risks and find solutions. Instill confidence in your employees to get things done.

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