Implementer

Over the years I have come to realize I am a great implementer. I so wanted in my 20's to be the person that comes up with great ideas (and even into my 30's), but I realized more and more after kicking myself in the behind for not doing it well that what I do best is implement. For every grandiose idea person, there is the person behind the scenes that makes things happen. I started accepting this when I read an article in some newspaper noting the accomplishments of some person behind the scenes of a famous person. And realized that's me. Especially in my last job.

The problem comes when the idea person can't stop with the ideas - has no sense of reality. And then the implementer goes nuts when even reason can't prevail and he/she is expected to implement all ideas equally. And then the implementer becomes known as the 'no' person. Well, that at least was my response in the past job. For many reasons I had lost all respect for my boss and didn't give a shit how I spoke to her. "No" was the least of the negative things I said to her. However, I will never sink to that level again. And I've learned in my current job how to balance.

I was thinking of this as I had dinner with M this past weekend. He's frustrated at his job because he's an idea man, and his boss is saying no. I asked if his ideas meant hiring more people. And they did. So, I tried to provide perspective by talking a little bit about my experience. Not sure it helped at all, since maybe he just wanted me to say 'there there', but it was good for me. :-)