Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

4 | Leading for Impact: The Power of Being Over Doing

Nov 15, 2023

Explore the concept of 'how to be' rather than 'how to do' in leadership, the power of purpose and being, and the challenges and importance of prioritizing 'being' over 'doing' as a leader. Reflect on purpose and connection, shift from doing to being, and be inspired to join a study trip to Japan and share your learnings on LinkedIn.

29:32

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Quick takeaways

Shifting the focus from doing to being can lead to longer-term success and impact as a leader.

Engaging in introspection, taking intentional pauses, and seeking feedback can help leaders align actions with desired impact and create a people-centered learning culture.

Deep dives

The Power of Being as a Leader

Leaders are often focused on doing rather than being. This prevents them from truly embracing their purpose and the impact they can have. The podcast explores how shifting the focus from doing to being can lead to longer-term success and impact. The concept is exemplified by a phrase shared by a sage leader in Japan: 'Don't focus on how to do, but rather on how to be.' This simple yet profound idea challenges leaders to prioritize their essence and purpose, rather than getting caught up in urgent tasks. By embracing being over doing, leaders can create a people-centered learning culture and achieve meaningful results.

Introduction

3min

The Power of Purpose and Being

2min

Focusing on 'Being' as a Leader

13min

Reflecting on Purpose and Connection

5min

Shifting from Doing to Being

5min

Reflections, Japan Study Trips, and the Power of Being

2min

How can simple phrase can change your perspective on you as a person and as a leader?

“Don’t focus on how to DO, but rather on how to BE.”

In this episode, I explore this meaningful and powerful quote and the impact it has had on me. It reaffirmed what I know to be true about the essence of leadership and making impact personally and professionally.

And it highlights what we often get wrong in our approach to leading organizational cultural transformation and how we try to get results. We focus more on the DOING than the BEING.

In this episode of Chain of Learning you will learn:

The story behind this quote
How to significantly shift your – your team’s – productivity and happiness by “being” rather than just “doing”.
How completing an initiative and applying the technical side of problem-solving isn’t always the desired outcome
Why it is so hard for us to focus on being rather than doing
Three tips I have for you to stay more focused on BEING

Tune in now to this episode of Chain of Learning podcast. It’ll help you identify your priorities and find new ways to lead your team from a renewed perspective. Learn how to be and the results will follow.

Have you subscribed to Chain of Learning? Make sure you subscribe and follow so you don’t miss an episode.

Important Links:

My Book: Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: https://kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead/
Japan Study Trip: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/
Visit the episode webpage to see my drawing: http://chainoflearning.com/4
Work with me – KBJAnderson.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/

In this episode, you can expect to learn:

01:10: Discussion on 'how to be' versus 'how to do'
04:28: Key takeaway "Don't focus on how to do but rather on how to be."
07:05: Case study - Operational Excellence Practitioners
10:16: Learnings from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino
12:13: Being vs Doing in Leadership
16:12: Achieving Balance between Being and Doing
17:03: Drawing Exercise for Self-introspection
22:42: Taking an Intention Pause
24:31: Importance of Intentional Pauses
26:38: Relation of Being with Organizational Learning
28:04: Invitation to Learning Experience in Japan

Enter to win a copy of Wendy Smith's book "Both/And Thinking"

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