Happy Weekend, CXOs!
We've all heard the saying, "Knowledge is power." But what about the knowledge we don't act on? That's where the knowing-doing gap trips up even the most well-intentioned leaders. As a recent study by Boston Consulting Group highlighted, this gap can cost companies up to 30% in unrealized value.
In the BCG study, this gap was particularly evident in the realm of sustainability, with many leaders understanding the importance of environmental and social initiatives but struggling to implement them effectively. This disconnect stems from familiar barriers:
Information Overload: CXOs are inundated with data and competing priorities, making it tough to focus on execution.
Misaligned Incentives: Short-term financial pressures often overshadow long-term sustainability goals.
Lack of Clear Processes: Without structured frameworks and accountability measures, even the best intentions can falter.
But here's the good news: Indian authors are offering solutions. These two books provide actionable insights to help you bridge the knowing-doing gap and lead with greater impact:
Navigating Complex Realities: "The Difficulty of Being Good: On the Subtle Art of Dharma" by Gurcharan Das:
Find it here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0143418971/ref=asc_df_0143418971/?tag=googleshopmob-21&gad_source=1
This book tackles the often-overlooked ethical dimension of execution. It acknowledges that knowing the "right" thing isn't always easy, especially when facing conflicting priorities or systemic pressures.
Das draws upon the Mahabharata, specifically the story of Arjuna's hesitation on the battlefield. He uses this timeless dilemma to illustrate the complexities of ethical leadership, where even the most well-intentioned leaders grapple with difficult choices. The book encourages reflection and introspection, urging leaders to define their core values and use them as a guiding force in ambiguous situations.
Ethical execution requires more than good intentions; it demands a strong moral compass and the courage to act in accordance with your values, even when facing resistance or uncertainty.
2. From Awareness to Action: "The Toyota Way to Lean Leadership: Achieving and Sustaining Excellence through People Development" by Jeffrey Liker and Rajeev Rewari
Find it here: https://www.amazon.in/Toyota-Way-Lean-Leadership-Development/dp/0071780785
This book dives deep into the "how" of Lean, a philosophy many leaders understand in principle but struggle to implement.
The authors highlight how a Toyota plant in India successfully tackled a high defect rate in their car door assembly. Rather than relying on top-down directives, they empowered the line workers closest to the problem to analyze the process, identify bottlenecks, and propose solutions. This not only improved quality but fostered a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
Lean isn't just about tools; it's about empowering your team to identify and solve problems, turning theoretical knowledge into concrete action.
These 2 books offer a powerful blend of Eastern wisdom and practical tools, empowering leaders to move beyond knowing the "what" to mastering the "how." By embracing these insights, we can bridge the knowing-doing gap, creating more ethical, efficient, and impactful organizations.
What books or resources have helped you translate knowledge into action? Share your insights in the comments below!
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