Balance is a critical trait for a leader. Thus, it’s important to balance knowing and doing if I’m to be an impactful leader. Fact is, Proverbs address this balance.
The Precept Explained
Where can intentional personal growth lead me? Well, according to Proverbs 1.3 it directs me to balance knowing and doing.
As such, I effectively apply factual knowledge in practical ways.
A Lack of Balance
But, what happens when I lack balance?
Well, I focus only on knowing. Therefore, I’m ever learning but never doing. Or, I focus only on doing, without the balance of considering the facts before me. Thus, I never learn because there’s no reflecting.
Consequently, the invitation to growth in the opening verses of Proverbs aims to establish the know-do balance.
In fact, it’s presented in terms of forming good judgment. Thus, I do what’s right based on what I know. But, I balance that desire for justice with equity or mercy in the doing.
Neither all knowing – always more analysis needed – or all doing – ready, fire, aim – work well in practice!
Know – Do – Be
As well, the knowing-doing balance appears again in Proverbs 3.1 as law (torah). Hence, justice – do right. And, precepts (mitsvah). Hence, apply the law in a way that’s merciful.
Moreover, Proverbs 3.3 repeats these concepts, using the words “truth” and “mercy.”
Now, how do I establish this balance? Actually, the third component of this mental model is being. So, more practically, knowing-doing-being as diagrammed in the following image.
For Solomon, “being” was focused on reverence, Proverbs 1.7 and 3.7. And trust, Proverbs 3.5.
In short, doing right, as guided by good judgment, is most critical, Proverbs 21.3. See also, Hosea 6.6, Micah 6.8, and Matthew 9.13 where we’re warned about going through the motions without any change of character.
Leadership Insight
Impactful leadership is about understanding this head-know, hand-do, and heart-be precept.
Why? Because leaders who are out of balance in one of these three areas will see their impact reduced.
You’ve heard the phrase “no one cares what you know until they know you care.” I disagree. Most especially for leaders, no one cares what you know!
Instead, they care that you grasp the essentials like a sound character, fair treatment of everyone, and a willingness to listen to and acknowledge the value of others in the organization.
Therefore, no one cares that you’re the smartest person in the room!
Where’s the Need?
So, get over yourself as a leader by focusing on what’s most needed in your organization at a given point in time.
For example, you being brilliant is little comfort to an organization that’s facing an existential threat.
Worse yet, that leader doesn’t grasp team member concerns. In so doing, the leader has no impact because everything is about the leader. Now, don’t be that leader!
Apply This Today!
Impactful leaders balance knowing and doing in regard to organizational concerns. Be that leader!
Impactful leaders extend their impact by being learners and by building out experiential insights on top of that new knowledge.
Fortunately, impactful leaders are good at balancing what they know with what they can do with what they know. Be that leader!
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