Embracing a “Doing More with More” Mindset

By Terre Short

I attended a conference where two key themes emerged; the AI train has left the station, and leaders are being asked to do more with less. One of these two is a familiar challenge that I have experienced and coached others through for decades. The other is a new and exciting challenge that I look forward to leveraging. It makes me wonder if a meaningful relationship can exist between the two. Let’s explore the possibilities.

Tightening budgets, workforce constraints, and intense competition converge cyclically and create a perfect storm of heightened expectations and limited means. Traditionally, the mantra for leaders operating under such constraints has been to “do more with less” – a mindset that often translates into longer hours, stretched teams, and compromised quality. However, forward-thinking leaders embrace a different approach, one that emphasizes leveraging the assets they can control to amplify their impact: doing more with more.

The “More” Leaders Can Cultivate

While budgets and headcounts may be finite, leaders possess an array of powerful, renewable resources that can be harnessed to drive success. By intentionally nurturing and deploying these assets, they can transcend limitations and unlock new levels of performance and engagement within their teams. I am not an AI expert, but from what I have learned so far, it seems AI might be useful in all but number one below…though some may argue AI can even play a role in elevating empathy. We’ll save that for another exploration.

1. Empathy and Compassion – In times of constraint, it’s easy for teams to feel overwhelmed, undervalued, and disconnected. By leading with empathy and compassion, leaders can foster a culture of support and understanding that bolsters morale and resilience. Simple gestures, such as active listening, acknowledging challenges, and offering flexibility, can go a long way in building trust and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
2. Intentional Prioritization – With limited resources, prioritization becomes paramount. Leaders who can skillfully prioritize initiatives, tasks, and efforts based on strategic alignment and impact can ensure that constrained resources are allocated effectively. AI excels at processing large datasets to identify the interconnection of priorities and potentially the highest-impact areas to focus efforts.
3. Strategic Pauses – In the relentless pursuit of productivity, leaders often overlook the power of strategic pauses. By creating space for reflection, realignment, and rejuvenation, leaders can prevent their teams from becoming overwhelmed and can course-correct as needed. These intentional breaks can fuel creativity, enhance problem-solving, and ultimately drive more sustainable progress. AI automation can take over repetitive tasks, creating newfound capacity for teams, allowing for such pauses.
4. Leveraging Technology – Technology, including AI, can be a force multiplier, enabling teams to work smarter, not harder. Leaders who embrace digital transformation and invest in the right tools and platforms can streamline processes, build in automations, and unlock new efficiencies. From collaboration tools to data analytics, technology can empower teams to do more with the resources they have.
5. Cultivating Thought Leadership – In resource-constrained environments, intellectual capital becomes a precious commodity. Leaders who nurture thought leadership within their teams – through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning – can unlock new perspectives, insights, and solutions. AI knowledge models can augment human expertise by surfacing relevant intelligence from vast data domains, fueling a growth mindset. This collective wisdom can drive innovation and foster a culture of adaptability.
6. Active Listening and Engagement – Leaders who actively listen to their teams and foster open dialogue can tap into a wealth of insights and ideas that might otherwise go unheard. By creating channels for feedback, collaboration, and constructive challenges, leaders can unlock the collective intelligence of their teams and make more informed decisions, even with limited resources. Natural language AI can synthesize communication data and pinpoint key themes.

The Path Forward: Embracing a “More” Mindset

Adopting a “do more with more” mindset requires a fundamental shift in perspective and approach. It’s about recognizing that true leadership isn’t defined by the resources at one’s disposal but by the ability to strategically leverage and amplify the assets at hand.

This shift doesn’t come without challenges. It requires leaders to let go of traditional notions of control and embrace a more collaborative, empowering leadership style. It demands a willingness to experiment, particularly with AI, and to learn, and adapt continuously. It necessitates a deep commitment to nurturing the human elements of leadership – empathy, trust, and inspiration – that can unlock the full potential of teams.

Leaders willing to embrace this mindset and hop on the AI train as appropriate will reap profound rewards. By doing more with more of what they can control – their emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, technological acumen, and collective wisdom – they can not only navigate resource constraints but also cultivate a culture of resilience, innovation, and sustainable success. The leaders who dare to “do more with more” may very well be the ones who redefine what’s possible and forge a new era of heart-centered leadership.

Circle all possible options for your “more” from the list below. What “more” will you do in order to accomplish more?

More:

Artificial Intelligence, Reflection, Empathy, Recognition, Intention, Prioritization, Pausing, Strategizing, Listening, Asking, Delegating, Compassion (for self and others), Technology, Self-care, Transparency, Candid Communication.

What else would you add?

Terre Short is a best-selling author, executive leadership coach, dynamic speaker and learning experience creator who connects from her heart. To explore more content, check out the THRIVING LEADER COLLABORATIVE APP.