October 30, 2016
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #11
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, Gorgeous fall colors
We are human beings, not human doings.
– Michael Brown
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
– Maya Angelou
In today’s society we are very focused on Doing, the act of making something happen through our own action. We’re surrounded by phrases and slogans:
It’s natural for us to take to Doing, as the first capabilities we develop are sensing and moving. We’re trained through our education system and work to Do homework, complete assignments etc. We’re constantly confronted with suggestions and requirements to Do things differently to fit in and measure up.
Amidst this flood of “feedback”, it is easy to lose sight of our Being, the quality or state of our existence.
The problem is, the creativity, quality and effectiveness of our Doing is dependent upon the quality and state of our Being.
Doing and Being are an interdependent pair (a Polarity), like Inhaling and Exhaling. The quality of each inhalation we take sets the stage for how we exhale. When we inhale fully using our diaphragm, we open up, expanding our whole body, and set the stage for a relaxed, almost effortless exhale. When we inhale in a shallow restricted way, our exhale becomes forced also, and our whole system tightens up.
Likewise, when we develop our capacity for Being (Aware, Mindful, Present, and Calm with an Open Relaxed Readiness) we open up our ability to take action with choice based on our intentions and commitments. Instead of reacting to the latest event, we become able to respond with clarity and confidence, Doing what is most appropriate in the moment.
As we develop our state of Being it changes how we feel, and how we impact the feelings of others, extending our leadership capacity to engage others around us.
I assist Leaders in developing both their Being and Doing through Generative Leadership Coaching. You can learn more here.
Let’s create a better future today!
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #11
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, Gorgeous fall colors
We are human beings, not human doings.
– Michael Brown
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
– Maya Angelou
In today’s society we are very focused on Doing, the act of making something happen through our own action. We’re surrounded by phrases and slogans:
- Just Do It
- Let’s Do This
- What have you Done lately?
- Just Do Something
It’s natural for us to take to Doing, as the first capabilities we develop are sensing and moving. We’re trained through our education system and work to Do homework, complete assignments etc. We’re constantly confronted with suggestions and requirements to Do things differently to fit in and measure up.
Amidst this flood of “feedback”, it is easy to lose sight of our Being, the quality or state of our existence.
The problem is, the creativity, quality and effectiveness of our Doing is dependent upon the quality and state of our Being.
Doing and Being are an interdependent pair (a Polarity), like Inhaling and Exhaling. The quality of each inhalation we take sets the stage for how we exhale. When we inhale fully using our diaphragm, we open up, expanding our whole body, and set the stage for a relaxed, almost effortless exhale. When we inhale in a shallow restricted way, our exhale becomes forced also, and our whole system tightens up.
Likewise, when we develop our capacity for Being (Aware, Mindful, Present, and Calm with an Open Relaxed Readiness) we open up our ability to take action with choice based on our intentions and commitments. Instead of reacting to the latest event, we become able to respond with clarity and confidence, Doing what is most appropriate in the moment.
As we develop our state of Being it changes how we feel, and how we impact the feelings of others, extending our leadership capacity to engage others around us.
I assist Leaders in developing both their Being and Doing through Generative Leadership Coaching. You can learn more here.
Let’s create a better future today!