Getting Clear on "How to Be?"
This year I'm challenging my team, myself, and those I mentor to get clear on their answer to the question, "How to be?" and to act deliberately in the service of that intention.
My challenge stems from a comment in the final paragraphs of a David Brooks article in the The New York Times. He discusses confusing the questions "How to be?" with "What to do?" It's a classic substitution I hear in almost every career coaching conversation I have, including in my own internal dialogue. And it's been ringing in my head ever since Tom Henderson shared Mr. Brooks's thinking with me.
What's critical is that your answer to the question "How to be?" is not siloed to a work, family or hobby persona. Your answer to "How to be" is all encompassing for your life. It's not until you move downstream to "What to do?" that you begin to break into these categories, goals and executable systems. Therefore, if you're clear on your intention of "How to be" you are also clear on your actions in every facet of your life.
For my own accountability I've shared my "How to be?" intention with my team. I hope some may find it useful by my sharing it here as well.
Your perception of potential is just the first offer. RENEGOTIATE.
1. Cultivate belief in change
2. Commit to the outcome
3. Pursue it in earnest
4. Be wary of shortcuts
5. Embrace the grind
6. Forget the timeline
7. Enjoy the path.
Let the transformation sneak up on you.
Vice President, Global Channels, Alliances & Inside Sales at Rubrik (NYSE: RBRK)
5 年I just seen this. It’s going to provide excellent reflection for my 11 hour flight. I have noticed that it’s so easy to get straight to the “what to do” and get tactical straight away.
Sales Leader at Auctane
5 年Great share Brian Hull. All the best to you and your team this year and beyond.
Leader in digital transformation- By giving our customers the ability to think differently, challenge traditional processes, and change relationships with their customers and the workforce.#bethechange #bethebridge
5 年Good to see you this week!!
The line about the job title / function was deep to me. Ie, There can be scummy people in non profits and there can be great people in corporate America. It’s a matter of personal values and living them out.
Here to connect brands with customers | Go-To-Market Engineer
5 年Guiding principles sculpting a perpetual work in progress. Well done, sir.