Being versus Doing

This week, I was discussing the topic of deepening learning (a “being” coaching skill) and forwarding action (a “doing” coaching skill) with my eight other pod-mates in the Coaches Training Institute certification program led by Melanie Keveles.  When coaches work with clients on deepening learning, they will often employ skills like using powerful questions, including asking them to spend some time in an inquiry around a particular topic.  On the other hand, when coaches work with clients on forwarding action, they may employ techniques such as requesting or challenging clients to do certain things to help them evoke transformation.  It was an interesting exploration because while there are no absolutes here, eight of my pod-mates tend to favor deepening learning with their clients, while I tend to favor forwarding the action.  Which leads me to Albert Einstein and physics.

Albert Einstein is reported to have said that in physics, “nothing happens until something moves”.  As an experimentalist (in science, as well as in life) I will admit that I am quite fond of this expression.  My own life application of this idiom is: “when in doubt, do something”.  Note carefully: when in doubt [pause]….do something. 

 

First, let me say that when there is doubt (or confusion) a perfectly fine choice is to wait to see what happens, and then take (or do not take) appropriate action.  Another choice is to analyze what might happen, and then take (or do not take) appropriate action.  While analysis can be helpful, it is a form of doing, and it can lead to what is often referred to as “the paralysis of analysis”, which is an infinite “do-loop”.  Let me also acknowledge here that I recognize that we are human beings (and not human doings).

So, why do I tend to favor forwarding action over deepen learning?  First, I have found that I learn more when I take action and see what happens.  In physics, we refer to this as “action and reaction”.  In Buddhism, it is called “Karma”.    Also, I recognize that as human beings we come to “exist”, or stand out, by an act of creation. 

In the end, I believe that we can achieve balance between the seeming paradox of being and doing.  It’s kind of like riding a see-saw, which rotates hither and tither on its fulcrum.  Perhaps, our role as coaches is to be on the other end of the board with the client, and help them experience the joy of swinging between the two extremes.

I extend my gratitude to SJ Evans who inspired this post with a powerful inquiry. 

What is your inclination?