6 Ways to Spot All Talk No Action

Let’s face it, you send a message with what you say AND what you do. If words aren’t supported with consistent actions, they will ring hollow. Someone once said, “Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold –– but so does a hard-boiled egg.”

The Emperor

Is all talk, no action. Like the emperor’s new clothes, everything is centered on the show rather than on substance. He talks a good game, but don’t expect any action or follow-up from this empty suit.

The Politician

Will say anything to win your vote of confidence; this person is great with words but don’t ask for accountability. Once this opportunist gets what she wants, she’s nowhere to be found.

The Hypocrite

Is so full of @#%^*?! that even he doesn’t believe what he is saying. Forget action on his part. He has a hard enough time keeping his own stories straight.

The Drifter

Has no backbone. He make statements one minute and changes his positions the next. If it seems that these folks are confused or evasive, it’s because they are.

The Professor

Speaks eloquently about theory, but that’s where it ends. Action? That thought never crossed her mind. As the popular saying goes, “An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.”

The Zombie

Is so oblivious to reality he doesn’t even realize that his words are out of step with his actions. It only takes someone else to shine a bright light on this fellow to expose his insincerity.

When you “walk the talk,” your behavior becomes a catalyst for people’s trust and faith in you. And it also emphasizes what you stand for. So, any time you make a claim, no matter how small, and display inconsistent behavior, you shatter the comfort zone –– and weaken your bond of trust with others. As a result, anything thought to be predictable in the future may be treated as suspect. The fact is, everything you do in life sends a message. So make sure to practice what you preach. As Ben Franklin said, “Well done is better than well said.”

An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.

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Well done is better than well said. – Benjamin Franklin

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This is an excerpt from Follow Your Conscience, which will be released November 2014

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Frank Sonnenberg

Frank is an award-winning author. He has written five books and over 300 articles. Frank was recently named one of “America's Top 100 Thought Leaders” and nominated as one of “America’s Most Influential Small Business Experts.” Frank has served on several boards and has consulted to some of the largest and most respected companies in the world. Additionally, FrankSonnenbergOnline was named among the “Best 21st Century Leadership Blogs.” Frank’s new book, Follow Your Conscience, was released November 2014. © 2014 Frank Sonnenberg. All rights reserved.