New Leadership Power Move? (Hint: It’s What Modern Parents Now Practice Daily)

All leaders face the same quiet tension: the balance between Being vs. Doing, much as parents do.
But those who thrive — who actually inspire, adapt, and build connection — are no longer choosing between the two; they’re moving in rhythm with both.
And that rhythm doesn’t begin in the boardroom. It begins in childhood. What can we learn about leadership from modern parents?

In parenting, there’s always a push/pull — one you’ve probably felt yourself. You want to be more present, more grounded, more in the moment with your child. But you also need to get things done. Solve problems. Move forward. You want presence and progress. Reflection and action. Structure and rhythm.

Most of the time, we’re told it’s either/or. You’re either being or you’re doing. You’re either calm and connected…or you’re efficient and effective.

But what if that’s a false choice?

What intentional parents of future-ready children have discovered is a new rhythm that doesn’t split us in half. A third way, where being meets doing.

And this hybrid has never been more important — children who will thrive in an AI tomorrow won’t come from “doing” environments solely focused on achievement. Their competitive advantage will come from environments that consciously allow for “being.”

This third way allows parents to model rhythm, not just routine; to heighten situational and self-awareness; to cultivate introspection with action. It’s how modern parents are building their child’s human traits — their humanness — which is the only thing AI can’t replicate. You can bring this to your leadership at work.

So what does the third way actually look like?

Being is the attuned parent.
The one who senses what’s needed. Who slows down to observe. Who can hold space without rushing to fix.

Doing is the active parent.
The one who sets the tone, initiates the ritual, creates structure, and moves things forward.

Neither is better. Both are necessary. And the sweet spot is when they flow together — when our awareness guides our action. That’s rhythm — a way of moving through the day with intention and presence; clarity and calm. And that’s where parenting becomes not just reactive or theoretical — but intuitive, intelligent, and real.

What The Third Way Looks Like at Work

Being is the leader who notices the energy in the room.
Who reads between the lines. Who listens fully.
Who pauses before responding — because presence is part of the work.

Doing is the leader who sets direction.
Who acts with clarity. Who creates containers for innovation and accountability.
Who moves forward — but does so with awareness.

Great leadership isn’t static or binary. It’s also a rhythm — a dynamic interplay of sensing and acting, pausing and pushing. It’s when empathy informs execution and when presence sharpens performance.When it all becomes flow.

Three Ways to Practice the Third Way — if You’re a Leader

1. Begin with awareness, not action. Before launching into the day, take 60 seconds to notice: What’s the energy? What’s needed now?
2. Create one intentional moment. Not a meeting. A moment. A pause before a big decision. A grounding question to start a check-in. A breath before leading the room.
3. Respond, don’t react. Whether it’s an email, a challenge, or a shifting deadline — pause, observe, then choose the response that reflects who you are, not just what’s expected.

As AI reshapes how we work, learn, and live, the traits that will matter most aren’t technical. They’re human. And they can be nurtured in the space between being and doing.

So how do you balance being and doing at work — or at home? Comment and let’s compare notes.

A former media chief innovation officer turned award-winning author and leadership strategist, Deborah Burns helps people and organizations lead from the inside out. Through her platform, “The Inner Advantage,” she connects story wisdom, personal and professional growth, and skill-building to unlock potential, influence, and impact. Two of her 11 books — “THE 7 DAYS: THE DAILY FLOW,” and “Authorize It! Think Like a Writer to Win at Work & Life” — ground her work with companies, schools, and individuals. You can reach Deborah through her websites: https://deborahburnsauthor.com or https://the7daysgifts.com … connect on Instagram at: deborah_l_burns and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-burns/

Photo by Myles Bloomfield on Unsplash