7 People Who Don’t Count
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.” Theodore Roosevelt
7 People who don’t count:
- Sir Sits-A-Lot – Always observing, never engaging.
- Mrs. Hindsight – Knows everything after the fact.
- Captain Critic – Leads no one, judges everyone.
- Lady Smug Spectator – Safe, silent, superior.
- Mr. Perfect-Plan-Never-Launched – Still polishing the blueprint.
- The Honorable Judge Rearview – Obsessed with how others stumbled.
- Miss I-Would-Have – Never did. Just would have.
7 Things That Don’t Count:
- Words without action.
- Perfect plans.
- Playing it safe.
- Yesterday’s successes.
- Last week’s hustle.
- Past glory.
- Things that worked in the past.
Ignore the cheap seats. They’re crowded with cowards.
7 People who Count:
- Sergeant Skin-in-the-Game – Bleeds for what matters.
- Ms. Fell-Hard-Stood-Up-Anyway – Knows the taste of dirt and the value of rising.
- Dr. Showed-Up-Scared – But showed up anyway.
- Miss Mud-on-Her-Face – Tried, failed, tried again.
- Lady Tried-and-Tried-Again – Only preaches what she practices.
- Professor Learns-from-Failure – Finds wisdom in bruises.
- Major Dirt-Under-Her-Nails – Talks less, builds more.
Action Items:
- Make a list of people who don’t count. Minimize your contact with them.
- Thank someone who’s in the arena with you.
You count when you act. What are you doing that counts?
Whose impact on your life should you minimize? Whose impact should you maximize?
The Key to Career Growth: Surround Yourself with People Who Will Push You HBR
Looking over my shoulder, I find myself in all three groups depending on the event, the history of my leadership journey, and my self-confidence.
People who do not count can pull you under the water; minimizing contact is good. My leader believes that pursuing them to engage and giving them tasks to accomplish is what leadership looks like. I like minimizing contact that putting energy where it makes a difference.
I appreciate the self-reflection, Scott. It seems that humility is always appropriate. When I was Captain Critic, I thought I did a service. I thought I was doing the right thing. Steady on.
I absolutely love this article and the description of the doers, movers, and changers versus the watchers, wishers, and wanters. Although I did see myself in the latter group, at times, I definitely identify with those who want to effect change and understand that you have to fall to get up. Thank you!
Thank you, Danielle. It’s a pleasure to be of service. It’s the getting up that counts.
There are some really good nuggets of wisdom here. We should all strive to be on the latter list. That being said, some of the wisdom was tainted by the titles of the lists. I don’t like talking about people as either counting or not counting. Referring to people as “not counting” sends a message that they have no value as humans and I struggle with that idea. As someone who also believes strongly in the development of people I would title that list as “People in need of coaching” or something like that. I really do love your blog and despite my reaction to some of the wording today, I still shared it with my team because the message was bang on.
You’re right, Comeau. The language is strong. I appreciate your honesty and the fact that you shared the post with your team even though some of the language didn’t sit well with you.
You’re right. Every person has value and dignity. My intent wasn’t to suggest that some people are worthless, but to highlight behaviors and mindsets that drain energy and discourage action. The phrase “don’t count” was meant to emphasize the difference between those in the arena and those in the cheap seats.
Your suggestion to think of the first list as “people in need of coaching” is generous and constructive.
I’ve been tapping into my sarcastic-self when I write. It’s dangerous. Thank you for the feedback.
Risk seems to be the commonality. Some who shy away from it, always fearing what bad or loss might happen [glass is half empty], while there are others who embrace the opportunity for gain [half full]. Later in life there will be those who regret, “if only I…” while others will say “I’m so glad I…”
As a much younger person I was risk-averse but educated myself and have learned to embrace risk as simply a part of life. Risk encompasses adventure, but the journey is worth it. This poem was read at my father’s memorial service last December. He had it printed in his diary.
The Zest of Life
By Henry Van Dyke
“Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul,
Not hastening to, nor turning from the goal;
Nor mourning things that disappear
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To youth and age, and travels on with cheer.
So let the way wind up the hill or down,
Through rough or smooth, the journey will be joy,
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy —
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
I shall grow old, but never lose life’s zest,
Because the road’s last turn will be the best.”
Showing my age here, but this post reminds me of the old Romper Room song about Do-Bee’s and Don’t Bee’s. https://youtu.be/8H9pnSjqs-A?feature=shared