BECOMING MODAL-AWARE

As I continue to think about the importance and value of leveraging different modes, I keep coming back to the power of intentionality.

 
This intentionality really begins with self-awareness. Anyone can benefit from being self-aware, but founders reap unique advantages from understanding themselves not just on an introspective level but from the point of view of others. With the concept and understanding of Founder Mode surging in popularity, I’m bringing another aspect of self-awareness into the conversation: modal awareness. 

Being modal-aware means recognizing which mode you’re in, understanding why you’re in it, and being purposeful about it. While intentionality around modes is powerful for everyone, it’s a true superpower for founders. Because when you’re building a company, the ability to switch modes consciously and deliberately is what can set you apart from other founders who constantly feel overwhelmed. Successful founders don’t just subconsciously drift between roles — they know when to operate as a visionary, when to focus on tactical execution, and when to invest in coaching or mentoring their team.

Read more in 13 Essential Modes for Founders.

From Founder Mode to Leader Mode to Servant Mode (and many more explained over on the blog), your life as a founder can and will demand you to step into different modes throughout the day, often at the drop of a hat. But doing so either unwillingly or on autopilot will end up doing you, your teams, and your company a major disservice. Make the conscious choice to be intentional about when and how you address different tasks or issues so you feel more focused, organized, and fully engaged in your Work. 

PERSPECTIVES

“The busier you are, the more intentional you must be.” — Michael Hyatt

“Wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance.” ― Anthony de Mello

MARK MY WORDS

Observing something is fairly easy, but taking charge of a situation is a whole other animal. For instance, many people might recognize that their lifestyle has gotten very sedentary (as it easily can for those of us who work from home or in an office). Staying active is important, so this awareness is accompanied by a desire to move more. While that awareness is valuable, it’s only the first step — no pun intended. Positive results come from action, like taking daily walks or setting aside dedicated time for exercise. Awareness alone isn’t enough to create change. 

The same is true with modes. Modal awareness is one thing, but deliberately and mindfully switching between modes requires a bit more effort. The goal is not just to be modal-aware but to operate intentionally in one mode at a time, maximizing the effectiveness of each mindset before moving to the next. Taking time to understand the different modes required of you on a daily or weekly basis can help you prioritize tasks, conserve energy, and drive more consistent results. What’s more, by intentionally shifting into the right mode at the right time, you can approach each task or interaction with the mindset it deserves, ultimately improving effectiveness and efficiency across and up and down your organization.

It’s important for us to appreciate the ability to operate in different modes, but it’s essential to develop the skills needed to consciously shift from one to the next. Once you can shift modes on demand, you automatically bring a sharper focus to each responsibility and contribute more effectively to your company’s shared goals.

TUNE IN

This episode digs into the importance of trust and transparency in the annual planning process, specifically how these elements support alignment and accountability throughout your organization. Our conversation highlights how teams benefit from assessing strengths and addressing uncertainties.