WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN A TO-DO LIST?
When I think back on my leadership career, I realize that one of the most valuable tools I have ever utilized is a to-do list.
I am embarrassed to admit that when I was younger, I was wedded to my to-do list. I had it written down on a yellow legal pad and carried it around with me every day. I loved crossing things off that list as a day went on. Sometimes if I was distracted by urgent, unexpected issues, I would check off very few items on that list. In those cases, the next day, I would simply change the date at the top so I didn’t have to rewrite the entire list.
I’m also embarrassed to acknowledge that because of my OCD tendencies, I would sometimes get to something very quickly first thing in the morning and then write it down on my list just so I could cross it off. Not something to be proud of!
Of course, those were the days before computers. Now there are so many digital options for creating, tracking and modifying to-do lists that people do not need paper at all. Usually, they use their laptops, their iPads or their phones.
All leaders want to be productive. They want to be efficient. They want to be effective.
However, leadership is about much more than doing. Those of us who study leadership and provide leadership coaching to clients recognize that leadership is as much about being as it is about doing. In fact, some leadership gurus would argue that leadership is more important than doing because it reflects our true essence as leaders..
Being a leader refers to how we show up every minute of the day. That includes showing up when we first walk into the office, whether that office is in person or digital. It includes how we show up in Zoom meetings and personal meetings. It includes how we show up in conversations and in emails and texts.
I was reminded of the importance of “being” a leader when I read an excerpt last week from Chip Conley‘s Modern Elder Academy(MEA) newsletter.
Chip was mourning the loss of his mother. In one of her last communications with him, she encouraged him to not focus on his to-do list, but rather to create and follow a “to-be” list.
Have you ever heard of a “to-be” list? I bet you have not. I know I had not.
However, the more I thought about the importance of leaders showing up throughout the day based upon self-awareness and self-obsevation. I embraced this concept. What a powerful tool it could be for leaders at all stages of their careers. What do I want to BE as a leader?
-I want to be honest
-I want to be open-minded
-I want to be a great listener
-I want to be transparent
-I want to be fair
-I want to be helpful
-I want to be careful
-I want to be empathic
-I want to be enthusiastic
-I want to be kind
-I want to be accountable
-I want to be purposeful
-I want to be thoughtful
-I want to be grateful
-I want to be responsive
-I want to be organized
-I want to be healthy
-I want to be goal-oriented
-I want to be opportunistic
-I want to be focused
-I want to be learning
-I want to be passionate
-I want to be ambitious
What do you want to be – not when you grow up – but right now? Starting tomorrow.
Take a tip from Chip Conley’s mother. Know that your leadership journey will be challenging, exhilarating, disappointing and illuminating. It can be more rewarding if you make the time to construct your personal to-be list. It will serve you well as you continue your own leadership travels.
If you believe this content would resonate with a friend or colleague, please feel free to forward it along!
-Larry