Two of the most powerful forces on the planet are intention and action. They are linked together, yet completely separate. And as we better understand their power, we are better able to use the collective and individual power of each.

Action

Nothing happens or changes until someone does something. As leaders, we are in the behavior business. Choosing our behaviors and observing those of others is a big part of our job. Action also dictates and informs our improvement. It is fine if we have learned something, but until we turn it into action, the learning is hollow and less-than-helpful.

Intention

Intention – when disconnected from action – can be unhelpful and unhealthy. Note the proverb: The road to hell is paved with good intentions. In this view, intention without action gives the word a bad name.

But intention when applied to action helps us overcome the status quo, break from unhelpful habits and sets the table for acting in new and specifically chosen ways.

The Combined Power

When we combine intention and action, (really) good things can happen.

If I have decided when I see a situation that I will respond in a new way, I have set an intention. When you change your response in that situation, you will get better results or learn something to apply intentionally next time.

If I attend a training session, read about a concept in a book or hear about it in a podcast, I can decide to apply it when appropriate. There is the intention. When I couple that with action, I will get a new result.

Intention then is a powerful antecedent to purposeful and flexible action.

If there is no intention to try something new, we will continue to operate on autopilot.

If there is intention but no action, there is often guilt or a loss of confidence.

Tapping the Power

To tap the power of intention and action we must:

  1. Recognize the power. Realize that a new intention is likely needed if we want any change in our behavior and results.
  2. Be willing to move past norms and habits. We must let go of the tried, true and automatic to even have a chance for change.
  3. Try the new thing. Once you have decided a new intention is helpful, resolve to do what you intend, rather than what is automatic.
  4. Reflect. Look at what worked and what didn’t and set a new intention for your next opportunity.

When we do these three things – when we couple intention and action – we have a chance to get new better results. And until we make that choice, we will likely get the same results; and in a world that is always changing, we might get diminishing results from consistent, automatic action.

Note: Being flexible and adaptable requires the combination of intention and action. Without intention, we will lean into and auto-respond as we always have. If you find this idea of being flexible as a leader valuable, you will want a copy of my new book: Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with ConfidenceThis book gives you a full understanding of what it means to be a flexible leader and provides you with a toolkit for becoming more effective and flexible.

Pre-order your copy today.

Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

Share your thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}