Doers, Critics, and Spectators
By Shiva
@Shiva49 (28371)
Singapore
May 18, 2021 9:25am CST
All my life I have observed the above three categories of people.
Some just do it whatever the circumstances, right on the ball, quick on the uptake, flexible and never complaining.
Then we have critics waiting in the wings and never let go an opportunity to criticize, cast aspersions, on others’ actions. They don’t lift a finger otherwise.
Then the spectators and onlookers who try to make sense of the reality and are more of foot soldiers ready to chip in but want some goading to spur them into action.
I fall into the first category, anxious not to leave anything undone. This has been a habit with me. I am a professional accountant, now retired, and when things accumulate they become too huge a burden. I try to find the right time to get things done; not too soon like eating a fruit before it is ripe or too late resulting in a hurried job. I felt restless when I had to wait for data from others before I could swing into action. Time bound regulatory filings were always demanding.
I came to view critics as a pain especially those who had nothing to contribute otherwise. They were more of a wet blanket.
The spectators and onlookers are harmless as they know not what to do but ever eager to be of help.
That has been my life especially when I was working. In our personal lives too, we have to live with all the three and we know who we have to go to in times of need.
Though I do not volunteer actively, I am happy when people seek my help to sort out their issues.
The world will be a much better place if more are doers. There is always enough room for them!
Don’t you think so?
Image: Image from free media site Pexels – Doer
10 people like this
11 responses
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
18 May 21
Yes I could not agree more of your observations Shiva.
If I had my way in life, I would have moved mountains, and I nearly did quite often.
My life has demanded action only, no time for nonsense of criticizing or observing.
4 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
18 May 21
@Shiva49 Indeed gloom and doom without taking some action for change.
3 people like this
@DianneN (254949)
• United States
18 May 21
Oh, I certainly agree with you! I am blessed to come from a family of doers.
There are too many who love to sit on their fat behinds and do nothing but criticize and cast aspersions. They exist everywhere and in every country. Pathetic losers is my word for them. I have several other choice words, but must refrain.
I believe some onlookers need encouragement and are grateful for any advice or help.
I believe some onlookers need encouragement and are grateful for any advice or help.3 people like this
@everwonderwhy (7355)
•
19 May 21
Usually, the people who howl, complain, whine loudest about anything have nothing worth saying. They usually have nothing to offer to help solve any problems they complain about.
The world needs Shivas to help make a better place to live in.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28371)
• Singapore
20 May 21
Thank you. Empty vessels make the most noise.
Though I am a doer, I am careful not to jump into the fray unless I am confident to make a positive change.
Criticism for its own sake is a wet blanket dousing the initiatives and enthusiasm of do-gooders.
1 person likes this
@prashu228 (37518)
• India
18 May 21
Nice to know that you are flexible, I am both flexible at times and spectator ..lol
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
18 May 21
Very true. There is a time when action is required without much time to plan.
2 people like this
@innertalks (23734)
• Australia
18 May 21
A couple of sayings come to mind.
"Too many cooks spoil the broth."
"Too many chiefs, and not enough Indians."
We do need active leaders, but we also need real leaders, not pretend ones, and we do need foot-soldiers, and people to carry out the orders too.
Negotiation is also good to do first too, as nobody likes the bull in the china shop type either, who just bulldozers through with his own ideas, roughriding over everybody else.
Balance rules the day, in all things, even in leadership.
Yes, it is always better to get busy with the task at hand, than to toss it from hand to hand, just thinking about it so much, that nothing concrete ever gets done.
@innertalks (23734)
• Australia
19 May 21
@Shiva49 The doer does have to be a smart doer though, or all the work will get piled onto them.
@Shiva49 (28371)
• Singapore
19 May 21
@innertalks True, I used to get calls passed on to me by those who were supposed to do the work in the first place! I had to convince them it was indeed their job to start with.
It was like waking someone pretending to be asleep!
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (28371)
• Singapore
19 May 21
I have found the three categories of people I have described everywhere I had worked.
I used to go for audits when I was doing Chartered Accountancy and in every place I would find a few doers, ever helpful, even going out their way, domain of work, to help us with our audit work. That made me realize the important roles they played and I modeled my outlook after their approach and attitude.
Then, at the other extreme, were the few who were stumbling blocks, ready to point fingers but miserly with positive inputs. At one place he was the CEO himself and I had to work around him to get things done!
The majority feel lost as they look for a role model, someone who can hold their hands, and then willing to go the distance.
I could have voted with my feet at a few places but I rose to the challenge to get things done despite the obstacles and recalcitrant few.
It was test of patience and skill at maneuvering like dribbling past the defenders to meet my goals and deadlines. Talk of Madonna, Messi!
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (28371)
• Singapore
18 May 21
Once I knew how to be of help in any given situation, I never let slip an opportunity to chip in.
Some never miss an opportunity to criticize and spread negativity.
The onlookers want a bit of encouragement and then they can punch above their weight too.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 May 21
I also would think some people can be a combination of the characteristics you described. I like to get things done and not have things unfinished. Sometimes to a fault. I can also be critical of others who are unmotivated, lazy or inconsiderate. Maybe it's my Virgo astrology which states we are critical, although we have many better traits. And being a spectator in the right situation can be a good thing, as one can learn many different things through observation. But if asked, like you I enjoy helping others and am generous and patient with my time in solving their issues.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (28371)
• Singapore
21 May 21
From a young age, my role models were the doers and I used to admire their never-say-die spirit
However, I am careful not to poke my nose into those where I have limited knowledge.
What I cannot stand is the wet blanket waiting for any opportunity to douse any initiative and I have found them everywhere I have worked with the refrain - "things are bad, going to be worse".
If it is something where I can make a positive contribution, I just do it as any delay plays inside me.
Neither too early, neither too late is my way.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
22 May 21
@Shiva49 That's so true about the wet blanket type of person who gives off negative vibes. Better to be positive and optimistic and not let the those negative people pull you down with them.
1 person likes this
