Most leaders I work with don’t suffer from a lack of things to do.
The opposite in fact is true. Think of your own experience … a packed diary, a bulging inbox and back to back meetings. Most days end with barely enough margin to think.
But … what if who you are matters more than what you do?
Let me explain.
The ultimate purpose of leadership is not execution – it’s multiplication. To create more leaders.
The people around you don’t just learn from what you do – they learn from who you are. Leadership acts like an amplification system. Your energy, presence, and values get amplified in every room you walk into.
Whether you like it or not, others are tuning in to how you show up, not just what you get done.
So, who will you be?
Not just when things are calm – but in the tough moments. The high-pressure meetings. The unexpected crisis. The disappointing result. These are the real leadership crucibles. When your team looks at you, what do they see? What does that inspire them to BE?
This is why your TO BE LIST matters so much.
It asks:
Too often, we avoid the deeper work and default to task-mode leadership.
This is understandable in a way. It’s tangible and it keeps us feeling productive. But it can also keep us shallow. Reactive. The truth is: there’s a comfort in staying busy. Leadership however isn’t about comfort – it’s about awareness and responsibility.
It’s not just about doing the right things. It’s about being the right person – on purpose. And that means an understanding of self. Taking time to tune your inner world. Your mindset. Your beliefs. Your principles.
- Here’s the challenge I’m leaving with you:
Create a TO BE list.
Literally. Write it down. A list of qualities and commitments that define who you want to be as a leader.
I’m helping a CEO with this right now.
Here is his TO BE list:
- 1Be Present
Slow down. Give my full attention – especially when it’s inconvenient. - 2Be Calm Under Pressure
When things heat up, think and act clearly – don’t add to the noise. - 3Be Courageous
Say the hard thing with respect. Make the call. Don’t avoid the discomfort that grows people. - 4Be Curious, Not Defensive
Ask more questions. Seek to understand before I explain. Be open to being wrong.
- 5
Be Consistent
Let people know what they can count on me for – especially when there’s pressure or emotion. - 6Be a Builder of Others
Spot potential. Call it out. Make room for others. Leadership isn’t my spotlight. - 7Be Accountable
Own my impact. Fix what needs fixing. Don’t blame, deflect or delay. - 8Be Values-Driven
Don’t just talk – live the values. Especially when it’s costly or inconvenient. - 9Be Grounded
Know what I stand for. Know what I won’t compromise. Let this be my compass. - 10Be Energy-Aware
Notice the energy I bring into the room. I know I can lift or drain. I choose to lift.
This took time to refine. But now it serves as a daily mirror. He’s shared it with his team. They love the transparency it brings. They know he’s not perfect but he’s authentic and sincere.
This has made all the difference.
So give it a go. Write your own list. Put the effort in – share it with others.
In the end it will not be your to-do list that defines your leadership. It’s your TO BE list that will. That’s what people will feel. That’s what they will follow.
And when they, in time, are in your shoes, that’s what they will remember!
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I love it! Create your TO BE list!
Hi Natalie … thank you for your comment. Knowing your TO BE and sharing it with others makes the biggest difference!
Fantastic!
HI Lillian – I loved receiving your comment – thank you!
Insightful and significant as usual Grant 👏🏼
It is the hardest work we will ever do … and is also the most rewarding 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing 👍🏼
Dear Steve – thank you for your comment. You truly know how TO BE … thank you. Grant
Thanks Grant, great tool to reflect on oneself.
Take Care !!!
Thank you Abel – it is great to hear from you. A simple but profound tool. Hope you enjoy using it. Best, Grant
Hi Grant, trust you well.
Great tool to self reflect!!!
Take Care!!
Thank you so much, it has TOUCHED alot of areas that I need to work on, in terms of TO BE.
Hi Mwajuma – it is great to hear from you. We had such a good time ‘Tracking Success’ together. I am pleased this touched areas that are important to you. Best, Grant
This is awesome! Thanks Grant.
Thank you Carl – it is lovely to hear from you. Best wishes, Grant
Wow, I loved this! Very impactful, thank you!
Thank you Lou-Ann – it is great to hear from you!
Thank you for sharing Grant, really insightful.
Hi Donovan – as always it is lovely to hear from you. You are doing great work. Best wishes, Grant
Hi Grant,
I hope you are keeping well. Thanks so much for this great tool. There are definitely some points that I’m going to add to my TO BE list.
Take care
Dear Luisa – it is wonderful to read your comment. Good luck with your TO BE list! Grant