Most leaders are measured by what they do. We’re wired to chase the to-do list. Hit the targets. Deliver the project. Ship the product. Doing feels tangible, and it’s what gets rewarded.
But you can check every box and still fail as a leader – if the way you’re being erodes trust, drains energy, or leaves people behind. I’ve worked with leaders who were masters of strategy and execution, but left the people around them exhausted, frustrated and spinning.
The best leaders are remembered for who they are. I’ve worked with leaders who didn’t have all the answers, but the way they showed up – grounded, curious, empathetic – made people want to follow them anywhere. A Chief People Officer I used to work with often said, “I’m not sure what the right way forward is. What do you think?” And the impact? The team leaned in and stepped up.
Doing drives output. Being shapes impact. And your impact is what lasts.
A few ways to start focusing on being - not just doing:
Before you rush into your next priority or sprint, pause and ask yourself: Who am I being right now? Am I being the kind of leader I’d want to follow?
Before diving into today’s to-do list, take 30 seconds to name how you want to show up today (curious, calm, bold, etc.)
In your next team meeting, instead of just focusing what’s on the agenda or what’s being discussed, ask yourself or ask the team, “how are we being together as a team?