Talking, talking, and talking vs. doing the actual work
We’ve all been there — a team meeting where the ideas are flowing, debates are spirited, and everyone seems engaged. The whiteboard is full of diagrams, and someone is furiously taking notes. But when the meeting ends, reality sets in. Despite all the discussion, little has moved forward. Days or even weeks later, the same topics resurface, and the cycle begins again.
For individual contributors, this dynamic can be frustrating. You joined the project to make a tangible impact, yet much of your time is consumed by conversations that rarely translate into action. While collaboration and brainstorming are vital, a culture of endless talking can quickly derail progress. The trick is learning how to navigate this landscape and redirect the energy toward meaningful work.
One reason teams fall into this trap is the fear of failure. Many leaders and team members seek the “perfect” plan, delaying decisions until every contingency is addressed. While careful planning has its place, it can lead to paralysis when perfection becomes the enemy of progress. Add vague goals or unclear metrics into the mix, and discussions tend to spiral without ever landing on actionable steps. Teams may also fall into the trap of rewarding appearances over outcomes — prioritizing participation in meetings rather than the actual delivery of results.
As an individual contributor, you might not have the power to overhaul your team’s dynamics, but you do have the ability to make a difference. One of the simplest ways to push through the noise is to focus on deliverables. Every meeting, conversation, or task should tie back to a concrete outcome. If the purpose of a discussion isn’t clear, ask for clarity. Questions like, “What are we trying to achieve here?” or “What’s the next step after this meeting?” can be enough to nudge the team toward actionable conclusions.
Another way to combat over-talking is to ask action-oriented questions. Instead of letting discussions linger on hypotheticals, pose questions that create accountability: Who will take charge of this task? What’s our timeline for completing it? What can we start today? These simple yet direct questions help shift the conversation from ideas to execution, which is where progress truly begins.
When the team gets stuck in a loop of talking without doing, sometimes the best approach is to take the lead yourself. Summarize the discussion, propose an initial draft or outline, or suggest a small first step to test the waters. Progress often requires a spark, and stepping forward to provide it can inspire others to follow suit. Taking initiative doesn’t just drive the work forward — it demonstrates your commitment to results, earning trust and respect from your peers and leaders.
Tools like Notion, Confluence, and Trello can also help streamline execution. While these platforms are often used for documentation, they shine when leveraged to track decisions, assign responsibilities, and maintain accountability. By keeping the team’s focus on what’s actionable, you minimize the risk of repetitive discussions and ensure that critical tasks don’t slip through the cracks.
Ultimately, your ability to act as a catalyst for progress doesn’t just impact your own productivity — it influences the broader team culture. When others see you delivering results and driving momentum, it creates a ripple effect. To reinforce this shift, celebrate small wins and acknowledge progress as it happens. Tactfully challenge meetings or discussions that veer off course, reminding the team of the end goal. If instructions or priorities feel unclear, seek clarification before unnecessary delays arise.
There’s a reason Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work,” resonates so deeply. While discussions are important for aligning goals and generating ideas, they are only the starting point. Progress comes from doing the work — taking the ideas from the whiteboard and turning them into something real.
So here’s the challenge: the next time you find yourself in a room full of talk, be the one to move the conversation toward action. Draft that first iteration, create that task list, or send that follow-up email. Your efforts to break the cycle will set the tone for your team and help you deliver the meaningful impact you set out to achieve.
What strategies have you used to bridge the gap between talking and doing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Will Kelly is a writer, marketer, and keen observer of the IT industry. Medium is home to his personal writing. He’s written for CIO, TechTarget, InfoWorld, and others. His career includes stints in technical writing, training, and marketing. Follow him on X: @willkelly.
