Stakeholders Doers vs Talkers and the Project Manager Role

In project management, success often depends on balancing two key stakeholder archetypes: doers and talkers. Doers excel at execution, driving progress and delivering tangible results, but may struggle with strategic thinking or collaboration. Talkers, on the other hand, shine in planning, communication, and big-picture focus, yet can sometimes overanalyze or delay actionable tasks. Both bring unique strengths and challenges to a project, and the key to success lies in leveraging their abilities effectively. By clearly defining roles, fostering collaboration, and aligning strategy with execution, project managers can create a harmonious dynamic that maximizes the contributions of both groups and drives projects to successful outcomes.

Balancing the Scales: Doers vs. Talkers in Project Management

In the fast-paced world of project management, success often hinges on the dynamics of your team. Among the many roles stakeholders play, two archetypes stand out: the "Doers" and the "Talkers." These two groups bring distinct strengths and challenges to the table and understanding how to balance their contributions is key to driving projects forward. Let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of each—and how to make them work together for project success.

The Doers: The Engines of Execution

Doers are the hands-on contributors who thrive on action. They roll up their sleeves, dive into tasks, and focus on getting things done. Their work is tangible, measurable, and often the backbone of a project’s progress.

The Talkers: The Architects of Strategy

Talkers are the planners, communicators, and visionaries. They excel at brainstorming, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring the project stays on course. While they may not always be hands-on, their contributions are critical to the project’s strategic success.

The Project Managers

The key to successful project management lies in leveraging the strengths of both doers and talkers. 

Advantages of Doers:

  • Action-Oriented: Doers are the ones who turn plans into reality. They focus on execution and ensure deliverables are met on time.
  • Efficiency: With their "get-it-done" mindset, they help prevent delays and keep the project moving forward.
  • Results-Driven: Their contributions are visible and measurable, which helps maintain momentum and accountability.
  • Problem-Solving: Doers are quick to identify and address issues during implementation, often finding practical solutions on the fly.

Disadvantages of Doers:

  • Limited Strategic Input: Doers may focus so much on execution that they overlook the broader strategic picture.
  • Overcommitment: Their eagerness to act can lead to burnout or a decline in the quality of their work.
  • Resistance to Collaboration: Some doers undervalue the importance of communication and planning, leading to siloed efforts.
  • Tunnel Vision: By focusing on immediate tasks, they may miss long-term implications or opportunities for improvement.

Advantages of Talkers:

  • Strategic Thinking: Talkers excel at seeing the big picture, identifying risks, and planning for long-term success.
  • Communication: They ensure that all stakeholders are aligned, informed, and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Big Picture Focus: Talkers help teams stay focused on overarching goals and objectives, preventing projects from veering off course.
  • Conflict Resolution: Their emphasis on discussion can help resolve disagreements and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Disadvantages of Talkers:

  • Lack of Execution: Talkers may focus too much on discussions and not enough on actionable tasks.
  • Delays: Excessive talking can slow down decision-making and hinder project progress.
  • Overcomplication: They may overanalyze or introduce unnecessary complexity, leading to inefficiencies.
  • Perceived Lack of Contribution: Because their work is less tangible, talkers may be seen as less impactful by other team members.

PMs Finding the Balance:
Doers and Talkers Together

  1. Define Roles Clearly: Assign doers to execution-heavy roles and talkers to strategic or planning roles. This ensures that each stakeholder plays to their strengths.
  2. Encourage Collaboration: Foster open communication between doers and talkers to ensure alignment between strategy and execution.
  3. Set Milestones: Use milestones to bridge the gap between planning and doing. This keeps talkers focused on actionable outcomes and gives doers a clear roadmap.
  4. Promote Mutual Respect: Help team members appreciate the value of both execution and strategy. This reduces friction and builds a stronger, more cohesive team.
  5. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly assess the team dynamic and make adjustments as needed to ensure both groups are contributing effectively.

Conclusion: The Power of Balance

In the end, doers and talkers are two sides of the same coin. Doers bring the drive to execute, while talkers provide the vision to guide the way. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each—and fostering a culture of collaboration—project managers can harness the full potential of their teams.

So, the next time you’re managing a project, ask yourself: Do I have the right balance of doers and talkers? If not, it might be time to recalibrate. After all, success isn’t just about doing or talking—it’s about doing and talking in harmony.

 

Sidebar: Quick Tips for Managing Doers and Talkers

  • For Doers: Encourage them to participate in planning sessions to gain strategic insight.
  • For Talkers: Set clear deadlines and deliverables to keep discussions focused.
  • For Project Managers: Act as the bridge, ensuring that strategy informs execution and vice versa.