Here’s a leadership paradox if I ever read one — what matters more, what we do or who we are? In leadership theory, it’s expressed in the classic management vs. leadership split, a false distinction but a long standing one. You can’t really deny the truth of his practical advice — “Leaders don’t matter until they do what matters.” And I love the list of suggestions for doing more of what matters, including answering the question, “Who do I need to spend more time with?”

I guess I would add, “Do your inner work – don’t avoid this important doing that helps you be more present in your doing! (Forgive the maze phrase!) And a codicil — don’t let doing your inner work get in the way of your leadership responsibilities! Where my thinking intersects with this post is that leadership is about relationships — and all action has to proceed from that place in order to matter!