In every family, workplace or team, people tend to fall into one of three categories: those who do nothing, those who talk about doing something, and those who take action. It’s a dynamic we see everywhere: from the dinner table to the boardroom. And while each type of person plays a role, there’s one that always stands out to me: the doer. The person who sees what needs to be done and moves, not because they were asked, but because it’s in their nature.
Here’s a simple example. You invite a guest over for dinner. The meal is great, and your guest is kind and appreciative. After dinner, the table needs to be cleared and the dishes done. Some guests sit back and enjoy the moment. Others ask, “Do you need help?” But then there’s the one who gets up, grabs plates, and starts helping (without hesitation). That’s the person I would want on my team.
This same behavior plays out in the workplace.
The Listener
There are team members who listen, take it all in, and follow. They’re dependable, but they need clarity, structure, and reassurance to feel confident moving forward. These individuals thrive under strong, compassionate leadership. Someone to answer their questions, hear their ideas, address any concerns before moving forward. They value consistency and trust, and with the right support, they become loyal and essential contributors.
The Talker
Then there are those who talk a big game. They generate exciting ideas, speak with passion, and sound convincing, so much so that people often rally around them at first. They light up brainstorming sessions, speak confidently in meetings, and paint vivid pictures of what’s possible. But when it comes time to roll up their sleeves and execute, the momentum fades. Deadlines are missed, details get lost, and follow-through is inconsistent at best.
These team members can be the most frustrating. I’ve encountered many in my career who had incredible potential. Individuals that were smart, charismatic, and full of ideas. I wanted to believe in their promises. I rooted for them. But time and again, I was left disappointed. Because in the end, ideas without action don’t build trust. Energy without execution is just noise.
In fact, over time, that kind of dynamic becomes a liability. It drains team morale, creates confusion, and often leaves others picking up the slack. While the intent may be good, intent alone doesn’t move the needle. Execution does.
The Doer
And finally, there are the doers. The action-oriented individuals who get things done. They don’t just talk about the things they’ll accomplish; they do them. They’re self-driven, honest, reliable, and take pride in their work. Their word means something. They don’t need a push because they’re already moving. These are the teammates who quietly elevate the entire team, lead by example, and create real momentum.
Everyone talks but few deliver. The doers will take action and change the world long before the others. Big talk doesn’t build; it drains the team of action. Doers don’t wait to be asked. They set the tone, consistently execute, and obtain real results.
At the end of the day, it’s not ideas that drive success. It’s action. While followers can be loyal and supportive, and talkers may dazzle with potential, it’s the doers who drive change, move businesses forward, and elevate the teams around them. In a world full of conversation, I’m always looking for the ones who roll up their sleeves, not for recognition, but because it’s who they are. Those are the people I want on my team.
In a World Full of Talkers, Be The Doer.
Amber Kodish is the managing member of GovCon Tech LLC, a services company that helps commercial businesses navigate and secure government contracts. In addition, Amber currently holds several board positions including the University of Maryland Master of Business Analytics (MSBA) advisory board chairperson, Targa AI board member and investor, Springboard Enterprises CEO mentor, and Idea VillageX entrepreneur mentor.
As a former CEO of a data science company, Amber improved products while opening new channels resulting in massive revenue capture for the company generating an 89% growth rate and quadrupled the customer base within 1.5 years.
Amber successfully built and led a new public sector team from the ground up, launching a key market segment for a SaaS company. As VP of Public Sector Operations, she expanded their footprint from $0 to $25M in less than three years.
Earlier in her career, at a Fortune 100 company, Amber managed the sales and deployment for $0.75B in business for the federal government.
Amber holds a master’s degree in business administration from Drexel University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rutgers University.
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