Rain Makers

I have found that people can be fit into three categories when considering their interpersonal relationships insofar as they relate to responsibility and accountability. I characterize these categories as Rain Makers, Meteorologists and Weather Men (Women).

Rain Makers accept full responsibility for meeting or exceeding whatever commitments they make. In other words, this kind of person will hire a plane and spread dry ice and/or perform Indian Rain Dances if that's what it takes to get rain if they've indicated that rain can be expected. These people can be counted on to achieve an objective if it's achievable. Further, they're generally competent to achieve it. Note: "con men" try to project a "Rain Man" image but only the most naive will accept a significant commitment from someone who hasn't demonstrated a Rain Man's characteristics in more than one lesser significant instances.

Meteorologists study all the relevant information available and are very well informed and expert so that they can confidently predict the outcome when they indicate that rain can be expected, but if it doesn't rain the most they will be affected is to be driven to better understand why they were mistaken. They feel accountable for the result but not responsible for it. Meteorologists make good managers but not the best leaders.

Weather Men (Women) are those who will do a competent job of doing what they're told to do but they take little, if any, responsibility for the results and certainly do no feel accountable for any failure to meet expectations. Generally they're better at 'sizzle' than at substance.

In characterizing people this way I intend no judgment related to the value of their contributions or worth. However, to misjudge an individual 's category can never afford optimal results in one's own interpersonal activities.