Movements, from my experience, wouldn’t happen without a whole lot of people moving them forward. If there is only one person responsible, it’s not a movement, it’s a party for one.
Tara Hunt hits the nail on the ahead yet again, with her excellent post Heroes Don’t Work Alone. If you aren’t familiar with Tara, you should be as her writing, speaking and day-to-day efforts have a very large impact on the underpinnings of our online social networks, often bridging these networks with offline communities and brands. Her work helping to set up co-working as a viable alternative to large offices, is benefiting countless entrepreneurs and her efforts to boost the presence and influence of women in technology circles is laying the important groundwork needed to ensure we continue our exponential growth in technology and science.
Heroes Don’t Work Alone provides a concise, readable and important view into the shape of our community and the direction we need to move. We all have roles to play, but they aren’t necessarily the same, and in fact they should be different so we can compliment each other’s strengths and move forward together.
The lines aren’t distinctly cut, and in fact they may well vary per project or passion, but recognizing that we need Creators, Catalysts and Champions is the first step towards greatness, whether you are working in a large organization, or forming a group like Refresh Austin.
I am a catalyst 100%! Too many ideas and connections. I have like 40 blog posts/interviews/marketing ideas in my head and have bought two domain names already that I’ve just parked. In my head, I’ve mapped out how the tech community can connect to help save the world. Note the term “connect”, because the tech community will not do alone, contrary to popular belief. It’s just a matter of me finding the people who will 1.)put it together and 2.) bring it to light.
Apparently I am a Myers-Briggs “Mastermind”, an INTJ. I’d be interested to hear what some of the others Refreshers are…
Thanks for bringing light to this post!
Hrmm… Sounds a whole lot like Gladwell’s roles people play in “Tipping Point.” So where would an ENTP / ENFP, Visionary / Inspirer type fit in? Champion?
Pat, I’d say you pick up the ball and roll with it like a Champ. You are not a shy one, which is a good quality in a geek for sure. Although you have also said that you are good at carrying out ideas, so…
Speaking of carrying out funny ideas, this one is hilarious!
http://www.michellesblog.net/?p=99
A fun Twitter game I heard about. Certainly less work than color wars. I want you guys to play!
I tend to fall into the Catalyst and Champion camps, depending on the project. While I am a Creator at times, I find that skin doesn’t suit me as comfortably as the others.
It’s been a long time since I did Myers-Briggs, but I believe I was categorized as INTJ, though the split between Introvert and Extrovert was almost 50/50.
I love coming up with ideas, connecting the right person or people into the project, working with the team to flesh the ideas out, and then shifting into a position that I can provide them the tools and resources they need, while spreading the word about the amazing project, product, group or service.
One of the things I love most about Refresh is the chance to learn about the projects that Creators are working on, and where possible, connecting them with people or resources that can help them succeed.
I like to brainstorm.
I like to promote good projects.
I like to connect great people.