There are many ways for people to build on their strengths and do superb work. This piece looks at how some people may do their best work as originators, orchestrators or operators. Let’s explore these themes.
Originators
People who take this approach like to shape new things. Whilst recognising that it is hard to be completely original, they like to explore, develop new models or communicate fresh ideas to people.
People who are good at this approach choose different ways to apply their strengths. For example, they may:
Be inspiring founders of businesses … Be evangelists for a business … Be thought leaders in a particular field … Be strategic advisors … Be good communicators who share new ideas in a way that people can use.
People who are good originators may need to be aware of both the pluses and minuses of the role. They can then build on the pluses and minimise the minuses.
The pluses can include the following. They can provide fresh ideas and inspiring visions. They can also pass on knowledge that helps an organisation to stay ahead of the game.
The potential minuses can include the following. Some may come across as too conceptual and not able to ground their ideas in reality. Some may find it hard to be humble or show respect for other people.
People who are originators often need others to translate their ideas into action. This often involves having people who demonstrate the following qualities.
Orchestrators
People who take this approach are good at orchestrating people and resources to achieve certain outcomes. Such people often demonstrate the following characteristics.
They make clear contracts with the key decision makers about the outcomes to achieve – this includes the purpose, the principles to follow and the picture of success;
They communicate the purpose, principles and picture of success to the people who will be involved in making it happen and describe the benefits of achieving these outcomes;
They make clear contracts with people about making their best contributions towards achieving the picture of success;
They coordinate people’s strengths, manage by outcomes and enable people to do superb work;
They encourage people to build on what is working, tackle areas improvement and do their best to achieve the picture of success.
People who are orchestraters may need to be aware of the pluses and minuses of this role. They can then build on the pluses and minimise the minuses.
The pluses can include the following. They can bring great value to an organisation by making things work. They can ensure that people channel their efforts towards performing superb work and achieving the agreed goals.
The potential minuses can include the following. They need to be good at clear contracting with the stakeholders otherwise things won’t work. They also need to manage by outcomes rather than by tasks otherwise they will not get the best from people.
Orchestrators often rely on certain kinds of people who do fine work and deliver the goods. Let’s explore the characteristics shown by such people.
Operators
Good operators enjoy using their professional skills to perform superb work that contributes to achieving specific goals. They often work best when the following conditions are in place.
They are clear on the purpose, the principles to follow and the desired picture of success;
They have a positive attitude, choose to opt-in and make clear contracts about their best contributions towards achieving the picture of success;
They are given the support they need and managed by outcomes – rather than by tasks – when working towards achieving the agreed goals;
They are professional, perform superb work and proactively keep their stakeholders informed about their progress towards achieving the agreed goals;
They deliver the agreed outcomes and also help their colleagues to do good work on the road to achieving the organisation’s picture of success.
People who are good operators may need to be aware of the pluses and minuses of this role. They can then build on the pluses and minimise the minuses.
The pluses can include the following. They can apply their professional skills to perform superb. They can find this gives them great satisfaction and they can continue to develop.
The potential minuses can include the following. They need to be clear on the purpose, principles and picture of success otherwise they may find it difficult to find meaning in their work. They also need leaders who can manage by outcomes otherwise they may feel frustrated.
Good teams make sure they get the right blend of originators, orchestrators and operators. There will always be some cross-over between the roles, of course, but it can helpful to get the right blend. This can help the team to achieve ongoing success.
Let’s return to your own work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may follow one or more of these roles? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
Leave a Reply