Members of a tribe generally fall into one of two personality types: Climber or Contributor. Although one is better for most tribes, each has its place. Which are you?
Climber
The Climber seeks first to climb the career ladder.
Climbers only contributes if it will help them climb.
Climbers seek to promote themselves over their peers.
Climbers make decisions for the organization based on the implications to their career.
Climbers create short-term wins with long-term costs.
Climbers jockey for position.
Climbers worry about perception.
Climbers think and act tactically.
Climbers pull command.
Climbers distribute the blame.
Climbers accept the praise.
Contributor
The Contributor seeks first to contribute to the tribe.
Contributors only climb if it will enable them to contribute more.
Contributors seek to promote their peers and tribe.
Contributors make decisions for the organization based on the implications to their stakeholders.
Contributors create long-term wins out of short-term costs.
Contributors jockey for results.
Contributors worry about reality.
Contributors think and act strategically.
Contributors pull influence.
Contributors accept the blame.
Contributors distribute the praise.
Each tribe places different value on the Climber or Contributor. Some tribes have more of one, than the other. The balance shapes that tribe’s culture and will influence your role in the organization.
2 thoughts on “Climber or Contributor: Which are You?”
Interesting concept Ben. I’m not sure I agree with each one of the Climber list. During my Navy experience a Climber was one who didn’t let conflict or opportunities get in the way of progress. In other words, they worked through the problem to completion. It was never looked at as someone who was aspiring to increased levels of responsibility; which was always a given for those of use who were always looking for promotions.
We would also say, “When the Chaplain goes over the hill, it is just getting right for me.” Nothing was to bad or no problem to big for us Climbers.
As for the contributor, I can agree with those as they are about ‘serving’ and that is what we do as Servant Leaders.
Thanks for the insights.
Thanks for the great insight Dave. I always appreciate and value your perspectives.