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In the pursuit of success, whether it's mastering a new skill, winning a competitive Mario Kart tournament, or excelling in a professional role, there's one universal truth: you have to put in the work. However, the nature of that work can vary significantly. Some people thrive in the trenches, executing tasks and solving problems. Others excel in the realm of ideas, strategizing, and planning for the future. This distinction forms the basis of what I've theorized as the two types of professional roles: Strategists and Technicians, or as we often call them, Thinkers and Doers.
Technicians, or Doers, are the ones who get their hands dirty. They are the IT specialists, accountants, healthcare administrators, project managers, and even doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Their work is procedural and rule-based, solving problems within a defined framework. They are responsible for executing tasks, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining systems or processes.
While their work may not be the "big picture" stuff, it's crucial to the success of any organization or outcome. They are the ones who ensure that the day-to-day operations of a business run smoothly and efficiently.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have the Strategists or Thinkers. These are the individuals who decide what the Doers actually do. They are not managers or bosses but architects of process, procedure, and execution.
They are the art directors, product designers, researchers, curriculum developers, and policymakers. Their work is often less procedural and more about exploring new territory and developing innovative ideas and solutions.
While these categories may seem rigid, most professional roles require us to wear a few different hats. For instance, as a UX Designer at IntegrityXD, our work is evidence-based, drawing from user data and established best practices. However, we also venture into new territory, creating something entirely new, even if it echoes a proven strategy before it.
So which one are you? Well, you’re probably both. But which you are most comfortable with is an important part of determining your career path. If you consider yourself a doer, keep an open mind when your procedures may be questioned by strategic colleagues looking to optimize your organization. If you consider yourself a thinker, remember that boots-on-the-ground experience is valuable, and empowering doers to take the reins when and where they feel the need is a sign of good leadership. Whether you identify more as a Strategist or a Technician, it's important to recognize the value in both roles.
At IntegrityXD, we understand this balance and strive to incorporate both strategic thinking and technical execution in our work. Our process empowers our team to crossover into other roles where they may have valuable input. If you're looking for a web consulting agency that understands the balance between strategy and execution, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals.
