Unlocking team potential: The balance of "Being" and "Doing"

In today's fast-paced corporate world, the focus on productivity and performance often overshadows a fundamental aspect of teamwork: the essence of "Being." While businesses are built on collective effort and collaboration, the true potential of these collaborations can only be unlocked when we balance the act of "Doing" with the state of "Being."

Businesses exist because, individually, our capabilities are limited. Together, as a team, we can aspire to achieve far greater things. The essence of working "together" lies in communication, meeting, and establishing common goals. This necessitates gatherings. When I glance at my schedule, it’s packed with meetings - at least ten a day, similar to many of my colleagues.

The pitfall of autopilot meetings

The prevalent belief is that an effective meeting should:

• Have a specific agenda
• Conclude with a list of actions, designated owners, and deadlines for completion

This approach provides a sense of control and assurance that everything will proceed as planned. However, it overlooks a crucial element: real achievement doesn't stem merely from notes in meeting minutes but from the vitality of the relationships forged between participants.

Many meetings operate on autopilot. As they follow one another, we arrive, sit down, greet each other, the facilitator shares the agenda, discussions take place, decisions are made, and the minutes are sent out. Then we move on to the next meeting. In this relentless pursuit of performance, there is scarcely any room for "Being."

The Importance of "Being"

"Being" is about remembering who we are and what we serve. Employees are not mere cogs repositioned by each meeting. They are vibrant, unique systems, and it is through their interrelations that companies innovate and create.

Paying attention to "Being" also means being aware of the energy we bring to a meeting. Are we operating on automatic, preoccupied with emails and the previous meeting? Or are we present, conscious, and sensitive to the room's dynamics?

Instead of merely ticking off a list of functional items, we should approach meetings as dynamic, living systems. This shift in perspective can profoundly change how meetings are conducted and perceived:

• Energy contribution: Participants should enter meetings fully aware of their current state of energy, whether it be automatic, sensitive, or conscious. Recognizing and adjusting our energy can dramatically influence the meeting's effectiveness and the quality of interactions.
• Clear purpose: Each meeting should have a clearly defined purpose. What are the expected outcomes? What intentions are driving these outcomes? How should participants be present -what mindset or state of being is required? Defining these aspects can align all participants towards a common goal and enhance the meeting’s focus and productivity.
• Interactive dynamics: By incorporating interactive elements such as breakout sessions and open forums, meetings can become platforms for self-reflection and heightened awareness. These formats encourage deeper engagement, allowing participants to explore ideas more freely and connect more meaningfully with the content and each other.

Integrating "Being" and "Doing"

By seamlessly integrating "Being" - our presence and mindfulness - with "Doing" - the tasks at hand - we can transform meetings from routine procedural gatherings into meaningful and impactful experiences. This integration ensures that meetings are not only productive in terms of output but also in fostering growth, collaboration, and a deeper sense of community among participants.

In essence, without "Being", there can be no meaningful "Doing". The success of any endeavor hinges not merely on structured actions and plans but on the dynamic, energetic connections between the individuals involved. By recognizing and cultivating the importance of both "Being" and "Doing" in our professional environments, we can unlock the full potential of our teams and achieve truly remarkable outcomes. It’s time to move beyond the mechanical execution of tasks and embrace the living, vibrant essence of our collaborative efforts.