The art of BEing in Leadership

"To be or not to be, that is the question"

For many leaders, especially those in high-stakes environments, the journey to success has been built on doing. 

But as they rise to oversee broader and more complex portfolios, a pivotal shift from execution to strategy becomes essential.

And for senior executives, the challenge often lies not in doing more but in shifting their focus from mere transaction to strategy, to transcend to a more impactful leadership role.

In this dynamic world, where speed and results are prized, could "being" actually be the hidden key to true leadership impact?

Let’s picture Maya, a successful COO in a global organization. Maya is known for her quick decision-making, her ability to "get things done," and the speed at which she tackles new challenges. But recently, as she was promoted to oversee an even larger portfolio, Maya found herself feeling stretched. In her day-to-day, her focus was continually consumed by immediate needs, constant emails, and back-to-back meetings. She barely had time to pause and consider the larger picture. The urge to “do” was always present, pushing her further into the realm of transactional tasks.

During our coaching conversations, we explored what it would mean for Maya to BE instead of always DO. This shift is more than just a strategic pivot; it’s a fundamental reorientation of mindset. Strategy, after all, is the path that leads to transformational outcomes, but Being is the state that allows it to happen. Being is a state that provides space – space to breathe, to reflect, and, perhaps, even to "twiddle your fingers." In this space, creativity flourishes, insights emerge, and true transformation takes root.

As a leadership coach, I engage with leaders like Maya unlock the art of BEing. I believe that true transformation comes not from endless doing but from purposeful being. When leaders allow themselves to pause, they create the foundation for strategic impact. So alongwith a "to do" list, start creating a "to be" list, to cultivate the qualities you want to embody as a leader - qualities that fuel creativity and innovation. When leaders focus not just on actions but on who they are in the moment - curious, open or bold - they create an environment of trust and deeper connections, one where ideas flourish

Great leaders aren't defined by what they do in the moment but by who they choose to BE in every moment